Tides of change : historical perspectives on the development of maritime archaeology
Maritime archaeology, as it is practiced underwater, is a widely misunderstood and controversial sub-discipline of archaeological research. Over the last fifty years this field has struggled to grow out of its professional infancy and it is only now becoming a well-established part of the mainstream. Although it has been stated that ~archaeology is archaeology is archaeology,~ when it comes to maritime research underwater this has not always been the case. One reason for this has been the unique combination of past influences, which have helped to shape it, such as salvage, treasure hunting, sport diving, amateur archaeology, maritime history, cultural resource management, and classical studies. To address some of the problems facing the field today it is clearly beneficial to engage in a process of self-examination and awareness of its past development. This dissertation examines four important issues currently facing the profession of maritime archaeology underwater. These include its public perception, the relationship between sport divers and archaeologists, the professional marginalization of the field, and the conflict between professional salvors and archaeologists. To provide a context for this discussion,
Darrington, Glenn P.
CC77.U5D2
Tides of change : historical perspectives on the development of maritime archaeology. Maritime archaeology, as it is practiced underwater, is a widely misunderstood and controversial sub-discipline of archaeological research. Over the last fifty years this field has struggled to grow out of its professional infancy and it is only now becoming a well-established part of the mainstream. Although it has been stated that ~archaeology is archaeology is archaeology,~ when it comes to maritime research underwater this has not always been the case. One reason for this has been the unique combination of past influences, which have helped to shape it, such as salvage, treasure hunting, sport diving, amateur archaeology, maritime history, cultural resource management, and classical studies. To address some of the problems facing the field today it is clearly beneficial to engage in a process of self-examination and awareness of its past development. This dissertation examines four important issues currently facing the profession of maritime archaeology underwater. These include its public perception, the relationship between sport divers and archaeologists, the professional marginalization of the field, and the conflict between professional salvors and archaeologists. To provide a context for this discussion,
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