Littlestone wrote:
VBB wrote:
Archaeology doesn't just pop up in dedicated archaeology progs and magazines, look at Dick 3 this week, exceptional but period dramas, advertising, the historic environment, archaeology is everywhere.
Agendas - a reference to our individual backgrounds that shape our interests. To engage with archaeologists on subjects at which a member of the public is at odds, tackling their cited sources gets at the roots.
Can I go for lunch now - I've missed Bargain Hunt, Flog it, and the Antique Roadshow, all awash in archaeology!
Archaeology is far from being everywhere. It’s not in schools where its absence is a major gap in raising awareness among the young of its importance. The Richard III documentary was an unusual one-off. Period dramas may draw on archaeological research but are just as likely to rely on mainstream interpretations of history. Can’t think of any major advertising campaigns that draw on archaeology. The historic environment is a good one, though could be greatly improved - Avebury being a good example of that where, unless one is prepared to pay to enter the AK Museum or the Barn there is no on-site info to educated the (casual) visitor.
You’ve lost me on the agenda’s issue, except to say that the opportunities to ‘engage with archaeologists’ are few and far between, especially for those living outside areas with an active archaeological agenda (that’s something where the internet could play a much more interactive role).
As for Bargain Hunt, Flog it, and the Antique Roadshow, it’d be interesting to know what percentage of objects that appear on those shows originate from archaeological activities. The impression is that most of the objects are either family heirlooms, chance finds in people’s attics or bought for a bargain in a local auction house – hardly places awash in archaeology.
Whilst at the shops for a tin with a lion on it beset by bees, I picked up a leaflet 'Discover Avebury' and 'Discover Stonehenge Landscape'. Had I time I would have snapped all the prompts inside the restaurant at Avebury, inside the Lion, the stuff on the parish notice board. I would like to see something outside The Lodge prompting memory of Sir John Lubbock, but I accept that there are those against the idea. Depends on how narrow one wants to define archaeology. Last time I drove through a certain village in Wiltshire the shop had more treasure/detecting mags than history and archaeology mags together, but arguably in the mix.
