ICCROM and the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (NRICH) hosted the second edition of the World Archaeology “Ancient Royal Tombs” conference, consisting of a public lecture on 29 October and a scientific symposium on 30 October.
The conference examined the state of research, conservation, and management of archaeological sites connected to royal tombs and funerary practices, using case studies from Korea, Mexico, and Peru.
The public lecture showcased ongoing research and conservation at three World Heritage sites of ancient Royal Tombs, looking specifically at
- “New Insights from the Latest Tombs of Sipán and Their Cultural Impact” presented by Ceyra Pasapera Rojas, Acting Director of the Huaca Rajada-Sipán Site Museum;
- “Recent Analysis on the Conservation Status of Pakal’s Tomb” delivered by Haydeé Orea Magaña, Head of the Conservation Section of the INAH Chiapas Center; and the
- “Development of Ancient Korean Tombs and Royal Tombs of Maripgans of the Silla Dynasty” by Choi Byeong-hyeon, Professor Emeritus of Soongsil University.
The recordings of the public lecture are available on the NRICH YouTube channel.
The symposium brought back the case studies from Sipán, Peru and Palenque, Mexico with speakers providing an analysis of ongoing efforts in archaeological research and conservation, management and community engagement. Furthermore, case studies were complemented by two presentations delivered by ICCROM: and introductory presentation on the history of Western conservation looking at ICCROM’s contribution to archaeological conservation, and a closing presentation about on the adoption of a “Heritage Place Approach to Archaeological Heritage Management”, which focused on the need to thoroughly understand the values of heritage places to establish adequate governance arrangements and a framework for effective management.
The recordings of the scientific symposium are available on NRICH YouTube channel.