Paul Burtenshaw
I am a consultant, archaeologist and researcher interested in how archaeology and cultural heritage can provide sustainable economic and other benefits to the public (see paulburtenshaw.com). My PhD research (Institute of Archaeology, University College London) examined the concepts around the ‘economic values’ of archaeology, how they are used to mobilise value for, and justify the preservation of archaeological heritage at international, national and local levels, and the methods archaeologists can use to measure economic value. I completed a case study of Wadi Feynan, Jordan, where the economic impact of the archaeology, and its relationship to social and cultural values, was established. Following that research, I became a Visiting Research Fellow at the Council of British Research in the Levant, Amman. Between 2014-2019 I was the Sustainable Preservation Initiatives’ Director of Projects, SPI implements programs to create sustainable community businesses linked to cultural heritage to increase local development and heritage preservation. As Director of Project, I was responsible for SPI’s project strategy, including monitoring and evaluation of projects. I developed SPI’s ‘Business School’, a methodology for project managers to build sustainable local businesses and teach entrepreneurial skills to participants. I managed in-country teams and implemented projects in Peru, Guatemala, Tanzania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Jordan. I continue to work with SPI as a Research Associate.
In 2012 co-organised (with Peter Gould) the Archaeology and Economic Development Conference, which examined how archaeology has become an asset for economic impact. The papers from this conference were published as a special edition of Public Archaeology journal. I have also taught courses at University College London (MA in Public Archaeology, MA in Cultural Heritage, PhD Methods, BA in Archaeology) and Chapman University, USA. I was the leader of the Archaeology and Development Research Network while at University College London, which raised awareness of the contribution of archaeology to sustainable development agendas and established networks between academics, politicians and development organizations. My MA research examined the economic impact of the archaeology and museum of Kilmartin Glen, Scotland. Previous to this I completed a BA in Archaeology and Anthropology at University of Cambridge. I have worked for several years in the travel industry, including at specialist archaeological tour operators, and have excavated in South America, Africa and the Middle East.
In 2012 co-organised (with Peter Gould) the Archaeology and Economic Development Conference, which examined how archaeology has become an asset for economic impact. The papers from this conference were published as a special edition of Public Archaeology journal. I have also taught courses at University College London (MA in Public Archaeology, MA in Cultural Heritage, PhD Methods, BA in Archaeology) and Chapman University, USA. I was the leader of the Archaeology and Development Research Network while at University College London, which raised awareness of the contribution of archaeology to sustainable development agendas and established networks between academics, politicians and development organizations. My MA research examined the economic impact of the archaeology and museum of Kilmartin Glen, Scotland. Previous to this I completed a BA in Archaeology and Anthropology at University of Cambridge. I have worked for several years in the travel industry, including at specialist archaeological tour operators, and have excavated in South America, Africa and the Middle East.
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Papers by Paul Burtenshaw
domesticated plants and animals, developed the social means to live together in large sedentary communities, and
perhaps even laid the foundations of formal religion. The southern Levant is one of the best-known areas where
this transition took place, and Jericho undoubtedly the most spectacular site of the period. It should be possible to
capture the importance of this heritage in a way that appeals to the general public, and while this has been achieved
elsewhere around the world, the presentation of the Neolithic has always seemed to struggle in the region that
should lie at its heart. We are currently experimenting with a Neolithic Heritage Trail in southern Jordan, working
on presentation, local engagement, and preservation of the sites. Ultimately, any Neolithic trail should lead to
Jericho.
bridge the gap between these values and provide a more holistic view of archaeological resources which considers the relationships between cultural and economic values.
The thesis first examines current approaches to ‘value’ and ‘economics’ in cultural heritage management and cultural economics, identifying a damaging divide between the ‘cultural’ and the ‘economic’. A ‘Capital Model’ is developed, which focuses on how value is created for the public and emphasises the equality and interrelationship of economic, social and cultural benefits of archaeological sites and materials.
This research then analyses how the ‘economic capital’ of archaeology is currently used to create value for stakeholders and the public. Drawing on perspectives from environmental resource management, it examines the approaches of international organisations, national governments (focusing on the UK), and local heritage tourism projects.
This analysis highlights the necessity, and current lack of, data and methodologies to measure the economic capital of archaeology. Available methodologies are examined and applied to the case study of Feynan, Jordan. Data on the quantity and distribution of the economic impact of the local archaeology, and its interaction with other social and cultural values, is collected to inform management strategies. The case study demonstrates the importance of archaeologists understanding the economic capital of archaeology.
domesticated plants and animals, developed the social means to live together in large sedentary communities, and
perhaps even laid the foundations of formal religion. The southern Levant is one of the best-known areas where
this transition took place, and Jericho undoubtedly the most spectacular site of the period. It should be possible to
capture the importance of this heritage in a way that appeals to the general public, and while this has been achieved
elsewhere around the world, the presentation of the Neolithic has always seemed to struggle in the region that
should lie at its heart. We are currently experimenting with a Neolithic Heritage Trail in southern Jordan, working
on presentation, local engagement, and preservation of the sites. Ultimately, any Neolithic trail should lead to
Jericho.
bridge the gap between these values and provide a more holistic view of archaeological resources which considers the relationships between cultural and economic values.
The thesis first examines current approaches to ‘value’ and ‘economics’ in cultural heritage management and cultural economics, identifying a damaging divide between the ‘cultural’ and the ‘economic’. A ‘Capital Model’ is developed, which focuses on how value is created for the public and emphasises the equality and interrelationship of economic, social and cultural benefits of archaeological sites and materials.
This research then analyses how the ‘economic capital’ of archaeology is currently used to create value for stakeholders and the public. Drawing on perspectives from environmental resource management, it examines the approaches of international organisations, national governments (focusing on the UK), and local heritage tourism projects.
This analysis highlights the necessity, and current lack of, data and methodologies to measure the economic capital of archaeology. Available methodologies are examined and applied to the case study of Feynan, Jordan. Data on the quantity and distribution of the economic impact of the local archaeology, and its interaction with other social and cultural values, is collected to inform management strategies. The case study demonstrates the importance of archaeologists understanding the economic capital of archaeology.
The term ‘development’, and along with it terms such as ‘sustainability’, covers a plethora of definitions and approaches, many of which developed in other academic disciplines, and continue to be argued and refined. A range of approaches and perspectives is also present within the Institute, with current research and activities concerning economic impacts, social values, community participation and international conventions.
The aim of this Research Network is to act as a platform for those working with the concept of development to create a discourse on the subject which is specifically appropriate to the Network’s varied interests in the field, and which it is believed is currently lacking. The network has held meetings to define underlying themes and concepts which take account of the broad range of approaches within the study and implementation of archaeology to development. It has also held meetings, in collaboration with ICOMOS-UK, with development scholars and professionals to establish strategies for mutual awareness and communication for common goals.
Jordan, Wadi Feynan. The methodology attempts to measure, where possible, and articulate economic, social and cultural values, focusing on the role that archaeologists, and archaeological research, play in enhancing and managing these aspects. The results of the study in Jordan demonstrate the merits of embedding public archaeology data collection within archaeological projects. Archaeologists are often in a good position to collect long-term data on local values and interactions with archaeology, and initiative effective, and monitored public archaeology projects, which can enhance the value of sites and materials to stakeholders, maximising conservation and public benefits"
Based on research in Scotland and in Jordan, this paper presents concepts to help bridge the gap between these values and provide a more holistic view of archaeological resources which considers the relationships between cultural and economic values and provides a basis for archaeologists to better approach, consider and manage this vital aspect of archaeology