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ARTIFACT COLLECTING
Click here for MAP and driving directions
from down town Tucson.
Click here for pictures
of the shop
PRESERVING THE PAST
by Ron Ratkevich
It wasn't until the turn of the century that any concern was expressed
about the vanishing record of our past. But that time, many major
archaeological sites in the desert southwest were already mined for
their artifacts, considered by most to be simply curiosities. For
many others, digging Indian graves was just something harmless to
do on weekends while picnicing. Since that time, a number of wise
pieces of legislation have been passed that were designed to protect
what remains of our archaeological and paleontological heritages.
In 1906, congress passed the American Antiquities Act (which was subsequently
modified to include certain rare vertebrate fossils.) The Archaeological
Resources Protection Act of 1979 continued the effort and in 1990
the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act was enacted
in response to a growing concern expressed by many American Indian
and Hawaiian peoples. These laws cover archaeological and fossil sites
on federal, tribal, municipal and state lands, and while complex in
their wording and specific requirements, they and other laws are designed
to help protect when either reason or education can't.
It is sometimes difficult to understand that it is important to leave
pot shards or fossil bone fragments where they are found, and it is
tempting to take home some as souvenirs, but often even the loss of
a fragment can erase forever a vital clue in the overall prehistoric
saga. "A tiny fragment of distinctive pottery can indicate the presence
of a specific group and, through the use of sophisticated dating techniques,
can reveal approximate dates when people lived in the location.
Preservation laws stipulate that only those with permits may dig in
archaeological (or vertebrate fossil sites). Those who violate federal,
state or tribal archaeological laws can be prosecuted and civil convictions
can result in vehicle confiscation, fines to cover site restoration
costs, and imprisonment." (Source: National Park Service)
Regardless of the statutes covering antiquities violations, the ultimate
aim is protecting the fragile record of the past which belongs to
all of us, and it is our obligation to work with various agencies
to help insure that future generations benefit from the knowledge
we will gain from future research. To report illegal activities in
Arizona call 1-800-VANDALS (826-3257) or National Parks Nationwide:
1-800-227-7286. For more information about State Historic Preservation
Office c/o Arizona State Parks, 1300 West Washington, Phoenix, AZ
85007.
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