Diggers and Site Conservation

[ShadowSot]

FPAN is a public archaeology group here that has an archaeology lab, where the public can come in during the week and spend a little time volunteering on whatever project is being worked on.

So I went in and spent a little time sorting dirt from dort clods and rocks and occasional interesting bits of rock.

Finding this not very stimulating, I starting talking with the people there.

I mentioned Ancient Aliens and Fringe Archaeology, and asked theif thoughts about it, since I was the only member of the public to show up.

While I wasn't surprised to find it wasn't high on their concerns, I was surprised that another show on television was a source of concern for them.

A program on NatGeo called "Diggers," which I haven't watched yet but read up some online.

The show features treasure hunters who go around Archaeological sites looking for something valuable to sell.

This show and some others has encouraged looting of sites by people looking to make a profit like they see on the show.

One of the people I spoke with as well as other on the board of FPAN and other Archaeological and Preservation groups are working to try to get the producers to change the focus of the show off of making a profit and more towards education.

It's disappointing to me that Diggers air on NatGeo, which used to be a great channel for science programming. Though of course I can remember when the same could be said for The History Channel.

[Keel M.]

I'm sad to learn that NatGeo has gone the way of the dumbed down channels of History, Travel, etc. That there are *******s out there condoning the looting of sites makes me sick, but then it's always happened since the 1800s, if not before then.

[kmt_sesh]

I'm not familiar with the show Diggers but don't usually watch NatGeo. I can remember some years back having my cable company add NatGeo to my cable bundle and being really excited. It was more than a bit of a let-down, then, to discover the kind of dumbed-down, reality TV, halfwit crap that now populates that channel. In fact recently I've been considering dropping NatGeo from my cable bundle, along with the Science Channel. That one is only marginally better, but nowadays the Science Channel seems to be one long, tedious run of how things are made. Very little originality or creative programming.

Child of Bast is so right. Channels like Discovery, History, and even TLC used to be packed with quality, scientific, educational, interesting programming. They're mostly garbage today. I rarely turn to them anymore. I can't believe how they all pander to such a low-brow, simplistic demographic among the viewing public.

There's my rant for the moment. But I would agree with the folks you met, shadowsot. It's hard to believe a program on NatGeo would basically be promoting looting. This should concern all archaeologists. At this rate we're going to have to be placing mean armed guards at all archaeological and historical sites. Let the greedy little antiquity-stealing simpletons go dig up their own back yards.

[ShadowSot]

I think part of the problem is simply ignorance.

I mean, very few of the people I know, which includes average people with a general interest in history, have any idea about site preservation, or laws and regulations on handling artifacts, or just how important context is when finding one.

For instance, a lady brought in a clay bowel whIle I was there last year.

It happened to belong to one of the very old Native tribes that used to inhabit the area a long time ago.

But she hasn't the foggiest as to where she found it. She picked it up at some point, stored it away, and recently found it while cleaning out her garage.

Could have been found on the Bay, or around a construction area, or maybe she picked it up at one of the Flea Market.

And the problem is, that could have been a clue to a native site. It might be there is a camping spot or settlement along the bay that got uncovered after a hurricane or storm, and now however many years later it's gone.

Maybe if she'd known about FPAN before hand she would have reported where she found it and something may have been turned up. Don't know.

On one of the rivers here in Florida there's a spring that feeds into it. Follow it back into the woods and you stumble into this area where, at one point, there used to be a Spanish church. Rubble is all over the place. And at the time being a kid I and my family carried off some of the molded ornamental brick work because it looked neat.

And that is pretty common, it's well known in the kayaking/canoeing group my aunt was a member of. People would stop there, pick up a few souveniers, and leave.

Then there are people on private property who found some artifacts on their site, and just dig it up themselves and make a collection of it.

Education is needed, finding a way to work with the people who have these things on their property is needed.

And unfortunately the main source of getting that information out there is heavily compromised at this point.

[Jarocal]

I'm not familiar with the show Diggers but don't usually watch NatGeo. I can remember some years back having my cable company add NatGeo to my cable bundle and being really excited. It was more than a bit of a let-down, then, to discover the kind of dumbed-down, reality TV, halfwit crap that now populates that channel. In fact recently I've been considering dropping NatGeo from my cable bundle, along with the Science Channel. That one is only marginally better, but nowadays the Science Channel seems to be one long, tedious run of how things are made. Very little originality or creative programming.

Child of Bast is so right. Channels like Discovery, History, and even TLC used to be packed with quality, scientific, educational, interesting programming. They're mostly garbage today. I rarely turn to them anymore. I can't believe how they all pander to such a low-brow, simplistic demographic among the viewing public.

There's my rant for the moment. But I would agree with the folks you met, shadowsot. It's hard to believe a program on NatGeo would basically be promoting looting. This should concern all archaeologists. At this rate we're going to have to be placing mean armed guards at all archaeological and historical sites. Let the greedy little antiquity-stealing simpletons go dig up their own back yards.

Which is why you should support PBS. You get Nova, Nature, Sesame Street, and selected Britcoms. Not to mention special programming such as "Alone In the Wilderness" and "Sandwiches You Will Like!" It is like an all inclusive package of entertaining and informational programming. Of course my television has probably only been plugged into an electrical outlet once in the last year(check the release dates on the special program titles for the last time I watched tv with any frequency) so I may not be the best source for television reviews...

Edited April 5, 2016 by Jarocal

[kmt_sesh]

PBS is still one of the best. They continue to air high-quality programming. I often watch Nova, and another favorite of mine is History Detectives. Can't say I watch a lot of Sesame Street unless I'm visiting my six-year-old nephew. He keeps me young.

Youngish, perhaps.

[ShadowSot]

Yeah, PBS is an example against deregulation of television.

I wish there was a good museum here in Pensacola. There's a lab with a small museum, and the T. T. Wentworth, which has a lot of funding issues and to my mind nothing pre-Colonial on display.

It has most of its display is from the Civil War museum that closed down years ago.

[Aftermath]

Sesame Street is now on HBO.

[Swede]

FPAN is a public archaeology group here that has an archaeology lab, where the public can come in during the week and spend a little time volunteering on whatever project is being worked on.

So I went in and spent a little time sorting dirt from dort clods and rocks and occasional interesting bits of rock.

Finding this not very stimulating, I starting talking with the people there.

I mentioned Ancient Aliens and Fringe Archaeology, and asked theif thoughts about it, since I was the only member of the public to show up.

While I wasn't surprised to find it wasn't high on their concerns, I was surprised that another show on television was a source of concern for them.

A program on NatGeo called "Diggers," which I haven't watched yet but read up some online.

The show features treasure hunters who go around Archaeological sites looking for something valuable to sell.

This show and some others has encouraged looting of sites by people looking to make a profit like they see on the show.

One of the people I spoke with as well as other on the board of FPAN and other Archaeological and Preservation groups are working to try to get the producers to change the focus of the show off of making a profit and more towards education.

It's disappointing to me that Diggers air on NatGeo, which used to be a great channel for science programming. Though of course I can remember when the same could be said for The History Channel.

The sentiments expressed by the individual you encountered are quite correct. This particular production has raised the ire of many professionals and professional organizations (ie SAA, etc.). As mentioned quite some time in the past, it has been my personal experience to have had some dealings with the "new" National Geographic. The experiences were not heartening, to say the least. Particularly given the level of esteem that the organization had maintained for so many decades.

Also, my compliments on taking the time to become more actively involved in the field. Yes, the realities are often far less exciting than most are aware. However, in working with more experienced avocationals/professionals, your understandings will likely be quite enhanced. As an advocate of public outreach, do consider continuing such pursuits.

.

[ShadowSot]

I love doing it when I can, even if the actual task is dull. And let's be honest, a lot of academic style work is, it's usually around a group of well informed people.

My only real issue is the schedule.

Weekdays from 10 to 2 isn't going to mess with most people's schedule.

Me being able to go was only through luck on my part having the day off due to already putting in my 40 hours over the weekend.

Otherwise I'd be down there more often.

[kmt_sesh]

I love doing it when I can, even if the actual task is dull. And let's be honest, a lot of academic style work is, it's usually around a group of well informed people.

My only real issue is the schedule.

Weekdays from 10 to 2 isn't going to mess with most people's schedule.

Me being able to go was only through luck on my part having the day off due to already putting in my 40 hours over the weekend.

Otherwise I'd be down there more often.

You could move here to Chicago and volunteer your time at the Field Museum. I work with the public but they always need volunteers to sort dead birds, identify insects, preserve flora specimens, dig through matrix to find dino bits, and help inventory the ancient alien tech we've found but hide from the public.

[ShadowSot]

Unfortunately, my gf hates Chicago.

Something about mummy farts, know anything about that?

[badeskov]

You could move here to Chicago and volunteer your time at the Field Museum. I work with the public but they always need volunteers to sort dead birds, identify insects, preserve flora specimens, dig through matrix to find dino bits, and help inventory the ancient alien tech we've found but hide from the public.

I cannot volunteer as I know about jack (....) about the area in question, and I certainly have to much in the job I already have. But next time I am around the area I will come have a look. No worries, I am spotted easily, I am the fellow with the tattoo on my forehead (ignoramus)...stay way..

Cheers,

Badeskov

Edited April 6, 2016 by badeskov

[ShadowSot]

You don't need to know diddly. They show you everything and it's pretty simple. And if nothing else, you can be dumb muscle. Something I personally excel at.

[ShadowSot]

Managed to drag myself from my bed and pour a large cup of coffee to volunteer today as well.

Found a button.

[Swede]

Managed to drag myself from my bed and pour a large cup of coffee to volunteer today as well.

Found a button.

Well done. What type of post-contact site is being investigated?

.

[ShadowSot]

It's a home, got torn down around 1980 but records put a building of some kind there back in the 1840s. There's evidence of some sort of use of the site beforehand but nothing definite.

Problem is though there's a lot of site contamination. Apparently the person who owned the house in the 1980s just buried their garbage and stuff in their backyard.

[kmt_sesh]

It's a home, got torn down around 1980 but records put a building of some kind there back in the 1840s. There's evidence of some sort of use of the site beforehand but nothing definite.

Problem is though there's a lot of site contamination. Apparently the person who owned the house in the 1980s just buried their garbage and stuff in their backyard.

So, what I hear you saying is, before that original house was put there in the 1840s, the ancient Egyptians were there? Is there evidence of pyramid masonry or perhaps the odd mummy chunk?

[ShadowSot]

I can neither confirm nor deny that evidence of Egyptians or Ancient Aliens were found and covered up due to a non disclosure agreement I signed with the Shadow Government Volunteer Program.

[jmccr8]

Well,if there is evidence of ramps and no geysers,then the probability of Egyptians would be negated.

jmccr8

[Swede]

It's a home, got torn down around 1980 but records put a building of some kind there back in the 1840s. There's evidence of some sort of use of the site beforehand but nothing definite.

Problem is though there's a lot of site contamination. Apparently the person who owned the house in the 1980s just buried their garbage and stuff in their backyard.

Interesting. As recently alluded to under another heading, such situations (ie "extended" habitation, bio/cryo/anthro turbation, etc.) can be quite demanding in regards to interpretation. Meticulous excavation and documentation is critical. Followed by even more meticulous research and analyses. Imagine working on sites that contain the evidence of cultural components that span (for example) some 8000 yrs. There are reasons that qualified research can extend for decades.

As to "your" button: As you are aware, buttons can be a valuable diagnostic. You may wish to study the lab's reference base. Actually, quite an interesting topic. You may wish to personally investigate/research further.

.

[Jarocal]

As to "your" button: As you are aware, buttons can be a valuable diagnostic. You may wish to study the lab's reference base. Actually, quite an interesting topic. You may wish to personally investigate/research further.

I suddenly have the urge to dig a 2 meter deep hole and scatter the 4 shoeboxes full of buttons in my attic in it before refilling it.

[kmt_sesh]

I suddenly have the urge to dig a 2 meter deep hole and scatter the 4 shoeboxes full of buttons in my attic in it before refilling it.

Someone in the future might mistake it for a mass grave. Or that a person in the past had a button fetish.

[Swede]

I suddenly have the urge to dig a 2 meter deep hole and scatter the 4 shoeboxes full of buttons in my attic in it before refilling it.

Grin! You would actually be creating an interesting study for future researchers. The soils disturbance would, within a reasonable time-span, be quite apparent to a qualified investigator. The buttons would be able to be dated with reasonable accuracy. That the buttons were intrusive into the site area would be obvious. Which would lead researchers to ponder the motivations of the individual(s) involved in the deposition, particularly when the age of the deposition could be ascertained.

The species has been known to secrete many an odd treasure.

.

[Hanslune]

I've worried if the local volcano blows up and my house is destroyed that a vase I have with old shards might cause later confusion. When I lived in the ME use to look around the edges of parking lots and other disturbed placed. I always kept a look out for shards and found a large number from most of the known ancient empires. Yeah I can see an archaeologist in 10,016 AD looking at a robot worker's find - an early Dilmun pottery shard in a deposit thought to be 8,000 years old in what was once part of the ancient state of the USA's Pacific north west.