Meet Craig Childs, a writer and traveler from Western Colorado, who has a passion for exploring the rugged canyons of the Southwest, the ancient lands once inhabited by the Anasazi. Imagine him not in these wild landscapes, but standing in a quiet reading room, far from the canyons, gazing at a display of ancient pottery. These jars and bowls, estimated to be 700-800 years old, were familiar to Craig. He recognized their designs and knew they originated from a part of Arizona where he had recently spent a month backpacking.
Craig was disheartened to find that the area he explored had been thoroughly looted. People, mostly illegal pot hunters, had come in with shovels, digging out burial artifacts. The artifacts in the display case were stolen, not cataloged, and poorly handled. Some were even broken and repaired with masking tape and glue. The sign simply stated they were from Arizona, offering no further context or history.
Frustrated by the looting, Craig decided to take action. He felt compelled to return one of the artifacts to its rightful place. In a daring move, he broke into the display case, carefully cutting around the glass molding to retrieve a jar that had been split in half by a shovel. Despite his nerves, he rearranged the remaining items to cover his tracks and set off on a journey to return the jar.
Craig traveled to the White Mountain Apache Reservation in central Arizona, carrying the jar on his back for two weeks. He wandered through the canyons, searching for the perfect spot to return the artifact. His mission was a small act of resistance against the tide of artifacts disappearing from the land. However, he questioned his actions, wondering if he was just another person taking something because he believed he knew best.
Eventually, Craig found a small alcove in a cliff face, just the size of a bread loaf. He carefully placed the jar inside, hoping it would remain hidden for centuries. As he left the jar, he pondered the future discovery of the artifact, imagining the confusion of those who might find it, complete with its masking tape repairs.
This story, shared with the help of Robert Krulwich and Jetta Boomrod from Radio Lab, invites us to reflect on the ethics of artifact collection and the importance of preserving history. For more intriguing stories, visit Radio Lab’s website and explore episodes like “Things,” “Skull,” and “Kilogram.”
Engage in a structured debate with your classmates about the ethics of artifact collection and repatriation. Consider the perspectives of archaeologists, indigenous communities, and collectors. Prepare arguments for and against the actions taken by Craig Childs in the article.
Conduct a research project on the Anasazi culture, focusing on their history, art, and the impact of modern-day looting on their artifacts. Present your findings in a multimedia presentation, incorporating images, videos, and maps to enhance your narrative.
Write a short story from the perspective of the artifact that Craig Childs returned. Imagine its journey from creation to its final resting place in the alcove. Reflect on the cultural and historical significance it holds and the emotions it might “experience” throughout its journey.
Organize a field trip to a local museum with a collection of artifacts from indigenous cultures. Analyze how these artifacts are displayed and the information provided about their origins. Discuss with your peers how museums can improve the representation and context of such artifacts.
Listen to the Radio Lab episodes mentioned in the article, such as “Things,” “Skull,” and “Kilogram.” Form a discussion group to analyze the themes and stories presented. Share your thoughts on how these stories relate to the preservation of history and the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals like Craig Childs.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – The history of ancient civilizations provides insight into the development of human societies.
Archaeology – The scientific study of material remains of past human life and activities. – Archaeology has revealed much about the daily lives of the ancient Egyptians through the excavation of tombs and temples.
Artifacts – Objects made by humans, typically an item of cultural or historical interest. – The museum’s collection of artifacts from the Roman Empire offers a glimpse into the technological advancements of the era.
Looting – The illegal taking of artifacts from archaeological sites. – Looting of archaeological sites can result in the loss of invaluable historical information.
Pottery – Objects, usually vessels, made of clay and hardened by heat. – The discovery of pottery shards at the site helped archaeologists date the settlement to the Neolithic period.
Anasazi – An ancient Native American culture that lived in the southwestern United States. – The Anasazi are known for their unique cliff dwellings and advanced agricultural techniques.
Arizona – A state in the southwestern region of the United States, rich in archaeological sites. – Arizona is home to numerous ancient ruins, including those of the Anasazi and Hohokam cultures.
Preservation – The protection and maintenance of cultural heritage and archaeological sites. – Preservation efforts are crucial to maintaining the integrity of historical sites for future research and education.
Discovery – The act of finding or uncovering something, especially something of historical or archaeological significance. – The discovery of the Rosetta Stone was pivotal in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs.
Ethics – The moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity, particularly in research and archaeology. – Ethical considerations in archaeology include respecting the cultural heritage and rights of indigenous peoples.
