MALTA BEYOND MALTA: THE CONFLUENCE BETWEEN PREVENTIVE AND PUBLIC ARCHAEOLOGY AS A NEW HORIZON

Abstract

This paper attempts to diagnose the current situation of the model of preventive archaeology (defined here as Malta archaeology) ten years after the beginning of the global crisis. By defining its basic characteristics and how it works in this particular political and economic context, whilst also analysing the effects of the crisis, both in the structure and social dynamics of the sector, we examine its evolution and development from a self-critical point of view and propose the need for a change in the model. The new model, which we define as applied archaeology, should aspire to being radically sustainable and participative, assuming the achievements brought about by Malta archaeology in terms of management mechanisms and the socialization of heritage but opening up its field of action and integrating advances and the shift derived from the growing importance of critical studies of heritage and approaches to public archaeology.