The invisible archaeologist: Letters from the UNESCO Secretariat 1946–1947

A unique glimpse into the foundational work of UNESCO reveals its post-war origins as a nexus of pre-war cosmopolitan networks and colonial structures, challenging the notion of an officially neutral Secretariat. Through 81 original letters penned by Olov R. T. Janse—a Swedish archaeologist with diverse international experience—researchers uncover the human realities shaping UNESCO's establishment in post-war Paris. These letters, rich in detail, document Janse's six-month tenure (November 1946–May 1947) and his connections to global intellectual and colonial systems, situating UNESCO's foundation between nostalgia for pre-war eras and aspirations for a peaceful future.

Källén, A. (2014). The invisible archaeologist: Letters from the UNESCO Secretariat 1946–1947. Journal of Social Archaeology, 14(3), 383–405. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469605314545580