Djurparksarkeologi - ett nytt forskningsfält inom arkeologin

Abstract

The archaeology of zoos contributes to both the developing field of zoo studies and to archaeology. On the one hand, it can bring to the former an original, archaeological approach that promises to complement already existing avenues of research trying to get to grips with that intriguing phenomenon of zoos in the modern Western world. On the other hand, the archaeology of zoos marks a new beginning in archaeology. Jointly with a growing number of other archaeological projects investigating aspects of the contemporary world, this new field of research seeks actively to broaden the remit of what archaeologists do: now our own contemporary world becomes the focus of archaeological attention. This paper demonstrates at a few examples how an archaeology of zoo proceeds and to what insights it can lead. In particular, two issues are being discussed: understanding zoo nature and landscapes and the notions of rescue and preservation in zoos and heritage management. Examples discussed include Lycksele zoo, Junsele zoo, Nordens Ark, and rock art at Tanum.