Subject: | |
From: | |
Reply To: | |
Date: | Sat, 14 Feb 2015 15:30:22 -0500 |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
The Archeological Society of VA (www.archeologyva.org <http://www.archeologyva.org/>) has had for years an avocational certification program that trains people in the basics of archaeology. After invention, it went nowhere in the ASV for a decade or so, was then adopted by the Arkansas Arch. Survey and later resurfaced in ASV where it is alive and well thanks to the efforts of a few of our dedicated folks and the number of certification graduates grows every year. These folks work with professional archaeologists in everything from site monitoring, and survey to excavation.
But as for looters, draconian measures don’t often work. These folks cannot be in the slightest confused with avocationals. Long-term publication plus federal prosecution of the hard-core types seems about the only viable proposition and the recidivism rate is equivalent to the regular prison population. In the areas of the state infested with methamphetamine addicts, site looting fits with their addled ADHD mentalities and they are the latest iteration of that particular loathsome species. Thankfully agriculture has changed to no-till such that freshly tilled fields are less available than before.
Avocationals have a tremendous knowledge base and are quite happy to be involved in doing the right thing but need opportunities and guidance to do so.
If you want to have an effect, start an education program in elementary schools and continue that through the high school curricula for steadily more involved participation.
One thing we do not have is a definition of a professional archaeologist. The newspapers routinely call looters “amateur archaeologists” by which time the damage is largely done. The next time I get a newspaper to print an error message will be the first time in that regard.
Lyle Browning, RPA
> On Feb 13, 2015, at 3:27 PM, Emily S Dale <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Does anyone know of any citations or readings regarding the pros/cons of working with looted collections or those procured by avocational archaeologists or how archaeologists can better work with looters/avocational archaeologists. Thanks!
|
|
|