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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ALL POINTS BULLETIN RE DANGER FOR WOMEN IN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN. A report just in from
the lady in charge of UNESCO (apologies for not getting her name) that the global economic downturn is increasing violence
to women. Sadly to say "one in three women has been abused." This is a worldwide statistic. UNESCO has done
a lot of research on this terrible problem. There are different classifications of abuse: ranging from beatings to death
and included are rape as a military weapon. Concerning the latter, one in three women in Sierra Leone, Africa has
been raped. UNESCO believes that as the economic downturn increases more cases of abuse will be found. Thanks to BBC
Radio for this report. Note: I don't know if mental abuse is included in their statistics but should be. And what about
the abuse of men? That should be included also.
What a sad and sick correlation - bad economics and abuse - a terrible statement for the condition of global society.
Even if economics are bad, there is no excuse for such abuse. This tragedy could all be solved by one simple rule - THE
GOLDEN RULE - "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." Recalling a class in Comparative Religion at
Mizzou, most religions have this rule in their philosophies. Of course, this wonderful teaching needs to be taught.
According to the Judaeo-Christian religions, "children need to be brought up in the right way (the religious way)."
The parents are really the responsible ones. So, what is so difficult about this one rule? Zinjanthropus could understand
this one rule! The late Dr. George Washington
Carver, America's famed creative scientist, man of peace (he and Ghandi were friends), master teacher, philosopher said that
if only this one rule - the Golden Rule - were applied, there would be no trouble in the world. Carver is one of our mentors
here at the WAS. In fact, our latest Special Publication No. 20 is about him: "The Early Life of Dr. George Washington
Carver...With Notes on the Young Carver's Secret Garden." Your writer has often said that Carver is the answer
to many of the world's problems - work ethic, practical teaching methods, relations with others, organic farming methods,
compassion for the poor, religious approach to studies and practical-creative approach to everything. Carver often pointed
out that the object of life is service to others (Golden Rule again); it's not the material things one has, but service to
other. And one doesn't want to get through life without contributing something to society. I recall one of Carver's
rules: "Start with what you have; make the most of it...and don't stop." I probably read that in Rackham Holt's
biography of Carver. The world can't study Carver enough. This is fascinating and ironic...a black man in America is the answer
to problems in Africa and elsewhere! And much gets down to education...the philosophy of Carver and Booker T. Washington visionary
of the South and President of Tuskegee in Alabama.
But, first, when things have deteriorated so far down to the charging tiger, brute stage, a "strong sheriff" "animal
keeper" is needed to subdue the crazed animals.
The ancient Athenians knew all about chaos - they invented the word. They knew that there had to be discipline in self-rule
- democracy...freedom... but some control always necessary...law...ethical control. That's a long way from the brute
mindless stage up to the ultimate self-rule, but as the saying goes..."a journey of a thousand miles begins with
a single step." And, of course, economics definitely helps...as does tempering philosophies. Entered:
Oct. 22, 2010. NEWS ITEM IN TODAY FROM THE UN. 120 RAPES BY SOLDIERS
REPORTED IN THE CONGO. 170 RAPES TOTAL IN LAST FEW MONTHS. (entered July 2nd, 2011...RM). - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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SCAPEGOAT PHENOMENON IN TIMES OF HARDSHIP - RUNNING RAMPANT GLOBALLY. Here we have another immediate global problem
with which all must deal. We in Anthropology and Sociology get into the subject of Scapegoatism deeply. Race attracts
scapegoatism...something different. We in the U.S. find much scapegoatism right now in politics. Hard economic
times really draws scapegoatism out of the woodwork. We see the phenomenon in Latin America now in full blast. Tin horn
dictators are using the U.S. as a scapegoat. Things are hard and what is really diabolical is the dictators use the device
to promote themselves and their own agendas. They know the masses need a scapegoat, so they use this cursed device to
the hilt. The world must watch this carefully and deal with this disease firmly. Look what happened with the dictators
Hitler and Musolini in Europe in the 1920's, 30's and 40's. Millions of good people died. I was a little
boy and remember it well. Scapegoatism is also rampant right now in the Near and Middle East. Akmadinajad
of Iran is pouring it on the Scapegoat Israel...just like Hitler. Arabs are also using Israel as a scapegoat. Much of
the problem is that many can't stand the success of the Jewish Race. We examine this situation closely here
at the WAS. We note things like Akmadinajad is using other Hitler techniques..."The big lie technique" of propaganda. Tell
a big enough whopper and at least a few will believe it. Keep pouring on the big lie. Hitler and his chief of propaganda
Joseph Goebels knew all about it. It's obvious that Akmadinajad is studying Hitler, and again, of all things, the Jews
are the scapegoats. A word to the wise. The world can't let such stupidy happen again. It got out of hand
in pre-WW II days with the appeasers. Appeasing - denial - is disastrous. All free world news agencies
should dig into all this deeply...so should All governments. Otherwise, here we go again. Millions more needless
deaths. The scholarship is all out there for the reading and study. Social Psychology is a good field for study.
The tin-horn dictators hope that no one will study this scholarship with answers to the problm. They would lose power
and their people would have to assume personal responsibility, work hard, be creative and have democracies and build up their
own selves. Check works in social-psychology. See: our section here; Race and Cultural Relations Dept. WAS. Your
writer took a course on the subject taught by Dr. Gist at the University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo. He was Head of the
Department of Sociology. Not long thereafter, the new and separate Dept. of Anthropology was formed, and I moved over
there, specializing in archaeology/anthropology...with a secondary in Art. In any case, everyone needs to get
a handle on Scapegoatism. Even if times are hard there shouldn't be such meanness. One can
understand a little letting off of steam in hard times and then voting for a new candidate...peaceful means. Even peaceful
demonstration is allowed. But even this must be watched carefully. Emotions, tempers, mob mentality can arise.
Margaret Mead the famed anthropologist and James Baldwin both came to the conclusion that fear is the underlying problem in
prejudice. Peaceful religions can help greatly. The Bible is all about God/Love the most non-hurtful thing there
is, so, that - theology - is a great antidote...coupled with scholarly study in sociology/anthropology (includes
culture, psychology, biological studies). Even nutrition should be studied. Poor diets can make people mean. Remember
the words of the greatest of all sociologists/anthropologists...Pogo, who said: "We have met the enemy and he is us!"
Entered Oct. 24, 2010....RM
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GREETINGS to all of our friends around the world interested in archaeology. Welcome to the most unique archaeological society
in the universe. We are not only interested in the usual archaeological things - all branches and specialties - but among
other things, we take the studies and apply to present societal problems in creative ways. This is more fun than a barrel
of anthropologists. But it is very serious at times...as right now...with all the national and global events unfolding around
all of us- one event after another...and very scarey in fact...disastrous economics, war, disease, our very survival in fact.
And, all of this human/cultural mess involves anthropology..the study of Man, Woman and Child!
Archaeologists who borrow anthropological tools, sometimes claim that they study everything, including the kitchen sink! But,
fortunately, and we need to thank God, we have the best help tools around for studying the various human societal problems.
We do have the great field of anthropology (the study of Man..or humanity if you will) with the five main branches of biology,
culture(ethnology), psychology, linguistics and archaeology. Other helpful fields for us are geology, paleontology, sociology
(sociology and anthropology overlap in many ways)...plus history(including military history - on every other page of
history)......and we are very big on ancient history (Athens, Rome and American Indians are especially important helps), and
all kinds of historical archaeology. Here in the U.S. the classic example is Colonial Williamsburg; excavation helped greatly
in reconstruction. It all falls into the great helpful "Laboratory of history" as the anthropologist Kroeber
called it - very important as is art and art history (much of the story of humanity is in art). More great material
for "The Laboratory!" This gets exciting when "operating" on some problem today! In addition,
we even have more "instruments." There are over 75 sub-branches of anthropology such as political and even spiritual
anthropology. This is a smorgasbord of instruments!
Archaeology
itself is one of the great universal languages of good, human interest, adventure and family relations. Many cultures today
actually live on top of ruins of their ancestors and appreciate archaeologists who care about such treasured relationships.
Archaeologists are very understanding of different cultures, their ways of doing things, religions, etc. They want
to learn all they can about them. They are champions of saving cultures...ancient and modern. Much priceless information can
be learned that can help one's own culture...maybe even save one's own culture! The Osage had this approach to other cultures...and
even the White intruders. The mighty Osage ruled a vast land in what is now the central U.S. Their land today is known as
the Ozarks Mountains and is as big as the country of France. Our WAS office is located in old Osage country. The Osage were
eager to learn about the Whites and even the missionaries - both Protestant and Catholic, although the missionaries had little
success converting the "pagans". The Native Americans were more brilliant than the missionaries realized.
They had a complicated religion that I would rank right up there with the great religions of today. If the missionaries had
only studied this culture more and appreciated how sharp they really were and applied Christian things to Osage things, they
might have made more headway, but I can't say for sure. They had a great helpful religion. It came out of the Mississippi
Culture, the great temple mound builders of the southeast U.S. See our section on the Osage on this site for
sources.
Archaeologists/anthropologists
have sadly seen much destruction of culture - both ancient (historical and prehistorical)...and living cultures in the Americas
and all around the world.
THE
GREAT PANORAMA OF ANTIQUITY. The picture of global antiquity is so vast and rich that when it finally
dawns on a person just how much there is and how far back in antiquity it goes...it is truly staggering. And all
of it is a great memorial to countless people....our ancestors. We may not be genetically related, but we are brothers
and sisters in a way. Their great cultures have come down to us (some we have to excavate to find out about...and all have
use). The archaeologists know about this more than anyone. They have actually stood in excavation pits where they
can see in the vertical wall profiles evidence of all the cultures. Sometimes these pits are very deep. It
is even hard for the archaeologists sometimes to get it in their heads about all the cultures and the time factor and also
the vast geographical factor. Here in the U.S. there is a very good chance that many ancients down through the millenia
knew about the very place the reader in the US is now either in the easy chair, out in the yard or at work
or going to work...and all along the way. In more ancient times they were more migratory, but as agriculture came
into the picture they were more settled, although even then they also sent out hunting groups and warriors over large
areas. They really got around, more than you can possibly imagine...and they didn't have cars, motorcycles and bikes!
Pawhuska or "White Hair" an Osage chief here in midwest fought George Washington out east! The Osage were
great friends and fellow traders of the French. Archaeologists have fun tracing the migrations all over continents. And we
still have "the mobile society." People really have a travelling itch. So, we must keep trails open...for a
number of reasons. Citizens need to commence studying all this. It
is a great legacy...learning how to deal with the land, protect the land, live off of it...and also how to get along with
each other...and explore the vast area of the Great Spirit. This is all tremendous wealth. We actually
need ancient knowhow desperately right now. Some of the tribes have managed to keep their cultures going. The
archaeologists have helped too. But, there is a constant great battle going on where forces of modern culture
would destroy all this. It is sickening to report, but the early rape of native culture and people by the white
glacier is still going on right now. Lots of educational work to do. All help appreciated.
It should be mentioned that many American archaeologists receive their degrees in anthropology. Classical archaeologists and
some other specialties have their own great characteristics. Moreover, many archaeologists and anthropologists are in the
teaching "Maestro" category in Latin America and elsewhere, and teachers are highly respected in many areas (but
not all) there.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR -
OR WHATEVER YOUR CELEBRATION IS CALLED - TO OUR READERS AND MEMBERS AROUND THE WORLD! At nearby Branson, in southwest
Missouri we have the annual Adoration Lighting and Parade (the first Sunday every December). My Dad, the late Steve
Miller and his friend Joe Todd founded the lighting 61 years ago. At one time I know, the lighting was one of the top
ten winter events in the country. People pour in by the thousands. It is a family event and generations and generations
come down. Folks bring folding chairs and blankets. Hint: be sure and come early! Joe, Mgr. of a furniture
store and Dad, Mgr. of the Owen theatre (the first theatre in Branson....now there are over 50....with a hundred shows
and more seats than on Broadway)...had the idea over a cup of coffee in the White River Grill. They didn't have
much time. The owner of the Grill gave the first contribution...$5.00. Dad was an artist and set to work on the big figures
about 18' tall. I helped paint between the lines. It all turned into quite an event; everyone is invited.
Dad and Joe wanted to be sure and celebrate the Christ Spirit. The Adoration Scene in on a big hillside across Lake
Taneycomo from Branson. There are ceremonies at the corner of Main and Commercial (the scene can be seen from there).
This is all ultimate anthropology. Again, we wish everyone the best... the Spirit of Good. Ron and the WAS
gang! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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WEATHER AND HOW THE ANCIENTS DELT WITH IT: As I write it is very cold out...bitter
with strong winds. Being in the world of archaeology I often think...how in the world did the ancients deal with it...and
for thousands of years at that? They were absolutely brilliant...and tough. They had many cold fighting tricks.
I have listed some in our Disaster section, but will list some here too. You might want to keep some of this info. handy. First, they knew that the south side of a hill or mountain was warmer than the north. That
side has been soaking up the sun's heat for months. But there is also more contrast from hot to cold. Soils scientists
and geologists study rocks on the south side and notice that there is more decomposition/erosion. But chances are if
you get in a bind out in the boonies, head for the south side (the north side will usually catch the wind blast). And,
of course, in the summer, the North side will be cooler. So, bluffs on south
side act as heat sinks. The Ozarks bluff-dwellers lived in rock shelters (semi-caves) on bluffs. They would
plant vertical posts in soil deposits if there were any such deposits and hang skins to box in the shelters. They
kept the home fires going; there is often much ash found in such shelters.
Also, caves are warmer - around 50 degrees plus or minus, and many an ancient scurried for these holes in cold weather.
They would usually build their fires close to the entrance, probably to keep from getting smoked out and also to keep
from smoking out a host of hibernating varmits. Your writer has run across some big mean snakes hiding in crevaces
in caves. So, keep on the lookout. Handy insulation. There
is much insulation handy in nature. Dried grass is great. The Indians would stuff it down in their moccasins or
boots. You can use it in many ways...to sleep on...as a blanket or stuffed here or there. Leaves and Pine needles
can be used as insulation, bedding and various protective devices. Branches of evergreens
come in handy in many ways. The Osage when out in temporary or summer
camps on hunting trips would plant saplings in a circle and bend toward the top. Then weave dried grass and other
vegetal material in and out. Leave a hole in top for smoke. This hole can be covered at night if the fire
is out. The Arickira, Mandan and Hidatsa on the upper Missouri R. covered the smoke holes of their semi-subterranean
lodges with their leather bull boats upside down. These semi-subterranean
lodges were brilliant, and some have been reconstructed in Mandan country. I have helped excavate many. They are circular,
around 30' in diamater (There were older semi-subterranean lodges that were rectangular...I helped excavate one of these.
They dug down about three feet or so and lined the big circle with vertical posts of cedar about 8' tall. They then
planted 4 heavy posts in a big square. Beams on top formed the square. Then, long, stout, cedar poles (if
available) were run from the walls up to the smoke hole. This framework was then covered with dirt, a fantastic
insulator, great for hot summer and bitter winter. By the way, an enclosed entranceway about 8' maybe longer faced the
rising sun. These entrance ways tapered down to a smaller door covered with skin. I don't know if there
was a drainage ditch around the outer circumference, but probably not a bad idea (from experience living in tents all summer
and some in winter). It is very good to get an idea of earth, insulation,
building theory. Modern homes in the ground really do need to provide for drainage. I can't remember for sure, but either
the University of Minn. or Wisconsin has an excellent manual on how to build a house in the ground. Such modern building
is quite a science. But, if you are stuck in an emergency think
of the insulation property of earth. Dig holes...cover structures with dirt. The indians made shovels of hafted bison
scapulas. So, if you don't have a shovel, think of making one from something at hand.
In the Army, your writer has had to sleep in pup tents in bitter cold and snow. We scrounged up some straw for the mattress.
The supply sgt. found some candles which we burned in helmets. This helped a lot but is dangerous near straw. You have
to watch it! (there is much more thanks to ancients). Entered Jan. 7th, 2010 - RM -
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SAMOANS NEED HELP. Your
writer just learned that some Samoans performing in nearby Branson, Missouri have relatives in Samoa, and help
is needed. One family had a death in Samoa due to the tsuname and needs help to get back. They perform at the
Dutton Theatre. The Dutton family has a daughter-in-law who is Samoan. She performs with the group also.
I was talking with her one time, and mentioned my favorite writer was Robert Louis Stevenson, and he wrote a famous poem I
have always liked "Home is the hunter....home from the sea," etc. This is engraved at site in Samoa where
he retired and passed away. Would you believe, right there and then she recited the entire poem!!! That
really made my day!!! I have found
out how to help the Samoans. Send contributions to Ozark Mountain Bank, Branson, MO. 400 S. Bus Hwy. 65, Branson, MO
65616. Make checks payable to: "Island Fire Family Relief Fund," Here is the Bank's number for information:
417 334 4125. Also, the Dutton Family Theatre is having a special benefit show, Saturday evening the 3rd of October.
I know Mrs. Dutton. She and I served
once on the Branson Veterans, Task Force, Education Committee.
The Dutton family has their own theatre on Hwy. 76. Each member of the family is multi-talented; they play many different
instruments, sing and dance. They are sharp. If some national network show should be in need of raising ratings, the
way to do it, is have the Duttons on. I guarantee this will raise ratings. We
are thinking of all the people having a hard time in Samoa and relatives here and elsewhere....and also the Indonesians
who just suffered from two big earthquakes! I hope Dr. Quiko, who calls himself "Java Man", and family
are o.k. Best - Ron Miller, Dir., WAS - - -
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HELP
NEEDED TO RESTORE LITTLE SCHOOL HOUSE - FIRST SCHOOL ATTENDED BY DR. GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER FAMED CREATIVE SCIENTIST, TEACHER,
ARTIST, PHILOSOPHER, THEOLOGIAN.
The little school in Neosho, Missouri, eight miles from the Moses Carver homestead at
Diamond, Missouri, was a Lincoln School, a school for blacks. There are very few of these schools left in the country. Carver
attended this school when he was ten. This was his first school. Blacks couldn't attend the white school at Diamond. It is
quite a story about his exploring the natural world around the homestead and Carver Creek and then his leaving home on a great
educational odyssey. When looking at the Carver story there can be no excuses for any student to not get an education. During
the Civil War, Carver was born in a 14 foot square log cabin close to the Moses Carver house just across Carver Creek. Shortly
thereafter dreaded Bushwhakers roaming the no-man's land area between border states raided the homestead, strung Moses Carver
up by thumbs to try and find the location of his money. He wouldn't talk. Disgusted, the Bushwhakers kidnapped the baby Carver
and his mother and took them down into Arkansas. Moses sent a stalwart soul to try and find them. The man could only find
the baby; the mother was lost. The baby had a severe case of whooping caugh, finally cured by a home remedy of onion juice
and sorghum. But he was sickly for a number of years after. When he finally attended the little school in Neosho he stayed
with "Aunt Mariah." After three years he took off on an educational journey. He loved learning about things. He
would work many jobs. Finally, having overcome great obstacles he made it to Iowa State. After receiving a Masters, Booker
T. Washington invited him to Tuskegee in Alabama. Eventually, he would save farmers of the South - the Boll Weevel and mined
soil had left the lands destitue, and with poor people still revovering from Civil War, he nevertheless, instigated crop rotation
methods using the nitrogen producing peanut to restore fertility. He invented many products from peanuts and yams (over 300)
to diversify sales. He helped all of us in many ways, went on to be friends of many greats, Edison, Ghandhi and many more.
He is one of the great Americans. The little school house is a tremendous symbol of overcoming hardship and the power of education
and God (whom he believed in greatly). The lessons here are numerous.
Here's the problem now. The first school he attended
was found to be within a little house. It had been encapsulated down through the years since the days just after the Civil
War. The school within is in bad shape, and the outer house is not all that great. The Natl. Park Service architects and archaeologists
have done some research. The Carver Birthplace Center is located not far away near Diamond, Missouri. The Natl. Park Service
is in charge. This Center was founded by an Act of Congress. It is a major Dept. of the Interior/Park Serv. operation. Greats
such as Einstein, Hemingway, Pearl Buck and many others helped promote the Act of Congress that established the Center.
However, as you may have guessed there is a money problem now in the government (and, yes, everywhere).
The little school is actually owned by the Carver Birthplace Association (Hq. at the Center). Your writer is a member of this
organization. "Outside help is o.k," said Lana Henry, Head Ranger.
So, there you are; any help appreciated
to restore the school.. Any school kids like to help? You would have to wash cars, mow grass, etc. But what a tremendous project.
The Carver qualities are just what our country needs right now (really what the entire world needs!), creative science, practical
teaching methods that have been proven to raise test scores today, a peaceful, spiritual approach, high type character, and
much more.
And maybe some grownups out there would like to help?
Contact Paxton Williams, Dir. of the Carver Birthplace Association --- (417) 325 4151....or www.carversfriends.org. ....or
write: George Washington Carver Birthplace Association, 5646 Carver Road, Diamond, MO 64840. You can also join the Carver
Birthplace Assoc.
Paxton puts on a great show as Carver. Paxton said he wants to help any way he can. If you need more
information on Carver...and maybe a swell show, be sure and contact him.
I don't know anyone who knows more about Carver
than he does. Paxton has a one man play as George Washington Carver, Sunday, Feb. 28th, 2:30 pm at Elsie Plaster Community
Center, Crowder College, Neosho, MO.
As you may know, Carver is one
of our mentors here at the WAS (see our Aims section).
Note: I learned about the whooping cough remedy given to the baby
Carver from a talk on Carver given by author Peter Duncan Burchard at the July 11, '09 Carver Day Celebration at the Carver
Birthplace Center.
Entered here Sept. 13, and 15, '09 - Also, the note on Paxton's play, Feb. 20, '10. Ron Miller
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OFFICER JOHNS' FAMILY FUND AT HOLOCAUST MUSEUM.
First, we wanted to tell readers that our National Holocaust Museum in Washington,
DC has a Family Fund for officer Stephen Tyrone Johns (1969 - 2009) killed recently.
All contributions will go directly
to the family. The contributions are not tax-deductable. There are three ways to contribute:
Mail check payable to USHMM
Officer Johns Family Fund to USHMM 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington, DC 20024.
Visit: http://web.ushmm.org/officerjohns
Call toll free: 877-918-7466 (from 8:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.
eastern time)
According to an e-mail sent by the Holocaust
Museum, the family minister suggested this at the funeral.
Sincerely, Ron, posted June 23, '09
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Holocaust Museum often has fellowships and jobs.
The following listing has expired, but will give the readers an idea of what they do. They also have many programs and lectures
around the country. Remember, this is our U.S. Museum.
JOB VACANCY WITH NATIONAL HOLOCAUST MUSEUM. The National
Holocaust Museum (our U.S. Museum) has an opening in their Berlin office for Communication and Programme Officer. It's a Grade
P2 equivalent. The closing date is 15 Mar. 2009. You will have to have an advanced degree. For information write: info.@holocaust-taskforce.org.
Isn't this something? An opening re. the Holocaust in Berlin. The Holocaust Museum has a group of member countries that do
good work, and Germany is one of them. Our hats are off to all the officials in Germany. The name of this combined Task Force
is: Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research. What great work they are doing.
We wish them all the best (for all of our sakes!
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POLICY
RE. RETURN OF ARTIFACTS TO COUNTRY OF ORIGIN.
We here at the WAS are so respectful of other
cultures that we believe, re. the issue of artifacts removed from original countries, that they should be returned. "Do
unto others." Your writer was taught that artifacts should be so carefully studied and recorded that you then have the
artifact on paper or plastic. Your writer came from the school that it is science that is important. Yes, money is important
for research and eating, but when it comes to the artifacts, we aren't ruled by money or self. "It is the story that
the artifacts can tell that is most important." And, again, we are thinking of the other person. As General Swartzkoff
said in his lecture on leadership and character at the local college: "Do the right thing." And, Jesus stressed
over and over to think of your neighbor.
To understand our thinking better here at the WAS, one needs to realize that
we are constantly battling the "Pack rat syndrome," - and we have done this for 60 years. There are many pot-hunters
who dig up artifacts (destroying for all time the important associated clues in the soil!!), and like pack rats carry the
artifacts back to their collection "scrambled nests" for hording or possibly selling underground. You can't believe
how many unscrupulous antique dealers there are out there. Yes, of course, there are some great museums and antique people.
And many artifacts in the wrong museums have been carefully excavated, but more and more museum
artifacts are being returned to the country of origin. This is great, but there are still some big holdouts. And make sure
that the artifacts will be well cared for. There is a lot involved in preservation. And if some new information about the
artifact comes to light back at the country of origin, they should go to great lengths to inform the temporary adoptive care
person.
Make casts of the originals - with permission of true owners. Be thoughtful toward each other.
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Thanks to all the folks around the globe
sending in information - books, journals, newsletters, comments.
This all goes into our anthropological "hopper"
here at the WAS Information Center.
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We can be reached for help with archaeological first aid and other archaeological/anthropological help matters at the following
e-mail address: ronwriterartist@aol.com. This is also the address for our Timbertop Studio associated with the W.A.S. and
for all art needs.
Just think, if our U.S. Gov't. had studied ethnology (a branch of anthropology) of another country,
say Iraq, we wouldn't be having all the problems we are having now. This should have come under "contingency thinking"
in the Operation's Branch (G-4). We practically beg people to make use of anthropology, but it's like shouting to the wind!
What with constant destruction of the antiquities by the concrete, asphalt, glacier,
more and more population, natural forces, looting, etc. we have our work cut out for us. There is a great need for education
and laws and helping the researchers. There are many other challenges as well in our studies, such as - inflation, keeping
up with new methodology, finding time to research in a fast paced world.
And, something else we stress. While we are
very scientific, we also believe in having fun.
We also try hard to cut through scholarly gobbledygook. It's a curious
fact that strange scholarly language attracts dust as a powerful magnet! And many of these dust magnets are lost on dingy
shelves in departmental innersanctums of universities and colleges...and also in deep stacks of libraries around the world.
Basic research is crucial, but communication must be promoted. We often find ourselves in the business of translating "foreign
scholarly languages." So, we promote communication - not "impressive communication in departments"...but communication
having empathy for another "culture"...the "people culture"- climbing over the ivy walls...where society
is in desperate need of help. And, who can help society better than students of humanity?).
One of the massive problems faced by archaeologists and mentioned a little above, but deserving of much more space is the
problem of the fake artifact industry and underground artifact (including real and fake) selling. It is an enormous area.
The fakers are very very good. They delight in fooling or trying to fool naive buyers. They really get a thrill if they
can fool a pro. Many have tried to fool your writer, bringing all kinds of artifacts into a museum for analysis.
One guy brought a lard bucket of chert artifacts in. There were pieces and complete artifacts. Something told me to examine
every one. So, I spread them out on a tarp on the floor. Sure enough there were a few mods. There was
a visitor to the museum, a very wealthy man. He wore a bola tie with an artifact. Thinking he knew it was a fake,
I said "that's a great repro bola tie there." Suddenly, flame shot out of his eyes and ears (just kidding...but
it almost happened). He was furious at me. In fact, I braced myself, because he almost took a swing at me.
He had probably been taken for a pile of money...and also the ego was fractured when discovering he had been taken to the
cleaners. There was also a big multi-million dollar contributor to the museum. I discovered that half of the big
artifact collection he had contributed was fake. I thought I would get a medal and patted on the back, but just the
opposite happened. He was furious. He had been taken for thousands of dollars. He was a real naive plum.
The fakers had even taken him out in the field and pointed out some statue in the ground (obviously planted). The fakers
are slick. They soak artifacts in wet nails to give an iron patina...and also soak and put in a freezer to pop off new
little flake scars of chert points. There are even industries of fakers who make exotic large points and blades of Carerra
glass, soaked in hydroflouric acid to give a dulled chert surface. There is one famous little fake pot/figure made by
some Indians in Oklahoma. A kneeling figure is holding a little pot out front. The story is that tribal members
walk by and urinate in the pot, then, sell to the naive white man.
This
fake stuff is going on all over the world. And, the pot-hunters are even furiously seeking and digging up real artifacts
(wrecking
priceless info about the story of the artifact) and selling. A report just in from China tells of the
terrible problem they are having in indiscriminate digging and artifact sales. China has tremendous national
antiquity. But this is a major problem....especially with hard times. Just like in ancient Egypt, tomb- robbers are
out there working away caring nothing for the priceless history of the land. They are blinded by money. It is going
on here in the U.S. and all around the world as we speak. We are losing our history and prehistory. Much
education and new laws are needed. One pot-hunter in China was just executed.
Good
excavations in life. Sincerely, Ron Miller, Dir. WAS, 120 Lakewood Drive, Hollister, Missouri, 65672 USA. E-mail: ronwriterartist@aol.com
This web site is: www.worldarchaeologicalsociety.com
NOTE; Sometimes incoming e-mails end up in a Spam folder and we
lose, but keep trying.
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HOPE & THE HEALERS OF MT.
PELION
We have a new publication out: Hope & the Healers of MT. Pelion. WAS Special Publication
No. 17. For information see: News and Publications on this site (click at bottom of this section.
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RULES OF THE FIND -
In case you find something
that you believe is important, say, a bone with a projectile point next to it, or an odd looking bone sticking out of a bank,
or a rock-shelter with some woven material or pots, here are some rules of the find.
Take a deep breath! Sit down
and think this thing over. You've got to be cool here and DO NOT TOUCH OR DISTURB THE SITE. You don't want to disturb possible
associations.
Archaeological Rules
THE RULE OF THE ASSOCIATION:
The rule of the association
is one of the most important rules in all of archaeology. The best example was the Folsom Point discovery in Black Horse Draw
near Folsom, New Mexico by a black cowboy George McJunkin. He found some bones sticking out of the bank as he was riding by.
Fortunately, he tried to get some bone collectors to come look, but they didn't get out until after McJunkin's death.
Eventually word got to the Denver Museum and Dr. Figgins. Excavation revealed extinct giant bison bones and fluted points
in association - possibly the greatest find ever in America. It established as true the association of man and extinct beast,
10,000 years ago. Up until this find, it was believed to be an impossiblity - Man in the Americans this far back! The key
was the points and bones in an undisturbed matrix. One of the experts called in to verify was Dr. Frank H.H. Roberts head
archaeologist of the Smithsonian. Roberts, my old boss one time, did come and did verify this bombshell association.
Associations at every dig are important. Various artifacts next to this or that feature or other
artifact or in this or that level (horizontal or vertical)are important associations. So, it is easy to see that if some indiscriminate
digger or pot-holer digs at a site, just looking for some goodies, that all sorts of associations will be ruined for all time
(I repeat - FOR ALL TIME). What a catastrophe. So, don't touch. Even highly trained archaeologists have to be extremely careful.
This brings up another rule:
THE RULE THAT ALL SITES AND FINDS ARE IMPORTANT. Your site doesn't have to be a Folsom
site to be important. ALL SITES ARE IMPORTANT...and ALL FINDS ARE IMPORTANT. A tiny flint chip is important. It may show evidence
along the edge that it was used as a knife. The type of flint can be traced to a certain ancient flint quarry. Such a man-made
object can be tied in to some other find in that level (an association). All finds are clues to help solve archaeological
mysteries. Treat these clues with great respect.
So, it is easy to mess things up at a site and lose a lot of priceless
knowledge. Let the archaeologists check this out. This brings up still another rule:
THE RULE OF CALLING AN ARCHAEOLOGIST:
Do as George McJunkin, call someone or organization. Call someone at a Univ. Dept. of Anthropology or Archaeology...or someone
in the Classic's Dept...or a museum...or the State Archaeology Office at the Capitol...or an archaeology society. You have
to be careful here, as some societies are curio collecting societies. There are really some fine societies here in the U.S.A.,
e.g., The Mass. Archae. Soc., The Alabama Archae. Soc., the Mo. Archae. Soc. and more. If you are in Denmark call the Bog
Section of the Danish Natl. Museum. England has some great societies. England has always been a leader in archaeology, and
I have personally admired them greatly.
Call the Berlin Museum and Antiq. Authority in Italy...or
The Cairo Museum...or
the Louvre in France...or the Univ. in Lima...or the Albright Center in Jerusalem..or the Russian Dept. of Sciences...or the
Bejing Museum (it's impossible to list all here, but you get the idea).
In the meantime, there is another rule:
THE
RULE OF PROTECTING THE SITE. Protect it from animals, people and the weather. If you really think it is important, put a fence
around it. Cover it with a tarp...don't tell anyone except an archaeologist. Some pot-hunters can get downright ornery, so,
be careful. They get desperate for goodies - the fancy pots, etc. (totally ignoring and trampling those tiny clues and associations
mentioned earlier). They get dollar signs in their eyes, and their brains short circuit.
If it turns out that your find
is nothing of archaeological importance, that is fine. What a great learning experience. Everyone is constantly learning in
archaeology...even the best of the archaeologists. You are learning about real scientific archaeology now. Great! This trying
and interest is wonderful. It is much appreciated, because, unfortunately, there just aren't too many people who care. Thanks
much for caring about the story of the past in whatever part of the world you are in.
THE RULE OF WRITING AND RECORDING
IN ARCHAEOLOGY.
Writing and recording is of utmost importance in archaeology. An archaeologist will be looking at your
find in many different ways and one important way is that of writing and recording. He or she will at first be taking mental
notes such as: the site is close to a little gully that empties into a larger stream. And perhaps 100 yards to the northeast
is an old farm shed. If the archaeologist decides to excavate there will be much record keeping on site forms and much entered
into a portable computer. Each level down will undergo a detailed exam of the horizontal and vertical profile and depth of
any finds and features...and entered into the site record. The archaeologist knows that excavation will actually destroy the
site, so very detailed records must be kept. He or she has only one shot at it. The name of the game is observation and recording.
And besides written notes there will be art and photos.
There will also be a daily log written - as a ship captain's
daily log.
Then, finally, there will be a formal report written, which will probably appear in some journal to be shared
with other scholars.
Also, along the way there might be "popular accounts" written for local newspapers or
some other publications.
So, archaeologists do a lot of writing and recording and various written analyses. Your site
will be documented in such a good way that if need be it could be reconstructed someplace else. Again, don't touch any of
this scene before you unless trained in archaeological method.
THE RULE OF SCIENCE IN ARCHAEOLOGY.
All of the above
rules are really science in action. Archaeology is a science. Science is the way we all must go. This scientific approach
will capture vastly more information than just indescriminate pot-holing or curio collecting. This scientific organized approach
was invented by Aristotle. The more all of us can study science the better.
Ron Miller, Mar. 26, 2007
THE RULE
OF GOOD SURFACE COLLECTING
Hunting artifacts - surface collecting -is great fun and sport. Many folks do this. They get
out in the great outdoors. It's wonderful exercise - all that walking and bending over to see if that speck of stone might
be an artifact. All of them have "arrowhead hunting sticks" that besides being used as a walking stick is helpful
in turning over those specks and odd looking things. Still a lot of bending is involved.
My Dad and I and sometimes
a neighbor and some little friends would go arrowhead hunting - or surface collecting as the archaeologists say. We really
did a good deed, because as things would have it, the arrowhead-hunting fields around Branson and Hollister where we looked
has now
been overgrown with all kinds of building projects that happened because of the unbelievable "Branson theatre
boom" like a new gold rush! So, if we hadn't done this, think of all the antiquity that would have been lost. I finally
got around to publishing much of our finds in WAS Special Publication #16 - The Archaeology and Anthropology of the Branson-Hollister,
Missouri Area....With Thoughts on Archaeology as Part of the Environmental Picture and Archaeoturism - Putting Antiquity to
Work Today." A windy title, but there is a lot involved. And, I still have many of our finds to study and organize.
This brings up the rule for good surface-collecting. You need to keep site records. You can get site forms from
your
state archaeological society or some other good society. Letter a little code in India ink on the artifact:
State No.
(when it entered the Union), County abbreviation,
and site number. Give it an arbitrary no. if none is available...and
note in your catalog of artifacts. Yes, keep a catalong...and keep a copy away from your house "museum" in case
something drastic happens you'll still have a record. You can have all kinds of fun with these artifacts. Look up styles in
Point Type Books...there are dozens out there now - one of the greatest developments of archaeology. But back at the original
site, put finds in bags per the site areas and label on the bags...info. above and anything else of importance, say, 50 feet
southwest of farmer Jone's barn. Use a US Geological Survey Map (these are great) and mark on the map for double checking.
Now, you may want to do a report for your local society. Great! Now, you are really getting those artifacts out of the ole'
shoe box or fruit jar and into the flow of science. You are helping the public greatly...and far into the future. Just think
of all the good you are doing! No one else is going to do it. Really quite a responsibility for you and society. If you don't
do it, the info will be lost forever! Holy Cats! You are extremely important.
I have just hit some of the high spots
here, but you can see the importance of good surface-collecting. So, have great fun...and go an extra step or two and help
society. Your information is priceless!
Ron. Entered Nov. 3, 2008
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