This documentary narrated by Academy Award winner Linda Hunt and directed by Jed Riffe tells the story of how the discovery of a 9000-year-old skeleton on the banks of the Columbia River near Kennewick, Washington. By ordering or viewing, you agree to our Terms.
How would you decide who owns the past?
The quest to determine who actually owns the past generally involves the digging and sinking deeper in the cultural heritage of different communities and exploring their cultural endowments in order to know who owns what and to what extent the community was involved in the development of the cultural heritage.
What are the laws governing ownership of the past in the USA?
The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 is a federal law that protects archaeological resources in the United States. Archaeological sites contain important and irreplaceable information about the past. Unfortunately, climatic changes, development, vandalism, and looting destroy sites at an alarming rate.
Why is looting a problem for archaeologists?
Looting objects from an area takes them out of the historical context where they were left long ago. Archaeologists studying a looted site can form an inaccurate or incomplete understanding of that site, culture, and historical time period. This loss of information is serious, and it is a disadvantage to everyone.
Does the past belong to everyone?
The National Historic Preservation Act Archaeological sites contain important and irreplaceable information about the past. The past belongs to everyone, and it is everyone’s responsibility to help protect and preserve it.
Where do rights to property come from?
Property rights come from culture and community. One person living in isolation does not need to worry about property rights. However, when a number of people come together, they need to define and enforce the rules of access to and the benefits from property.
Is archeology illegal?
In the United States, thanks to several different laws that protect traditional cultural properties and archaeological sites, it is illegal to tamper with archaeological sites and artifacts on public lands.
What is illegal looting?
California Penal Code section 463 covers looting. When theft or burglary occurs during a riot, it is considered looting and so those arrested for taking items from a store or home would face looting charges.
Who owns archeology?
Non-fossilized and fossilized paleontological specimens, or any portion or piece thereof, shall remain the property of the real estate owner.” Historical and archaeological artifacts should be cared for and enjoyed by all. Because I know one thing for sure, no one can “own” an artifact forever!
