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Anthropology 206
Archaeology Response 1
When some people think of archaeology, a romanticized view, somewhat like the Indiana
Jones movies, come into mind. But, the reality is different from the silver screen, as shown in
Andy Bryans comical essay. The methods and conduct of Indiana Jones would horrify some
legitimate archaeologists today.
Archaeology, like many branches of anthropology, have to walk a fine line between the
interests of the people and ethics. The Audience of archaeological research and the subjects of
the research may very well be different. Archaeologists must keep in check their ethnocentrism
and respect the area and people they work with. Remains of animals, for example, are easier to
gain access for research than human remains, according to Kelsey Witt, an anthropological
researcher. The people in that region may object to dissection and close analysis of their
ancestors for both cultural and spiritual reasons. Animals usually dont have that restriction.
Indiana Jones with his grand destruction of pyramids and disregard for international and local
laws certainly isnt professional conduct. Archaeology is more than grave-robbing and
treasure hunting glamour. According to Archaeology: Methods, Theories, and Practices, early
forays into dig sites used to stem from a desire to find ancient works of art or artifacts. These
days, however, research is funded by the government or other non-profit organizations. In
Processual Archeology, rather than to generate more information, archaeologists attempt to
answer specific questions economically.
helped to further scientific studies: the dating of human societies and Neanderthals, evolution,
archeology has, in one way or another, contributed to these concepts. Thus, with the subject
affecting so many lives and human beings, the readers, the audience, of archaeological papers
can be said to be the human race.