Multivocal Approaches to Sustainability in the Rejuvenation of the Archaeological Tell Site, Vésztő-Mágor

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Too often the conservation, visualization, and management of archaeological sites are afterthoughts of excavations. Heritage preservation and presentation are only considered after the trowels leave, with site managers working within the confines of what they’ve been given and the public viewing what is left . Excavation decisions – whether knowingly or not – remove the agency of post-excavation site specialists, impacting site preservation, visualization, interpretation, and ultimately sustainability.

The team working to re-invigorate the archaeological site of Vésztő-Mágor, Hungary, recognizes the benefits of blending interdisciplinary perceptions of value in their approach to safeguarding the site. Rather than a single archaeological narrative, the team looks to contemporaneous articulation of multiple values. Drawing insights from archaeologists, conservators, engineers, site managers, and local communities, the project aims to create a dialogue of meaningful presentation strategies for the site to ensure its preservation as a thriving center for local identity, regional congregation, and tourism.

This paper discusses the Mágor Conservation and Exhibition Project, and how preservation of this unique prehistoric tell is happening ‘at the trowel’s edge.’ Whereby sustainability and authenticity are embedded in the planning and execution of excavation, conservation, and visitor interpretation at the largest tell on the Great Hungarian Plain.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 39899.0