Question for All Arrowheadologists

[DougRM]

I was wondering if you interact with archaeologists at all? If so what have your experiences been?

If not? Then why?

Sorry if this seems a bit generic but it is something I would love to know.

Thanks

[cgode]

I have only met one once.....it was at a local "bring your stuff on down and let's talk" event....I have to say it was very interesting and a positive experience, I would have loved to talk with him longer and pick his brain even more. I think it would be great to get together with a pro on a regular basis.....I think part of the problem is that there are not that many archies around, at least that I know of.

[Cluton]

One of my good friends is an Archie! We can talk all night about artifacts! He is open to collectors and collects artifacts himself! I enjoy dinners, alot of Typology arguments though! Lol

[Indianasmith]

I've dealt with a number of them; they are for the most part very open and friendly, especially when you are willing to share information. However, when you are trying to get a bill through the legislature to open public waterways to surface collecting, they can get antagonistic in a hurry!

[DougRM]

@ indianasmith - interesting idea, federal or state laws (what state)? I would imagine changing a cultural resource law in such a way would be damn hard and nearly impossible.

@ everyone else has an archaeologists ever talked to you about your collecting and/or been disapproving/concerned about what you do? If so what are your thoughts on it?

[KYPaleoMan]

To be honest, I've found that the amateurs are more knowledgeable than the actual archies My father could forget more about indian artifacts and culture than most archies would ever know.

[ghost recon]

My uncle is a pretty well known archeologist, does most of his field work in Denmark. He teaches college level archaeology and has written several books including some 101 textbooks. We hardly ever talk at all, and when we do it's not about artifacts or archeology.

I know two site reclaimation guys in Tn., I guess you can call them archies? I talk them about recent finds and what they've been finding. They're underpaid , under staffed, and always at risk of losing their jobs to development and " progress ". Some of these guys draw the line at how amatuers should be hunting and collecting, others do the exact same thing as many of us for recreation and fun in their free time.


I'm sure things are much different in Scotland. Edinburgh is a great city btw.

[uniface]

One of my good (e-)friends is an archaeologist.

In general, some archaeologists are truly great people and others are steaming piles. It all depends on the archaeologist.

Which is about the same as with collectors, I suppose.

[paleo_joe]

I've attended a summer training dig put on by the state archies 2 or 3 times. Had many conversations with them and right now I've been emailing them to help them identify my mystery pot. I always wanted to be one growing up.

[Panola]

I like the older ( more mature ) pros----like Esue Turner and Crusty Tom Hester . I think in general older people have much more to offer in almost everything -----------I hope to be older someday -------