Digital Public Archaeology as Craft

Abstract

This chapter explores the intersection of digital and public archaeology to consider the practical and theoretical contributions of collaborative making. In response to urgent calls to reform archaeology, driven by decolonizing and inclusive practices, the bringing together of archaeologists, descendant communities, stakeholder communities, and broader “publics” recognizes diverse knowledge, skills and experiences. However, the sharing and interweaving of these perspectives remains a challenge. Using case studies developing hybrid interventions in museum exhibits, this chapter underlines the value of participatory making to fundamentally transform heritage structures today, while also drawing attention to the ongoing challenges and limitations of these approaches.