Finders Keepers: The Future of Caribbean Archaeology

Whenever the subject of archaeology comes up in popular culture, a couple of perceptions are common. Firstly, the secrets unearthed when a new discovery is made and the further understanding it brings about certain aspects of human history; secondly, the ‘Indiana Jones’-style world of danger and intrigue that can arise when people see ancient relics as items to plunder.

The reality of day to day archaeology is somewhere in between. It’s a field where professionals are hard at work seeking to conserve and build our knowledge of human heritage. Yet, even in the absence of super villains seeking to steal treasures such as the Ark of the Covenant or the Holy Grail, archaeology is subject to politics, mismanagement and crime. With the rise of the digital world changing the way in which archaeology and tourism are pursued within the Caribbean, now is an important time to consider how the present will be viewed historically as an economic and social commodity. 

Archaeology Redefined

The digital economy has revolutionised the way in which we live and work. Just about every industry has felt the effects of it but, for archaeologists, the consequences have been particularly notable. Just as the ubiquity of smartphones has brought new blessings and burdens to tourism, a similar impact can be seen in archaeology. Today it’s easier than ever for an archaeologist to share research, engage with peers globally, raise awareness of major new finds, and highlight threats to them. The job of archaeologists has been made easier, thanks to the digital world. Important finds have even occurred via use of everyday technology like Google Earth. 

The downside to this is the ease in which the field can become subject to commercialization, especially in an era when many institutions like universities, that once provided secure employment to professionals, now operate in an environment of casual employment and rolling contracts. Put simply, some of today’s archaeologists would be tempted by a lucrative offer to work privately, even if it goes against ethics.

When such activity is allowed to occur, it stimulates the ‘grey trade’ that exists globally. It’s a market where antiquities that are culturally significant to a nation and its people are sold among collectors, with no regard to the public interest. The practice is not confined to shady backroom deals; a number of leading auction houses have faced lawsuits, fines and public outcry for selling antiquities with uncertain origins or a where a nation laid direct claim to them.

Preserving Local Treasures

Tourism is vital to the economies of many Caribbean countries. It’s an industry that provides the potential for economic growth, and marketing new major archaeological sites and finds could be a boon. Think of tourism destinations like Machu Picchu in Peru. 

Recent years have seen discoveries in Honduras’ ‘lost city’ region of species previously thought extinct; lost art has been found on Puerto Rico’s Isla de Mona, and the underwater shipwreck of the Spanish merchant ship Encarnación was discovered off Panama. Not only are these magnificent finds but they represent diverse cultural offerings, ones that in time could sync with a variety of chartered tours that appeal to hikers, sailors and scuba divers, alongside culture buffs.

Tours must be balanced with the preservation of such sites, ensuring that their significance, and the reverence shown by citizens, are not undermined. This can be a tough balance to strike, and there’s no reason to believe it will become easier, which is why this conversation must be held now.

The Saint Lucia Story

The reality of this situation is something near and dear to Saint Lucia. Bishnu Tulsie, Director of the Saint Lucia National Trust, indicated to STAR Businessweek that the good work done thus far remains small compared to what could be achieved with greater technology and financial resources.

Said Tulsie: “Whereas organisations like the Saint Lucia National Trust and the Archaeological and Historical Society have a mandate to, and have done some work in, mapping and recovering elements of Saint Lucia’s archaeological legacy, these efforts are hampered by inadequate technical and financial resources . . . the requisite framework to manage these objects and sites is all but non- existent. Who owns the nation’s archaeological assets? — An important question that has no legal answer, so persons who find these artefacts just keep them.”

Director Tulsie called on the government of Saint Lucia to take action today: “The first step is for government to establish an appropriate policy and legal framework to protect the nation’s archaeological history. This framework should address, inter alia, ownership of the artefacts and sites, guidelines for their recording, registration, preservation and accessibility. The next challenge/task is for government to acquire all known archaeological sites and provide them protection and sustainable use. Coupled with this should be extensive research to locate, map and study all archaeological sites.”

The Wisdom of The Ages

Archaeology helps us understand where we have been as a human race. We have made some good progress, though not yet enough, in efforts to protect our cultural history and learn from it. Those tempted to rest on their laurels should remember: “Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”

Working to protect the archaeological history of Caribbean nations is plain common sense. Our capacity to protect our history has a close relationship with our ability to guard our future, combatting further damage to our natural environment and the threats posed by climate change. The path ahead begins with our past, and more effective efforts to conserve it will ensure that future generations of the Caribbean family will be informed by their history, and have the opportunity to build on it.