| Original Message: Great conversation, and I would only add..... |
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The worst loss when sites are excavated without respect or care is that everything we could learn from the site, and the artifacts that come from it, is lost forever. There was a major First Nation site discovered in Keene NH, as the new middle school was being constructed near a swamp. FORTUNATELY, archeologists were called in immediately, and were able to retrieve both the artifacts, and the information the site revealed, in a methodic and professional way. I was only able to attend one presentation on the process before we moved to California. I was amazed at the wealth of data acquired: Detailed maps of shelter, workspaces, even locations of sleeping quarters, that provided much insight into the occupants, the nature of their camp (temporary winter quarters), proof of non-locally available materials (stone, etc.) gathered or traded from far way.... These organized "digs" are the only opportunity we will ever have to see into the distant past, to learn about these people through their tools and tool-making techniques, their camp sites, their social structures. Every looted site is a window that can never be opened again. All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users |
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