Open AccessReflections on an Unreflected Sphere - Archaeological Exhibitions and Nationalism
Author(s) -
Inga Lundström,
Marja-Leena Pilvesmaa
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
current swedish archaeology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.256
H-Index - 8
eISSN - 2002-3901
pISSN - 1102-7355
DOI - 10.37718/csa.1998.11
Subject(s) - exhibition , nationalism , context (archaeology) , normative , sociology , history , aesthetics , archaeology , visual arts , art , epistemology , political science , law , philosophy , politics
There is an open nationalism, clearly stated through national symbols as well as through various rituals. However, there is also an underlying form of nationalism, operating on a structural level, so obvious that it becomes "invisible". This is not only true for the actions of people in general, but to a great cxtent also for the understanding of different normative institutions, not least the museums. Nationalism is included as a hidden facet in the communicating activities. This article sheds light on the role of archaeology in this context, with particular emphasis on archaeological exhibitions. At a closer look, it becomes obvious that one elementary aspect of the archaeological communicating activities is missing —the conscious reflection.