Through

the process of archaeological research, both local and international

communities can negotiate their histories to come to an understanding of their

place in the increasingly globalised world.

In

the age of mechanical reproduction, monuments can be reduced to logos and

further disseminated as simplified commodities that serve as national symbols

to rally national pride and identity.

Proving

the historic and technological prowess of colonised nations, to be able to

build spectacular historical monuments, in turn gives the coloniser power once

the colonised is incorporated into their imperial domain.

Archaeological

monuments can serve as site of tourism for people from colonising nations,

which imposes a dynamic of servitude between the richer tourist consumers and

the poorer locals.