Archaeological Community Protests Looting as Televised Entertainment Programs

Archaeological Community Protests Looting as Televised Entertainment Programs
Archaeologists are mounting a campaign against two new cable TV shows that they say encourage and glamorize looting of American archaeological sites. On 20 March, Spike TV will premiere a new show called American Digger, while a show called Diggers on the National Geographic Channel made its debut 28 February. Both shows “promote and glorify the looting and destruction of archaeological sites,” Society for American Archaeology (SAA) President William F. Limp wrote in a message posted earlier this week to the SAA listserv. http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2012/03/archaeologists-protest-glamorizan.html

Response to Looting Television from Archaeology Southwest
The story of our shared past is best told not by individual objects, but through the understanding that comes from examining these objects in the context of their specific find locations, their relationship to surrounding objects and built environments, and their meaning within a much larger physical and cultural landscape. We believe that removing any ancient or historical object from its resting place must be a carefully considered act—even among archaeologists—and not one done for personal gain or private ownership. The past is not owned; it is shared. https://www.archaeologysouthwest.org/2012/03/01/statement/

Response to Looting Television from the Society for American Archaeology
SAA and other groups, such as SHA, have already prepared and sent strong letters condemning both of these programs to the production companies, networks, and others. Copies of the SAA letters can be found on the SAA website (http://bit.ly/w2MHJM, and http://bit.ly/wzT7IA). The letters provide details on why we are so concerned. Up to this point Spike TV has not responded to the public outcry. Leadership of National Geographic, however, has indicated that, while they are unable to stop the showing tomorrow on such short notice, they will place a disclaimer into the show that speaks to laws protecting archaeological and historic sites. They are also willing to enter into discussions with the archaeological community to determine how to raise awareness of the impacts of the use of metal detectors for treasure hunting.

Response to Looting TV from the Archaeological Insitute of America 
Elizabeth Bartman, AIA President, sent letters to executives at National Geographic and Spike TV to express concern over the content of two new TV shows–Diggers (National Geographic) and American Digger (Spike TV)–that promote treasure-hunting and the unethical digging of archaeological sites. Below are the letters that were sent to the two organizations.  http://www.archaeological.org/news/aianews/8256

Florida Public Archaeology Program Provides an Educated Alternative to Reality Television
Their goal is to help our citizens become advocates for the heritage sites and the artifacts collected from them. In recent weeks, the city’s heritage has been threatened, and perhaps damaged forever, by treasure hunters and reality TV programs where artifacts become bounty in negotiations with land owners willing to sell these treasures to private interests.  The issue of digging historic sites for other than a public purpose has caused a stir on both sides: Property rights versus protection of a community’s history through its artifacts. While no one can tell a private land owner what he/she can do with their land or its contents, it is sad that some of our story is lost forever in these type of arrangements. http://staugustine.com/opinions/2012-03-01/our-view-be-advocates-saving-our-heritage-artifacts#.T1QbHfEgeQm

Arizona Governor’s Archaeological Advisory Commission Provides a Border Policy Paper
In late 2007, the Commission became concerned about reports of damage to archaeological resources along the international border with Mexico, resulting from illegal activities as well as the efforts of the state and federal governments to address and contain those activities.  The Commission sought to obtain more information on the related issues in order to document its concerns while also developing policy recommendations to support improved protection and management of archaeological resources along the border.  This policy paper summarizes those issues and presents recommendations to improve resource protection and management, while acknowledging the critical need to gain control over the serious problems of crime, human suffering, and environmental damage caused by illegal activities along Arizona’s international border. https://www.archaeologysouthwest.org/sat/gaac_border_policy_2012.docx

Navajo Tribe Files Lawsuit Against Urban Outfitters
U.S. retailer Urban Outfitters’ use of the term Navajo costs the Navajo Nation millions of dollars, the tribe said in a lawsuit filed this week.  The Navajo Nation is seeking a cease-and-desist order, CNN reported. The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in New Mexico. http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2012/03/03/Navajos-sue-over-trademark-infringement/UPI-24051330807887/

Ancient Technology Day Scheduled for Pueblo Grande
Pueblo Grande Museum is giving residents a hands-on experience with the technology used by the ancient Hohokam, who called the Phoenix area home centuries ago. At Ancient Technology Day, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 10, visitors can try their hand throwing an atlatl (spear), create their own petroglyph, weave their own cloth, and try roasted agave (slow-cooked in the traditional way in an earthen oven).  Demonstrators will be on hand to show visitors how prehistoric people created various technologies. For instance, the museum will have people demonstrating flintknapping (making of arrowheads), pottery, shell and stone jewelry, weaving and more. Admission to the event and museum are free for the day.  http://presszoom.com/story_172859.html

Ancient Canals of the Gila River Valley
Canals were the “lifeline” for the Hohokam and offered irrigation for crops, which were the sole sustenance for the community. Corn, beans and Squash were the main crop grown, largely in part for their ability to resist drought conditions. The canals that weaved throughout the area were hand dug by the Hohokam and connected directly to the rivers.  http://www.trivalleycentral.com/articles/2012/03/04/coolidge_examiner/news/doc4f4d6143bd7a1588653360.txt

Ritual and Politics in Chaco Canyon
Steve Lekson’s “Southwest in the World” blog drops the book chapter preview format to challenge ideas about ritual and political organization in ancient Chaco Canyon. “Ritual is solidly mainstream in Southwestern archaeology… For almost two decades we’ve drummed it into students’ heads: ritual, ritual, ritual.”  http://stevelekson.com/

Lecture Opportunity – Phoenix
“History Underground: Territorial Archaeology of Downtown Phoenix” looks at archaeology over the past three decades from projects at the original 19th century Phoenix townsite. This free event takes place Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at 7 pm, in the Arizona Science Center Annex at Heritage and Science Park in Downtown Phoenix. It is open to the public with free reception following the presentation.  https://www.archaeologysouthwest.org/sat/history_underground.jpg