I have been visiting the backcountry of the Southwest
for many years. Craig Childs’ statement in “Pillaging the Past”
that 90 percent of archaeological sites have been vandalized seems
accurate from what I have witnessed (HCN,
4/28/08). When I first set foot on Cedar Mesa in
southeast Utah almost 30 years ago, artifacts such as potshards,
bits of basket and human bones were abundant around archaeological
sites.
Of course, much of that material was the result of
the early-day diggings of the Wetherills, Green, Graham and others.
The site-digging practices by locals described by Childs continued
the tradition. Much of the debitage laying around archaeological
sites has steadily disappeared. As more visitors travel the
backcountry, the remaining bits are picked up and carried off. No
one is immune to the temptation to possess a “neat treasure” no
matter how small and seemingly unimportant. It is a sad state of
affairs.
During a backpacking trip in Grand Gulch, our
group was introduced to the concept of the “Outdoor Museum.” The
idea is to leave artifacts where they are found. Their meaning is
so much deeper when found in context. When an artifact is of
particular interest, such as a complete arrowhead, a fletched arrow
shaft, a complete piece of pottery or walking stick, the artifact
is carefully stashed on site so it isn’t carted off.
I
have to admit that during my early days of traveling the Southwest
I carried off an occasional arrowhead or potshard, but I resist the
temptation now. I encourage everyone to leave artifacts where you
find them. To paraphrase Childs: Take your hand off it and walk
away.
Bill Harris Montrose, Colorado
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Buy a t-shirt instead.
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