Why the Interest in Archeology?

Archeology is the study of our human past, giving us a sense of historical continuity. Its rich subject matter is of great appeal to people who love solving mysteries. Archeologists use their knowledge of biology, botany, geology, chemistry, history, psychology and art to develop the story about how people lived. Since artifacts turn up in the strangest places, millions of people travel the world to experience these accountings by visiting wonders such as the abandoned Pueblos of the South West, the Easter Island Statues, or the Coliseum in Rome. The British Museum and our own Smithsonian Museums are among the many displaying magnificent relics from past eras.

Unlike other countries, it is legal in the United States to explore private land for artifacts as long as you have permission from the property owner. Metal detectors are often used to help spot a hidden coin, button, or jewelry. Some people are lucky enough to find an arrowhead or a revolutionary coin in their own backyard. Their find is a reminder that the land we call home once belonged to other people who used the property in a different way. Construction permits are often given only after there is proof that no hidden history remains on the site. When the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia wanted to build a new wing, they had to delay their work to give archeologists a chance to explore the site that was rich in historical artifacts.

Many countries have instituted looting laws that make it illegal to dig up artifacts and sell them. The Medici Conspiracy by Peter Watson tells a fascinating tale of intrigue and illegal sales to many well known national and international museums. Illegal looting, false provenance (proof of history), and alteration of the artifact itself fed into sales for both knowing and unwary purchasers. Buyer beware! There is an ongoing trial in Italy today involving Marion True, a former antiquities curator of the Getty, on charges of conspiring to acquire looted objects for the museum.

Recently archeologists found culprits involved in looting 11 graves at Fort Craig in New Mexico. Most noteworthy was finding a preserved Buffalo Soldier of the Civil War black brigade. Of the three culpable men, Alberts, a legitimate academic, participated because he wanted to be able to reference the finds in his writings and lectures. Lew Batsell, who mostly collected legal artifacts, got carried away with this illegal excavation when his drinking buddies plotted the dig on federal land. Batsell, who is repentant for his actions, considers himself a protector of the public interest and plans to donate his vast collection upon death. The third and master illegal gravedigger, Dee Brecheisen, never revealed his secrets and did not have a provision for donating his vast collection. Samir Patel, a senior editor for Archeology Magazine, in the March/April 2009 edition reports that Brecheisen went so far as to display the mummified remains of the Buffalo soldier which was found in a cardboard chicken feed barrel as a curio. Surprising for a Vietnam vet!

The amateur archeologist has lots of opportunity to participate as a volunteer in legitimate digs around the world. I’ve been involved with Earthwatch exploring Ancient Medieval Burial grounds in Poland. What an experience! The people I worked with were as fascinating as the dig, and the professors provided a rich background of the region that it would be hard to get from books.

If you are looking for adventure and travel or even want to test out a new career, you can find out about legitimate opportunities in the U.S. or abroad by going to the The Archaeological Institute of Americas.

To get your children interested in archeology go to www. museumtour.com and give them their own dig opportunity at home with Expedition the World Dig. Or, explore the world’s most famous archeological sites in our Archeology Internet-Linked book.