Hobbyist Archaeology

Strange as it may seem to some of my colleagues, not everybody wants to be a professional archaeologist. Becoming a professional archaeologist takes a lot of education—up to and including a PhD—and years of experience and hard work in far-flung places, with not much time for raising a family. And when you’re done, the jobs are hard to find, and it simply never pays well. While this suits a small percentage of the human population, by and large, the profession is not one a lot of people pursue.

However, there are many people who are interested in the past, who want very much to learn about the history and prehistory of human beings; no doubt more people who want to learn about the past than those who want to practice it. It’s a good thing too, because without the support of people and the governments they represent, there would never be any archaeology done. So, it’s understandable, and commendable even, if people who aren’t professional archaeologists want to learn about and participate in the discovery of our collective pasts.

There are lots of ways people get involved in archaeology, both good and bad. The bad ways of exploring archaeology are dangerous to life and limb, or support the continuing destruction of archaeological sites around the world and the theft of objects from their originating countries. For example, some people have asked me if there is someplace their children can learn to excavate in their backyards. It’s not a good idea to start an excavation in your backyard. Hazards that your kids might discover include buried utility lines, old privy pits or open foundations, trash deposits with sharp-edged tin cans, broken bottles and dishware that might still include liquids from who knows where, partial foundations which can harbor snakes or other living creatures. Cool stuff if you’re a kid; not cool stuff if you’re a parent interested in your child’s health and welfare.

Owning an ancient artifact is another way people like to experience the past. But, most of the genuine artifacts you find in an antique dealer’s shop are fakes, and those that aren’t may have been looted from an archaeological site. People who loot archaeological sites aren’t interested in the past, they’re interested in making money, and getting that artifact into the antique shop might have involved smuggling and other criminal activities in addition to the clandestine destruction of archaeological sites.

Does that mean you shouldn’t own a piece of the past or your kids shouldn't try their hands at excavation? Not at all. Over the next few weeks, I’ll take a look at some of the ways you and your kids can safely and ethically:

Read and hear about the past and new discoveries;

Visit archaeological sites;

Find authentic artifact replicas;

Find and report new archaeological sites; and even

Excavate at an archaeological site.

Part 2: Archaeology Clubs for Hobbyists
Part 3: Archaeology News Sources

Stay tuned!