# September 26 Readings
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### "Alternative archaeologies," by Gabriel Moshenska
- the phrase, "alternative archaeology" (122) Society is always looking for something to be different, to be unique, yet when an individual or 'we' are on the outside, we hate it and crave to be part of the homegenity that is mankind.
- as to exist beyond the margin - if and how we should respond to these forms of archaeology - all sharing a common feature of epistemology
- unclear boundaries between mainstream and pseudo with the goal of becoming "long neglected truth" (123)
- *archaeology and the theme of origins is thought provoking. Wanting to tell a history of peoples and presenting it to the world. To whose glory and what narrative of presentation? The idea of origin story makes me think of indigenous stories and cultural transmision.* (hyperdiffusionism)
- romantic nostalgia for old ideas/spiritual traditions
- a goal of promoting religious truth thorugh archaeology
- "Like most hyperdiffusionist beliefs, these beliefs are based in part on a derogatory view of past human societies that empha-sises or exaggerates their primitive nature and lack of technological or intellectual abilities, often within an implicitly racist framework." (126) what a bold statement. Does this resound for all religious beliefs in relation to archaeology or can they be separated?
- typologies (129)
- trying to find human agency amongst natural processes is a common compulsion - Why?
- interesting to study occult archaeology - What has come from this? How much of what would be represented would be skewed?
- What frameworks are involved in this subset of archaeology? Who is the mass audience?

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### "The Treasure Act and Portable Antiquities Scheme in England and Wales" by Bland, Lewis, Robbins and Many Friends

* Treasure Act of 1996 - legistlation governing portable antiquities. Came into effect/applying to objects found from September of 1997 foreward (coins and objects assocaited with Treasure- who determines what treasure is? Subjective)
* cheap metal detectors during the 1970s hahaha so funny. All in good cause, just casually helping out the ridiculously valuable Staffordshire Treasure Hoard, no big deal.
* most other european countries required a licence to search for arhcaeological objects of any sort
* The [Portable Antiquities Scheme](https://finds.org.uk/) encourages metal detective users to report their findings (finds are returned to finders after recording)
* ammendments to the treasure act (118-119) requring not only finders to report items but people who acquire items via market; and an obligation to hand over treasure, not ust report it. - This idea of integrity reminds me of an article Marlowe critqued [Gary Vikan](http://www.west86th.bgc.bard.edu/responses/american-museums-first-a-response-to-gary-vikan/), former director of Walter's Art Museum, believed that looted objects should only have a certain time frame for them to be returned to their country of origin and for the looter to admit to the act. No one is going to admit to looting an object. Who honestly wants jail-time?
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### "The Market for Ancient Art" by David Gill

- basically, consumerism creates havoc, as rich people want to collect items, therefore looters have greater insentive.
- Ricardo Elia, "Collectors are the real looters." (quoted 188) - I like this concept. How does this bold statement affect the market? How would it affect viewers perceptions of the looted objects through this new narrative lens?
- the activity of artwork, as it travels around the market can occasionally reveal he original location (190)
- a reminder of 1970s UNESCO, which is not as tightly knit as Britains/Whale's Treasure Act, which admittingly needs revision
- indivdiduals seek to purchase and create collections that can be dispersed amongst museums, therefore creating a name for them- seen and revered publically.
- the antiquity market has the third greatest value after drugs and weapons (198)

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## Creative Writing September 26

* What does achraeology want from people?
* What do people want from archaeology?

Zena Kamash and the arch article in Syria
Cornellius Holtorf look up this dutch man
* archaeology as a brand

What is archaeology for anyways?
What are the corresponding levels?

hobby lobby buy a piece of the bible legally on ebay
Where narratives generate power for certain people?