Looting objects from an area takes them out of the historical context where they were left long ago. Archaeologists studying a looted site can form an inaccurate or incomplete understanding of that site, culture, and historical time period. This
loss of information is serious
, and it is a disadvantage to everyone.
What does looting mean in Archaeology?
Site looting is
the destructive removal of archaeological objects to supply the art market
. Looting is part of an economic system, the antiquities market, that works to supply the demand of collectors for archaeological objects.
Why is it important to protect archaeological sites from looting?
First, it is important to protect the artifacts and other materials that are located within archaeological sites. These artifacts have
tremendous historical value
, and as such, they may be vulnerable to looting by people who see the artifacts as having monetary value.
How is Archaeology different from looting?
In reality, the difference between the two is very simple: the goal of an archaeologist is to learn about culture through objects that have been preserved through time, whereas the
goal of a looter is to collect and profit from these objects
.
How can we prevent looting of archaeological sites?
Now anyone with an internet connection, a vigilant eye, and a spare minute can help stop looters. All these amateur or “citizen” archaeologists need to do is look at
slides of high-resolution satellite imagery on the GlobalXplorer website
for telltale signs of looting or undiscovered ruins.
Is archeology illegal?
Archaeological looting is the illicit removal of artifacts from an archaeological site. Such looting is the major source of artifacts for the antiquities market. … Many countries have antique looting laws which state that the removal of the cultural object without formal permission
is illegal
and considered theft.
What is the impact of looting?
The effect of the looting is evident
on small and big businesses as well as the economy
, increasing unemployment and making it difficult for businesses to recover from their losses. However, there are ripple effects which are not as clear. These include those on the health sector, and by extension the vaccine roll out.
How important are the archaeological sites?
What are archaeological sites and why are they important? Archaeological sites on the public lands throughout North America
provide solid evidence of a story spanning thousands of years
. An archaeological site is a vault filled with historical and cultural artifacts with valuable information.
Why is it important to preserve the artefacts?
It is important to preserve artifacts from
historical events
so we can remember, learn about and honor those who were involved. … When an artifact is conserved to retain its current condition, it preserves the truth of the historical story for generations to come.
Why is it important to protect ancient sites?
Preserving the history of
a place through its significant historic resources gives a community its unique character
. Historic preservation provides a link to the roots of the community and its people. Overall, historic preservation adds to the quality of life making for a more livable community.
Do archaeologists steal?
DON’T DO: Archaeolgists
DO
NOT treasure hunt, grave-rob, loot, steal, or SELL archaeolgical materials. Every time an archaeological site is destroyed by opportunistic looters searching for ‘treasures’, all the most important information, which is KNOWLEDGE, is lost.
What is the study of antiquities called?
Antiquities are objects from antiquity, especially the civilizations of the Mediterranean: the Classical antiquity of Greece and Rome, Ancient Egypt and the other Ancient Near Eastern cultures. … A person who studies antiquities, as opposed to just collecting them, is often called
an antiquarian
.
What factors encourage the looting of Maya sites?
Maya looting was fed
by the desperation of Guatemala’s long civil war and its aftermath
. A polychrome pot might net a looter, or digger, $20 (U.S.) ($100 if it was very nice), while the final buyer might pay $10,000 to $20,000.
What is the role of cultural resource management?
Cultural Resource Management (CRM) is
a process that people use to manage and make decisions about scarce cultural resources in an equitable manner
. CRM (also known as Heritage Management) includes cultural landscapes, archaeological sites, historical records, and spiritual places, among other things.
Who is a looter?
Someone who takes advantage of a chaotic situation to steal things
is a looter. During a war (or even during a blackout), looters may help themselves to food and supplies from shops.
Which of the following actions is not required under Nagpra for institutions receiving federal funding?
Which of the following actions is not required under NAGPRA for institutions receiving federal funding? …
Institutions must consult with appropriate Native American tribes determined to be “culturally affiliated” with the remains and objects regarding their repatriation
.
