Kitsch in Cultural Heritage: Public Perception of Archaeology and Museums

The chapter examines the phenomenon of kitschification in archaeology and its impact on public perception and understanding of the science. It analyses intentional and unintentional kitsch practices to discern their influence on various aspects of archaeology, including the portrayal of archaeologists in popular culture, museum exhibitions, and gift shop merchandise. The research is based on fieldwork and research materials, including films and novels on archaeological themes. According to the research, intentional kitsch involves deliberately exaggerating or incorporating elements seen as flashy or sentimental for nostalgic, ironic, or satirical purposes. It is evident in popular media portrayals of archaeologists as daring treasure hunters or detective-like figures, drawing on iconic imagery to create a timeless narrative. In contrast, unintentional kitsch, which occurs when objects inadvertently evoke kitschy qualities due to cultural shifts or misinterpretations, manifests in exhibitions that oversimplify historical narratives or present artefacts without proper contextualisation, leading to a shallow understanding of the past.