Martin Berger

Martin Berger is an Assistant Professor at Leiden University’s Faculty of Archaeology and a core member of the Museums, Collections, and Society research group. His work bridges archaeology, museum studies, and cultural heritage management, focusing on global indigenous representation and postcolonial museum practices. He holds a PhD and previously served as Curator for Pre-Columbian collections at the National Museum of World Cultures and MAS Antwerp.

Research Interests: Berger’s scholarship examines museum collections’ historical contexts, indigenous agency in cultural representation, and the impact of globalization on marginalized cultures. Key geographic foci include Mesoamerica and Surinam. Recent projects analyze provenance through archaeometric methods and explore transnational heritage practices like pelota mixteca among migrant communities.

Publications: Berger has authored/co-authored over a dozen peer-reviewed articles and edited volumes, including studies on Pre-Columbian art markets, museum decolonization, and intangible heritage preservation. Notable works include analyses of Mesoamerican artifact authenticity and collaborative exhibition frameworks for Amazonian communities.

Awards/Grants: While no individual awards are explicitly noted, his research has been supported by Leiden’s interdisciplinary initiatives and international collaborations, such as the LDE Centre for Global Heritage and Development.

Advising & Labs: Active in Leiden’s MA programs on museum and heritage studies, Berger supervises projects on collection ethics and cultural restitution. His research group fosters partnerships with global museums and indigenous communities, emphasizing participatory methodologies.