I do understand that the "gung ho" approach to archaeology is sometimes necessary to the survival of the?discipline -?in order to be of interest to the general public and support, funding etc., but that has always been my least favorite part of the field, and perhaps why I left. Too often I've seen artifacts treated, etc., as "objet trouve", rather than?for their?scientific value. How can archaeology be considered a serious, scientific discipline if we promote it as a "treat"????? I don't think of excavating?human remains?and grave goods as a treat under any circumstance. How can we show respect and appreciation?for a past culture and/or?their descendants if we view archaeology as a "treat"???!!!! I really detest the romanticized version of archaeology - however, I do find any fictional depiction to be entertaining. In real life, when working with the public, I emphasized the hard, tedious?work and the importance of the archaeological record and how the data is used?towards the understanding of the past and it's application to the present and even the future. Archaeology is not fun in itself, but it can be interesting and I do believe that the public appreciates this more than promoting archaeology as a hunt for treasure. Many people are surprised when they found out about all the work involved in archaeology, how tedious this work can be, etc. and that they don't find the "treasures" they expected to find. No gold, not the ornate objects they expected. Again, it is no treat to be fighting one's way through pickers, loaded down with equipment. Being stung and bitten by all kinds of creatures. Working in the heat and humidity, getting sunburned. Poison Ivy! Painstakingly cleaning, describing, numbering/cataloguing/analyzing/storing artifacts. Excavating human remains. Like any scientist, it is exciting to "discover' something "new" and we revel in the importance of a find. But this has come about through hard work, etc! It's also important for us to be objective/unbiased. Probably, had I "known" at the ripe old age of 34 that this work would leave my spine shot and needing 2 hip replacements...well I needed the paycheck and I really believed in the scientific and altruistic nature of the work. However, I have no regrets but do wish I would have been informed about the occupational hazards and effects of the work. Some of what I've gone through could have been prevented. And that's the danger in promoting the romanticized version of archaeology -especially for younger people who are gung ho and not prepared for this. Like in museum work, the public generally does not see all the behind the scenes, hard, tedious?work that has to be done. But if we want to promote this work as having value, public awareness is important. We can "use" Indy Jones to promote public awareness and education?but we need to do it responsibly - and that means not carrying on with the "romanticized" version of archaeology. Pam -----Original Message----- From: annisa gultom <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Sent: Sat, 14 Jun 2008 2:05 am Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] What is treasure hunting? What is archaeology? Dear Cindy, A lot of my friends in colege also drawn to this field by Indiana Jones, and about can you experienced and Indiana Jones journey it is actually possible, Archaeology is a treat for anybody who's intrigue by mystery and quest. Indy is a perfect marketing strategy for archaeology to survive, he is perfect to accentuate the romance of archaeology which is it's "selling point". yes, I know first hand that most of the artifacts that we found is so much gorgeous, but it is depend how you look the value of it. I think archaeology is a structured treasure hunting, a hunt for the humankind treasure. Where will the treasure goes that is what we have to be aware of. annissa maulina gultom Archaeology Department, Faculty of Humanities University of Indonesia, Jawa Barat, Indonesia 16425 phone/fax: +62 21 78886104 Alternate email: [log in to unmask] ? --- On Sat, 6/14/08, Cindy Ho <[log in to unmask]> wrote: From: Cindy Ho <[log in to unmask]> Subject: [MUSEUM-L] What is treasure hunting? What is archaeology? To: [log in to unmask] Date: Saturday, June 14, 2008, 12:37 AM And is there a difference? This May, the Archaeological Institute of America announced that actor Harrison Ford, who plays the title character in the Indiana Jones trilogy-plus-one, will serve on its Board of Directors. The Indy films have brought archaeology into the public eye, true. And no doubt his adventures have drawn many students to the discipline (who then realize archaeology isn't exactly like "Raiders of the Lost Ark"). But let's take a moment to consider the consequences of this appointment. Archaeologist Dr. Oscar Muscarella, outspoken critic of the antiquities trade and the plunder of archaeological sites, objects to the appointment of Harrison Ford. AIA is North America's oldest and largest non-profit organization devoted to archaeology, and according to the AIA website, "the legendary archaeologist Indiana Jones ... shows his commitment to real archaeology." However, according to Dr. Muscarella, Indiana Jones is not an archaeologist, but a plunderer. See Dr. Muscarella's video and read his statement at the SAFECorner blog: http://safecorner.savingantiquities.org/ Is the AIA, one of the first places to which we turn for guidelines and counsel in archaeological ethics, sending conflicting messages? Have they made a mistake in recognizing a character (or rather, the actor behind him) that Mark Rose, online editorial director for the AIA, doesn't "think would be a member [of the profession]. Not in good standing, anyway"? Vote in the poll and join the discussion at http://safecorner.savingantiquities.org/ or share your thoughts in the discussion boards of the SAFE Facebook group! ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).