Inauthentic Archaeologies

by Troy Lovata

Archaeology has an impact on the public far beyond what any archaeologist would imagine. In this concise, student-friendly look at the public appropriation of archaeology, Troy Lovata examines outright hoaxes, fanciful re-creations, artistic representations, commercial enterprises, and discredited replicas of the past. The book explores examples from around the world and across time to help readers understand how the past becomes social currency for both professional archaeologists and the public at large. Lovata addresses central questions of authenticity, ownership of the past, and the use of archaeology by everyone from artists to multinational corporations. Examples include the Piltdown Hoax, replica Anasazi cliff dwellings at Manitou Springs, Colorado, reconstructed Spanish torreons, and playful Stonehenge replicas. Student exercises, cartoons, interviews, and illustrations add to the pedagogical value of this concise, fascinating work for students in introductory archaeology classes.

Genres: Archaeology

168 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2006

Reviews

[Diptarka Datta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Troy Lovata's Inauthentic Archaeologies is an absolutely fascinating read about what constitutes authentic and inauthentic in Archaeology, and how we might approach them. It questions the assumptions about "inauthentic" as fake or an archaeological hoax, and encourages the readers to look into the context in which decisions about authenticity are being taken.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great little (and it is quite short) tome on pseudoarchaeology and how the public sometimes views archaeology.