The management of archaeological heritage after preventive archaeology, a case study at the Nueva Esperanza Archaeological Museum (MANE)

Abstract

The development of preventive archaeology programs in Colombia can lead to the discovery of large quantities of cultural material. Following the archaeological findings
at the Nueva Esperanza site, the energy companies and the contractor were required to engage in additional actions with public and private stakeholders in order to implement
measures aimed at the long-term management of the cultural heritage uncovered during c ontrolled e xcavations. O ne o f t hese a ction—also t he m ost r ecent—involved Transmisora Colombiana de Energía (TCE) and UNIMINUTO, which joined efforts to build a museum that would provide optimal conditions for the conservation, research, and dissemination of archaeological heritage. This article explores the processes developed for the management of millions of ceramics, lithic, bone, and other types of fragments that form part of the cultural heritage recovered through preventive archaeology during the creation and consolidation of a museum institution. These fragments narrate multiple stories of a largely overlooked pre-Hispanic population and allow the reconstruction of its historical trajectory through its material culture. The cooperation agreement facilitated the conservation, research, and dissemination of the recovered archaeological materials and helped enhance knowledge, contributing to the social transformation of citizens through access to cultural heritage.