Althought the intent to sell archeological objects may be pure, the
result would undoubtedly be disastrous.  American society is so focused
on the capitalist paradigm that capitalizing objects by sale would
quickly translate into another "objective measure" of a project's
success. Projects would be judged for cash return by supervisory
agencies and other supporters.

This is the way we think. And it is not going to change anytime soon.

Greg Koos
McLean County Historical Society
Bloomington IL

[log in to unmask] wrote:
>
> Aqualieb,
>         Sorry about the delay.  What you asked has been the hot topic on
> Sub-Arch periodically over the years.  I have advocated the sale of
> 'surplus' artifacts as a way of financing new exploration, digs,
> preservation, and/or publication.  I feel that it is in the best
> interests of both the archaeological and the general community to get the
> word, and the artifacts, out to as many people as possible.   So much of
> our heritage is locked away and will never be seen by anyone other than
> the occasional researcher.  At the same time funding is getting scarce,
> and costs are rising, for any new projects, preserving and displaying
> what has been found, and communicating to the public the results of our
> work.  A change of paridigm is called for and, in my opinion, is long
> overdue.  Far from a curse on archaeology, I feel that sales such as you
> propose are going to be the only new life blood for archaeology.  With
> out such sales the only people involved in archaeology will be those of
> independent sources of income:  in other words dilitantes.
>         I am interested in the responses you received, tho I am willing
> to bet that you were castigated for even mentioning this sale idea.
> There are many in the field (and on this list) who privately agree, but
> are not about to commit professional suicide by publically saying that
> this is the way to try to save archaeology.  Do not make a misstake: I do
> not advocate the rape and pillage that has taken place by treasure
> hunters interested only in profit.  I do advocate and support the
> archaeologically sound excavations that offer surplus artifacts for sale
> as a way to finance the preservation, public display, public education,
> and public publishing of the results.
> Thank you
> Jayson R. Jones