Abstract:
This article investigates the construction, display and consumption of
archaeological authenticity at two museums and two heritage-themed
entertainment locales in South Africa. I consider authenticity not simply as
intrinsic, but as strongly framed by physical and conceptual locations, before
audience experiences and post-colonial priorities. I use as case studies the
Maropeng visitor centre at the Cradle of Humankind, the Origins Centre
Museum at the University of the Witwatersrand, Sun City’s Lost City, and
the Monte Casino entertainment complex in northern Johannesburg.
