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Coastal & Submarine Archaeology: Non-traditional Museum

Journal article published in 2009 by Gh Ragheb, N. S. El Baghdady, H. Ayad
This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

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Preprint: policy unknown
Question mark in circle
Postprint: policy unknown
Question mark in circle
Published version: policy unknown

Abstract

Authoritative and legitimizing; museums' messages can be powerful tools for changing or reinforcing public opinion. By regarding maritime terrestrial and underwater archaeological resources as museums in non-traditional settings, resource managers can use museum method to transmit a message of preservation and protection rather than consumption and exploitation. This paper will analyze the underwater cultural heritage experience focusing on two aspects: 1) the importance of the management in-situ of this heritage as a first option, and 2) the importance of implementing 'non-traditional' methods for protecting and exhibiting valuable submerged sites. The cultural significance of such type of museum application is presented and discussed in the course of defining of the term " museography " It is concluded that a significant attribute of archaeological resources exhibited in situ is never " finished, " a condition some museologists argue constrains displays in traditional museums. Because of their location in ever-changing environments and changes wrought by natural influences, particularly for submerged resources, displays of archaeological sites are not finished or static. Also nothing could better describe shipwrecks and other maritime sites in their original contexts. Finally, In situ resources provide a context of meaning often missing in static displays of objects behind glass in a traditional museum.