Hey, Gang:

We had a great article in The Glyph on "The Goddess Question", so here
is a new challenge.

The ongoing controversy: archaeologists vs. collectors.  I understand
the archaeologists position, that collecting creates a market for
artifacts resulting in pot digging and treasure hunting that destroys
sites.  Correct?

And that it is collecting that seems to have created the field of
archaeology in the first place.  Collections have formed the basis for
the major museums of the world including the Smithsonian, the British
Museum, the Field Museum, etc.  The sciences of Natural History,
Paleontology, Archaeology, Anthropology and Art are all refinements on
the collection process. (It says here).

Museums place their collections on display for the world to see, to
learn, and to enjoy.  Archaeologists, I've heard, hoard their findings
in university cellars pending publication that rarely occurs.

OK, tell me about it...

Ron Fellows, CM, Editor, The Glyph
Archaeological Institute of America, San Diego
Associate Director, Curator
Heritage of the Americas Museum

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