Loot, Legitimacy and Ownership: The Ethical Crisis in Archaeology (Debates in Archaeology) Paperback – October 20, 2000

Excellent

Potential buyers should know that the 2009 "impression" of this book is a low-resolution scan of the original (printed on low-grade paper). I learned this the hard way. The text is still legible, but the quality of the images is embarrassing--about the same as that of a photocopy.The book itself, of course, is one of a kind. If you're interested in the ethical issues pertaining to studying and collecting unprovenanced antiquities, Renfrew's argument is one you can't afford to ignore, even if you decide in the end that you don't agree with it.

There isn't much to say really except that this book helped me tremendously with writing my university essay and has enlightened me on the issues of who owns the past. 4 stars. :D

I think a reader must approach all books on the issue of cultural patrimony with careful deference to differing sensibilities that exist on the issue. This book is presented from the standpoint of a very aggressive, European concept of patrimony, focusing (as its title implies) on the illicit looting of antiquities and their summary introduction into the free market antiquities trade (a practice which is disdained by anyone of conscience)The book presents a mindful case on the nuances of antiquities ownership and buying, with a heavy emphasis on the importance of documented provenance. While I don't personally agree with all of the philosophical ideas promoted by the author, he certainly presents his position in a very professional and intelligent manner, worthy of consideration by everyone.The only area where this book is slightly lacking was in addressing the issue of "old collection" antiquities, that often times were unapologetically assembled as a direct result of site looting- back during an age when such practices were viewed with far more permissiveness than they are today. This issue creates a very tricky nexus between private property rights and cultural patrimony rights that just doesn't have a morally clear, easy answer.Overall, as a book, this one is a definite four stars. While not presented as a balanced perspective on the issue, it doesn't purport itself to be such, thus, it holds much validity as work of well thought-out opinion, representing one side of a two sided issue.