Community Archaeology and Alternative Interpretation of the Past Through Private Museums in Shanghai, China

Abstract

Community-based archaeology is an under-developed issue in China and is hardly even considered to be an important research topic in Chinese archaeology circles. Considering the current legislative situation of cultural heritage in China, local communities can hardly get involved in archaeological excavations or preliminary investigations in or around their lands. The increased development of private museums in Shanghai over the last few decades is a novel and much welcomed effort for the protection of antiques, cultural heritages, and archaeological sites. This paper analyzes recent contributions of private museums in Shanghai in contrast to the previous works carried out by public- and state-operated museums. Without possibilities of archaeological excavations, private museums must find new ways to engage with the broader public and integrate them in archaeological activities and conservation efforts. Indeed, I show that private museum can in fact make significant contributions to counter-conventional interpretation of the past.