Principle No. 3: Commercialization. The Society for American Archaeology has recognized that the buying and selling of objects out of archaeological context is contributing to the destruction of the archaeological record on the American continents and around the world. The commercialization of archaeological objects (their use as commodities to be exploited for personal enjoyment or profit) results in the destruction of archaeological sites and of contextual information that is essential to understanding the archaeological record. Archaeologists should therefore carefully weigh the benefits to scholarship of a project against the costs of potentially enhancing the commercial value of archaeological objects. Whenever possible they shoul
nd display. (Definition as stated by the SAA website)
Commercialization has glorified the science of Archaeology in the past. Movies have been made, Indiana Jones, to make the search for artifacts a grand adventure full of excitement, treasure, and glory. This is a stereotype that many people perceive and want to emulate. Who doesn't want to follow Harrison Ford's footprints through the jungles and deserts in search of treasure? There are also individuals and connoisseur's who like to collect artifacts for their own personal pleasure, they are willing to search or pay the price, whatever it is, for rare objects.
My view is that I think there should be laws against commercialization. I am definitely for the preservation and keeping of artifacts for future studies. My
All papers and essays are for research and reference purposes only!
Copyright 2002-2009
Direct Essays , LLC. All Rights Reserved. DMCA Webmasters make $$$$