Archaeology and Authenticity in South African Heritage Locales and Public Spaces

Author: McGhie, Lisa-Maree

Source: Public Archaeology, Volume 8, Number 4, November 2009 , pp. 351-372(22)

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Abstract:

This article investigates the construction, display and consumption of archaeological authenticity at two museums and two heritage-themed entertainment locales in South Africa. I consider authenticity not simply as intrinsic, but as strongly framed by physical and conceptual locations, before audience experiences and post-colonial priorities. I use as case studies the Maropeng visitor centre at the Cradle of Humankind, the Origins Centre Museum at the University of the Witwatersrand, Sun City's Lost City, and the Monte Casino entertainment complex in northern Johannesburg.

Keywords: ARCHAEOLOGY; AUTHENTICITY; LOST CITY; MAROPENG; EDUTAINMENT; ORIGINS CENTRE

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/146551809X12537170074211

Affiliations: Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Pretoria, Tshwane, 0002, South Africa;, Email: lisa@origins.org.za

Publication date: 2009-11-01

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