Above Ground Archaeology Question

Do you know of examples of elements of individually produced material
culture that starts out on an idiosyncratic (or "folk") level and
then successfully transfers to a cultural-social level?

I am thinking of features and sites, usually architectural, like
the Watts Towers in Los Angeles. These interesting metal-art towers
were built by an Italian-American immigrant, Simon Rodia, in the 1920s as a
work of art and gift to the American people. They were almost demolished by
the city in the 1950s but "The Committee for Simon Rodia's Towers in Watts"
saved them and now they are part of the
culture and heritage of Los Angeles even making it into the official
architectural guide to the city.

Do you know of other similar creations that:

        (1) were built by individuals (or small groups of people)
        (2) were "folk", idiosyncratic works (cf. Dysneyland or
                restorations of Ghost Towns by local or state
                governments),
        (3) were either done as "works of art" and/or for commercial
                reasons,
        (4) were viewed as idiosyncratic during their "life time",
        (5) but either during their active period or later
                became part of officially accepted culture and history.

I would also be interested in such items that did not make the
transition; that is, they lived and died with their creator.

Finally, but separately, does anyone know of any excavations at such sites?
                                Robert L. Schuyler
Robert L. Schuyler
University of Pennsylvania Museum
33rd & Spruce Streets
Philadelphia, PA l9l04-6324

Tel: (215) 898-6965
Fax: (215) 898-0657
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