Archeology week 5 to week 8

Antiquities Act 1906

Authorized the president to declare historic landmarks, structures, and other objects of scientific interest as national monuments.

Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) 1979

Enacted to protect archaeological sites after the Antiquities Act was deemed unconstitutionally vague.

Code of ethics

A written statement of ethical guidelines for professionals in their occupation.

Cultural Heritage

Expressions of how societies live or lived, including customs, values, and artifacts that represent a group's legacy.

Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property

International agreement to protect cultural property in armed conflicts, not yet ratified by the U.S. and U.K.

National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) 1969

Requires federal actions to evaluate their impact on both natural and cultural resources.

National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) 1966

Intended to preserve historic and archaeological sites on public lands.

Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) 1990

Established rules for the treatment of Native American burial sites and associated items.

Repatriation

Returning cultural objects to their original owners.

Kennewick Man

A prehistoric human skeleton found in Kennewick, Washington, sparking debates about native ancestry.

Antiquarianism

Focus on the rarity of objects pre-1850s; after this era, emphasis shifted towards governmental legislation.

Culture History

Outlines trends of cultural change and continuity over time, reflecting past behaviors and norms.

Myth of moundbuilders

Incorrect historical claim that mounds were built by non-Native Americans.

State line sites

Potential archaeological sites associated with Miami, Shawnee, or Delaware peoples.

European Archeology

Study of European sites, history, and ancient societies.

American Archeology

Study of people’s ancestors within the continent and connections to anthropology.

Cultural resources

Physical features linked to human activity, significant for history and architecture.

Sacred items

Ceremonial items necessary for Native American religious practices.

Funerary items

Items placed with a body at burial, meant to contain human remains.

Objects of cultural patrimony

Culturally significant items historically owned by a whole tribe.

Pseudoarcheology & fraud

Misleading claims such as ancient aliens, Da Vinci Code, and Piltdown Man.

Damage to sites can come from

Agriculture, war, and human behavior.

Protection of sites can include

Methods such as the use of tents and other coverings.

Responsibility of archeologists

To protect past peoples, decline unethical practices, prevent site damage, and share knowledge.

Ethics

The science of morals.