Research in archaeological heritage management: Between individual self-realisation and professional principles

Abstract

In the practice of archaeological heritage conservation, different actors and interests come together. This applies not at least to archaeology itself: The tasks and interests of archaeological heritage management are not per se congruent with the tasks and interests of archaeological field research or archaeological research. The internal relationship, which is already not uncomplicated in advance, is further strained by sometimes fierce attacks against the archaeological heritage management authorities, claiming that they hinder the freedom of research. In this context, regulations on heritage law, which are the product of democratic decision-making, are criticised on the basis of a practical understanding that fails to recognise their significance. The aim of this article is to consider the relationship between archaeological heritage management and archaeological (field) research on the basis of the current professional and legal framework and thus to contribute to the objectification of the discussion.