Setting the standard: the 1970 standard and ethical codes of archaeological organizations

Abstract

Many archaeological organizations have adopted policies that prohibit being the place of first publication, or announcement, of archaeological artefacts that do not comply with the 1970 standard. Compliant objects are those documented outside their country of origin before 1970 or are documented as being legally exported. This paper argues that continued use of the 1970 standard fails to establish an ethical standard of conduct that exceeds that required by law and perpetuates the legacy of colonialism and imperialism that failed to recognize the rights of countries, societies and communities of origin to adopt their own regulations for the disposition of archaeological artefacts.