Contract archaeology: Its strengths, weaknesses and spread

Conference: Contract Archaeology: Its strengths, weaknesses and spread

Dates: 14-19 September 1999

Abstract:

Session abstract (English):

The rise of contract archaeology in Europe has been viewed by many archaeologists with concern particularly as it has, and continues to be, driven by economic and social forces operating primarily outside of archaeology. Development of policies such as the polluter pays are now established tenets in most planning and development legislation and directly impact the process of commercial fieldwork. At present our understanding of contract archaeology and its relationship to the archaeological resource is poorly understood and often seen in a negative light. Is contract archaeology truly different from research archaeology or is it simply the introduction of clarification and responsibility for all participants in commercial archaeological field work? The time has come for archaeologists to examine the myths and look at the facts of contract archaeology and determine if the concerns about the negative effects are accurate, or if contract archaeology is the next logical step in the drive for professional conduct.

The session will allow archaeologists to compare experiences, examining both the positive and negative aspects of contract archaeology with a view to a better understanding and appreciation of the strengths and pitfalls of this approach.

Source: Manual