Archeology opinion....?

Question

I have a much respect for the research aspect of the job. We learn a great deal from out past. As a child I always wanted to find King Tut. But does anyone else find it a little disprectful to remove pottery and offerings left for Gods thousands of years ago. Even if we don't believe in them. Obviously they can't use these items, but none the less it is out of respect. Maybe I am superstitous but I would fear consequeces for grave robbing.

Answer 1

Who's to say what was left for Gods and what was not

A pile of pottery that looks like an offering site could simply have been a trash can for the people

There really is no way to know what people thought back then

Answer 2

Archaeology by its very nature is a destructive discipline.  This is done to get a better understanding of past cultures since at the core that is the primary focus of archaeology.  There are several arguments for and against this process however it comes back to what are we removing the artifacts for.  If its for the further understanding of humanity (albeit for Cultural Resource Management or Academia) then it is a noteworthy process.  If it is for grave robbing etc then there is no point to these harmful actions as it just perpetuates missing links in the historical record.  

My advice to you would be to take a class in archaeology so that you would get a better understanding about what it really is.  For example, its not all about finding King Tut's tomb and it is rare that an archaeologist would find what the general public would think of as fascinating although it helps it our work (although that does not negate that archaeologist should do more in engaging the public).

Answer 3

I agree with your opinion of grave robbing. It does seam disrespectful. And I disagree with it.

But a lot of archeological sites are not necessarily graves.

Answer 4

You can't take it with you after you are gone. It is totally meaningless. I respect the dead but I believe we can learn a great deal from the digs. No they can't use these items, most probably the items should be put back after their studies but they choose to put them in museums and not all go there. They are more then likely crated and shoved in a dark closet and forgotten about most of the time. Sad

Answer 5

On the one hand, I DO believe that ANY productive archaeological site should be considered eligible for excavation.  

However, I do NOT believe that this should automatically be interpreted as disrespect.

As foolish as it may soound to some, I believe that at each new "dig" site, BEFORE THE FIRST SHOVEL BREAKS THE GROUND, there should be a sort of "ceremony" to explain - to whatever spirits may be there - the value (both to US and to THEM*) of the knowledge we will acquire from excavating "their" site, reaffirming that we do so with nothing less than the ultimate respect for them and the lives they led there, and that it is out of that respect that we want to learn more about them.

Wait a short time - an hour or so (or maybe even overnight) - and THEN start the dig.

Even if it makes you feel silly and self-conscious, at the very least, it will gain you more respect from the locals, and at the most, it will appease whatever spirits may be attached to the location - as well as easing the kind of feelings you discribe in your question.

Showing respect never hurts, and if it is sincere and done right, it probably will not interfere with the gathering and processing of valuable knowledge, either.

Answer 6

Look if we are gonna respect everything we come up with, this world will never learn nor changes... Such conservatism is not constructive, and it must be made clear, that as a specie we still need to learn about our past to understand the future and help us to adapt ourself.