In the contemporary myriad of definitions and approaches of landscape, the starting points and limits of the concept of landscape biography are being explored, but also tested in this thesis. What... Show moreIn the contemporary myriad of definitions and approaches of landscape, the starting points and limits of the concept of landscape biography are being explored, but also tested in this thesis. What exactly is a landscape biography? What does it constitute of? Is landscape biography just a narration of a specific defined place on the face of the Earth in a defined period of time or does it have a practical output? Is it possible to help design the future of landscapes by narrating the past? These questions are explicitly addressed for a specific region in Eastern Estonia, Vooremaa (in translation: the land of drumlins). The source base for this landscape biography compiles of archaeological, cartographical, environmental, and folkloristic data.In addition, the scope of the study concentrates on historic land use around archaeological sites in Vooremaa and it aims to create a system for assessing the archaeological heritage value of certain micro-regions. One of the goals of the thesis is therefore to develop a practical methodology for detecting archaeological heritage in the landscape as well that may contribute to the (thinking about) sustainable landscape development through create concepts of heritage preservation. Show less
This thesis explores the relationships between local people, archaeologists and Amara West, locally known as Abkanisa, located in Sudanese Nubia, northern Sudan. The analysis of the relationship... Show moreThis thesis explores the relationships between local people, archaeologists and Amara West, locally known as Abkanisa, located in Sudanese Nubia, northern Sudan. The analysis of the relationship aimed to understand the local values of the place and the power relations between local people and archaeologists in the post-colonial context. It argues how this relationship could be improved by dialogue that promotes increased human interactions, understanding different perspectives and exchanging knowledge and memories. This study contributes to decolonising archaeological and heritage practices by presenting a model for collaboration in archaeology. Show less
Imprint of Action investigates the sociocultural impact of archaeology through public activities. These activities provide an ideal setting for research, as they represent a structured point of... Show moreImprint of Action investigates the sociocultural impact of archaeology through public activities. These activities provide an ideal setting for research, as they represent a structured point of encounter between the public and archaeological heritage; in analysing them, aspects of people’s connections to the past are revealed. As such this research forms an integral part of the NEARCH project (2013-2018). As a basis for analysis, survey data from three large-scale case studies – ‘DOMunder’ (Netherlands), ‘You(R ) Archaeology’ (Cross-Europe), and ‘Invisible Monuments’ (Greece) was used. The analysis and interpretation of the case studies is based on a newly created methodological framework which finds its roots in the broader culture and arts sector. Results shows that activities encourage participation and interaction, which engenders sociocultural impacts on participants, most notably in knowledge increase, skill development, social relations, and happiness. Imprint of Action is the first large-scale study focussing entirely on sociocultural impact in archaeology and, as such, is explorative in nature; it provides unique insights into the workings of interaction and participation in archaeological events, and openly shares qualitative and quantitative research data with the expanding field. Show less
This thesis explores the value of cultural and archaeological heritage through a focus on multinational corporations (MNCs) across industries and their involvement with cultural heritage. Research... Show moreThis thesis explores the value of cultural and archaeological heritage through a focus on multinational corporations (MNCs) across industries and their involvement with cultural heritage. Research to date has focused mainly on industries where MNCs have a direct impact on cultural or archaeological heritage through their operations: for example, in the extractive and construction industries, and the tourism and financial sectors. A cross-industry survey is largely absent, therefore leaving a gap in the knowledge related to private-sector stakeholder engagement with cultural heritage beyond these industries. This research makes a first step to fill this gap by providing a global, cross- sectoral analysis of MNCs’ involvement with cultural heritage. The research brings forward two new findings for the field of cultural heritage management. First, it shows that extensive private-sector involvement with cultural heritage comes from a wider range of sectors than has been previously assumed (namely, the automobile, alcohol, consumer-electronics, and high technology sectors). Second, through case-studies it expands the understanding of the value of cultural heritage for MNCs as a proactive strategy - related for example to the marketing and brand value - rather than as a reactive strategy stemming directly from legal or ethical responsibilities. Show less
The dissertation reviews the problems inherent in the interpretation and protection of Mexico__s indigenous cultural heritage. In this context it pays special attention to (a) the relationships... Show moreThe dissertation reviews the problems inherent in the interpretation and protection of Mexico__s indigenous cultural heritage. In this context it pays special attention to (a) the relationships between ceremonial architecture and the ritual landscape or sacred space in the Mesoamerican worldview, (b) the colonial transformation of these relationships and symbolic meanings, and (c) the possibilities for adequate restoration in a way that may also lead to more local historical consciousness and economic benefit. The dissertation focuses on the cultural region of Oaxaca in Southern Mexico and discusses (1) the restoration of a chapel in the Zapotec town Macuilxochitl, (2) the meanings and associations of basic geometric forms and proportions in Mesoamerican architecture and art, (3) the Lienzo of Otla, an early-colonial painting in native style that recently has come to light, and (4) a set of present-day construction and developmental activities, known as the Project: Cultura Mixteca, ruta que siguieron los dominicos. Show less
