edited by Joanna Ostapkowicz and Jonathan A. Hanna
contributions by Alexander Geurds, Elena Guarch Rodríguez, Jonathan A. Hanna, Corinne L. Hofman, Menno L. P. Hoogland, Vernon James Knight, José R. Oliver, Joanna Ostapkowicz, John G. Swogger, Roberto Valcárcel Rojas, Donna Yates, Arlene Alvarez, Lesley-Gail Atkinson Swaby, Amanda Byer, Roger Colten and Mariana C. Françozo
foreword by Peter E. Siegel
epilogue by L. Antonio Curet
University of Alabama Press, 2021
Cloth: 978-0-8173-2087-4 | eISBN: 978-0-8173-9345-8
Library of Congress Classification F2172.R43 2021
Dewey Decimal Classification 972.901

ABOUT THIS BOOK | AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY | REVIEWS | TOC
ABOUT THIS BOOK
A Choice Outstanding Academic Title, 2022

Examines the largely unexplored topics in Caribbean archaeology of looting of heritage sites, fraudulent artifacts, and illicit trade of archaeological materials

Real, Recent, or Replica: Precolumbian Caribbean Heritage as Art, Commodity, and Inspiration is the first book-length study of its kind to highlight the increasing commodification of Caribbean Precolumbian heritage. Amerindian art, including “Taíno” art, has become highly coveted by collectors, spurring a prolific and increasingly sophisticated black market of forgeries, but also contemporary artistic engagement, openly appreciated as modern artworks taking inspiration from the past. The contributors to this volume contend with difficult subject matter including the continued looting of archaeological sites in the region, the seismic increase of forgeries, and the imbalance of power and economic relations between the producers and consumers of neo-Amerindian art.
 
The case studies document the considerable time depth of forgeries in the region (since the late nineteenth century), address the policies put in place by Caribbean governments and institutions to safeguard national patrimony, and explore the impact looted and forged artifacts have on how museums and institutions collect and ultimately represent the Caribbean past to their audiences. Overall, the volume emphasizes the continued desire for the “authentic” Precolumbian artifact, no matter the cost. It provides insights for archaeologists, museum professionals, art historians, and collectors to combat illegal trade and support communities in creating sustainable heritage industries.