Archaeology, Cultural Heritage, and the Antiquities Trade

Preface and Acknowledgments

Preface and Acknowledgments The looting of archaeological sites and the resultant loss of knowledge is fact. This volume provides a review of the current issues surrounding the destruction of archaeological sites and the illicit trade in antiquities. The concerns surrounding access to and preservation of archaeological heritage are underscored by graphic examples of pillage over the last decade in Afghanistan and Iraq. Authors address those concerns by relating archaeological looting to the antiquities market and by advocating a proactive role for the archaeological and anthropological communities. Preservation and interpretation of archaeological heritage are increasingly becoming a political enterprise. Such contributions are crucial if the debate is to continue in a constructive vein. Without the input of new information and the development of fresh analytical perspectives, the debate will lose impetus and relevance. These studies offer important insights for those who engage in the practice of archaeology and related subjects. As such, the book’s interest transcends disciplinary boundaries, and it is invaluable to students and educators alike. The editors would like to thank all the participants in the two sessions at the Fifth World Archaeological Congress in Washington, D.C., in June of 2003 from which many of these chapters originated. We would like to thank Joan Gero and Claire Smith for encouraging and facilitating our participation in the congress. We are extremely grateful to all the contributors to the volume for adding their voices to the debate. Neil Brodie acknowledges the generous support of the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research at the University of Cambridge and particularly the cheerful help of Jenny Doole. Morag M. Kersel thanks the Department of Archaeology and Lucy Cavendish College at the University of Cambridge for financial assistance in attending the World Archaeological Congress. She would also like to thank Jenny Doole for her sage advice and helpful recommendations. Christina Luke thanks the Department of Archaeology and the Writing Program at Boston University for encouragement and support. Kathryn Walker Tubb would like to thank University College London for making attendance at the World Archaeological Congress possible and also to thank Peter Ucko and Jonathan Tubb for their support. ...