Abstract This paper looks at important elements of the Bible, specifically the story of the flood and Noah's Ark as well as other related aspects of Genesis in the context of archeology. The paper examines problems with the creationist explanation of the Noah's ark story and why it doesn't fit with modern scientific and archaeological research, as well as discussing some reasons why people prefer the Creationist approach.
From the Paper "Everyone in the western world knows what they're looking at when they see a representation of an old man, a boat and a pair of animals, whether they be giraffes, rabbits or elephants. One doesn't need to be an active believer in any of the Biblical faiths to identify Noah and his Ark. In fact, the old man with a boat and some animals would probably have been an identifiable figure in the ancient world as well, from the Mediterranean to Indonesia, but especially in the middle east, where creation stories have included a divine salvation from a flood since the second millennium B.C. (Thompson 15; Bright 33)."
Abstract This paper examines the contributions of the Leakey family. The paper discusses Louis Leakey, the British-Kenyan archaeologist and paleoanthropologist who gained world-renowned fame and professional prestige for his academic studies of human origins. It then goes on to enumerate the successes and contributions of other members of the Leakey family.
From the Paper "The Leakey Family: An Analysis of Accomplishments The British-Kenyan archaeologist and paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey gained world-renowned fame and professional prestige for his academic studies of human origins. Leakey, his wife and professional partner Mary, and their son Richard made key paleoanthropological discoveries that dramatically enhanced our understanding of humanity's earliest ancestors. Richard Leakey and his wife, Maeve, continued their family's legacy of paleoanthropological research and inspired their daughter Louise to become a paleoanthropologist as well. (Kirjasto 2005) This generational dedication to the study of anthropology began when Louis Seymour Bazett Leakey was born in Kenya on August 7, 1903 to Harry and Mary Leakey, who were English missionaries."
Abstract This paper examines the relationships between archaeologists and the descendants of those they study, particularly in the North American southwest desert. The paper specifically looks at the Anasazi and their Hopi and Zuni descendants and the differences between the archaeologists' interpretation of history and that of the native people. The paper also looks at the role of Pan-Indian identity and ethnicity.
This paper examines the Carneiro's anthropological theories of South American archaeology in light of David J. Wilson's recent additions to his research.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, 2006, $ 35.95
Abstract This paper discusses the necessity of ongoing research as a tool for building knowledge in all scientific fields. The example of Carneiro's anthropological theories from the 1970's is used in light of new research in the field by David J. Wilson. Wilson's methods of testing previously held theories and building on them is highlighted.
From the Paper "Carneiro's Coercive Theory: In any of the sciences, previously published and discussed theories are important for the continuation of growth and discovery within the field of study. In the social science of anthropology, this manner of building upon previous scholarship is no different than in any other science. Previously held theories are reviewed with and applied to current studies by current anthropologists. One recent example of this can be found in the work of David J. Wilson as he studied archaeology in South America. Wilson tested the hypotheses that were laid out by 1970s American anthropologist Robert Carneiro. This paper shall deal with how Wilson's work related to and built upon Carneiro's Coercive Theory, first defining and laying out just what this theory is, and then studying how Wilson's work added to scientific thought by using said theory. In the 1970s, anthropologist Robert Carneiro was investigating..."
Abstract This six page paper looks closely at the ancient and historical figure of Eratosthenes, who died around 195 BC. He made many significant contributions to the fields of science, mathematics, astronomy, geography, and many others. His discovery of the diameter of the earth has been proven to be highly accurate today. As thus, his work is of lasting importance.
From the Paper "Eratosthenes, a Greek scholar from about 276-195 B.C, is remembered chiefly for his scientific measurements of the earth's circumference. His work, albeit somewhat unacknowledged by his contemporaries, resulted in fantastic scientific experiments which are comparably accurate even today. By looking briefly at his biography, and then the results of his experiments, Eratosthenes will be shown to be both a highly important as well as a highly innovative thinker of his age, regardless of how he was considered at the time of his life work. Born in North Africa, Cyrene, Eratosthenes spent much of his educational time in Athens. In Athens he received the education..."
Abstract Mesopotamia is a region between the Tigris and Euphrates which rose significantly in terms of urbanization in the Old World. Archaeologists, anthropologists, sociologists and Near Eastern historians have shown us how ceremonial, commercial, and redistributive concepts developed in this region. This paper discusses archaeological perspectives on the beginning of civilization.
From the Paper "For example, arguments from Paul Wheatley asserted that the ceremonial centers drew people to listen to the religious texts within temples, which primarily began urban generation. Fustel de Coulanges revived the same idea that Wheatley comprised. In essence, ceremonial centers were definitely established before obtaining economical roles, which took centuries later. Religion provided the authority to bring forth agricultural goods or other resources (Wieroop 24)."
Abstract This paper discusses how in "The Clash of Civilizations and the Making of the World Order", Harvard political scientist Samuel Huntington argues that the modern world should be viewed not as bipolar, or as a collection of nation-states, but as a set of seven or eight cultural civilizations. The paper further discusses how, according to Huntington, these cultural entities are distinct and large enough to be called civilizations, and are fated to interact in terms of their respective civilizational identities, which may lead to a clash of civilizations.
An assessment of "An Epistemological Inquiry into Some Archaeological and Historical Interpretations of 17th Century Nation American-European Relations" by Michael S. Nassaney.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 0 sources, 2006, $ 35.95
Abstract This paper assesses Michael S. Nassaney's article, "An Epistemological Inquiry into Some Archaeological and Historical Interpretations of 17th Century Nation American-European Relations" showing that objective interpretations are based on the current society. According to the paper, Nassaney's article discusses the archaeological records of the Narragansett Native American tribe. His thesis states "I will show that 'objective' interpretations of the archaeological record are ideologically charged while serving to empower those with access to the record".
Abstract In "Dimensions of Imperial Control: The Vijayanagara Capital," Carla Sinopoli and Kathleen Morrison confront this difficulty in archaeological investigation, attempting a more cautious and evidence-based analysis of the sites of power in and around the capital city of the Vijayanagara empire. They begin their assessment, rightly, with a basic ideological assumption about the nature of archaeology of ancient empires: overarching models that describe imperial control and loci of power that are relatively useless.
From the Paper "Archaeology can be a frustrating discipline. The scholars who form the ranks of the world's archaeological institutions spend lifetimes sifting through scant clues to reconstruct the intimate details of civilizations long gone. Mistakes are easily made. Evidence is easily misinterpreted. It takes years of pointed training to develop the practical and intellectual skills to draw some meaningful conclusions regarding the characteristics of the ancient world. It's somewhat akin to trying to solve a murder mystery with only the briefest of clues that happened thousands of years prior. (In fact, Bob Brier--a famous Egyptologist--did just that, working to solve what he concluded was the murder of Tutankhamen)."
Abstract In this article, the writer describes the different modern technologies that are utilized by archaeologists. The writer discusses how such technologies affect the historical values of the artifacts discovered.
In this paper the writer determines the impact of the technologies on the future of archaeology. Further, the writer discusses the various advantages and disadvantages of modern technologies in the field of archaeology.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background of the Study
Presentation
Excavation and Research
Restoration
Preservation
Discussion
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Objectives
Scope and Limitation
Participants
Research Design
Methodology and Research Instrument
Statistical Treatment
Data Presentation and Analysis
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Archaeology is a difficult profession. Archaeologists must do constant and thorough research on the subject matter to ensure discovery of real artifacts. In this regard, modern archaeology is now utilizing different methods and strategies in excavation, research, restoration and preservation that are necessary for the development and improvement of archaeology. These methods also include the application of modern technologies such as computers, modern gadgets that are capable of enhancing imagery of the artifacts and equipment that are capable of capturing the uniqueness and richness of the archaeological artifacts discovered.
The future of archaeology will, in any manner possible, continue to be affected by the evolution of modern technologies. Their effects may either be positive or negative."
Abstract This paper is a review and critical evaluation of the Hollywood movie "The Mummy", about mummies, ancient Egypt and archeology. In particular, it looks at how although it has many factual errors, the movie's non-fictional information about ancient Egyptian practices and history are rather precise.
From the Paper "The funeral procession in the movie was also very precise in depicting correct ancient Egyptian practices. Royal funerals in ancient Egypt were grandiose affairs that included offering bearers, priests, and mourners. All kinds of food and grave goods were carried by the offering bearers. Priests would be chanting spells and hymns while burning incense. The coffin of the deceased would be pulled on a sled by oxen, and behind the whole procession were the mourners who would be hired to cry loudly and tear their clothes in grief. All of these specific rituals and practices were successfully portrayed in the 1932 classic when Imhotep shows Helen the funeral procession of Ankhsunamun."
Abstract This paper explains that an ossuary is a bone box, which is often used for the purposes of reburial; the James Ossuary, which was found in 2002, bore the inscription "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus". The author points out that, from the beginning, there was a great deal of controversy surrounding the discovery of this particular ossuary especially the fact that the James ossuary was not found by qualified archaeologists. The paper concludes that, while it was from the first century, the inscription on the ossuary was a forgery.
From the Paper "The author [of "Jesus and the Ossuaries"] explains that, since the James ossuary was not found by archaeologists in a properly controlled environment and because of the historic inscription that it bore, there was a great deal of skepticism surrounding its authenticity. The author asserts that initially examinations of the ossuary by epigraphers, geologists, linguists and paleographers, found that the ossuary itself was probably an authentic first century artifact. In addition, they concluded that the inscription was also first century Aramaic."
Abstract This paper examines current issues in archaeology, most specifically the problems in American curation. The author describes the emphasis archaeology places on excavation, yet cites the lack of resources allocated for maintaining artifacts. The author further highlights the problems with storage facilities, conservation of artifacts, and making finds available to the public. The paper concludes stating that the curation crisis is the product of poor planning, idealization of field work versus curation work, and a zealous but misguided approach to archeology as a whole
From the Paper "Entire collections of artifacts across the country are simply vanishing or being hidden away so deeply that they are forgotten about completely, not to mention being stored in substandard conditions that do not preserve them for posterity. Items such as soil samples and bits of charcoal offer a wealth of information, however because they do not have any commercial value on the antiquities market, they are treated as if they are in fact worthless. Unfortunately, archaeological sites are becoming more rare, and as the availability of new artifacts lessens, it becomes even more important to care for the artifacts that have already been unearthed and continue having them available for further research. ("A Curation Crisis") The San Diego Archeological Center defines curation as the care, management, and use of archeological collections. "Care means that you prevent deterioration, management means that collections are organized and accessible, and use means that you use collections for scientific research, public education or cultural use." (San Diego) Curation is a matter of respect for the cultures from which collections have been obtained, as well as respect for the educational value of these artifacts for today and tomorrow, not to mention respect for the amount of work and money that has been invested in these collections. However, this respect is not currently an inherent part of the archaeological or curation process, and while steps are being taken towards improving the current conditions, a new approach must be taken in order to prevent further deterioration of collections and eventually fix the problem."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the supposed origins of man. According to the paper, studies and archaeological evidence show that man first lived in South Africa. The paper goes on to discuss evidence that proves that the remains found there are of humans rather than animals. The paper further discusses evolution.
From the Paper "So we know these African fossils were human, because they had certain body characteristics that other animals do not have. They had a triangular foot, which allowed them to walk long distances upright on two feet. They had a truly opposable thumb which allowed them to develop fine more skills. Their shoulder, knee and hip joints showed adaptations for walking, slightly different from other hominids (human like animals). Their skulls had a larger space for a brain and the patterns inside the skull bones showed more development of the frontal lobe, the one we use for thinking. Finally their teeth were a variety that allowed them to eat all kinds of food. They had sharp teeth for cutting meat and vegetables, double pointed teeth for tearing and large grinding teeth for mashing up seeds and plants."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the lives of Woodland Indians. According to the paper, the study of Woodland Indian culture is difficult, the reason being a lack of evidence. Many artifacts and remains were destroyed by amateurs lacking the skills to preserve the evidence. However, archaeologists were able to substantiate an entire society's way of life by tracking and analyzing how much chert was to be found in rocks and stream beds.
From the Paper "They also left weapons, including; arrowheads, axes, spearheads and knives of many different shapes and sizes. A well trained archeologist would be able to glean much information from these artifacts if allowed to discover them in their context. The museum also displayed how the Woodland Indians played and hunted."
"One display showed how hunting was their main source for food and also supplied them with skins for clothing and bedding to keep them warm during the winter. That same display informed us that the Indians played many games, including lacrosse. There were some games that only the woman played, while the men also showed off their skills at archery and spear throwing. Dice was also popular, although they probably did not use the same type of manufactured dice that we use today. "
