Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Learn More About Southeast Alaska Archaeology

By Sharon Phillips


Generally, archaeology entails studying the recent and ancient human past through the examination of material remains. It forms part of anthropology, a topic that entails the studying human culture. Beginning from million year-old fossils of human ancestry to present-day structures of the 20th century, archaeologists examine all physical remains in a bid to comprehensively and broadly understand human culture. With southeast Alaska archaeology, one is able to have unique perspectives of the human culture and history, which significantly has contributed in understanding of the ancient as well as the recent past.

Archaeology is not only important for understanding where and when people lived, but also helps to understand why and how they actually lived. This is possible by examining the changes as well as the causes of such changes in human cultures over time. History depends primarily on documents and written records to interpret lives and events. However, archaeologist dig far back on the time prior to written languages and analyzes the lives of people by looking at the things they made and left behind. This field covers all time periods and geographical regions where people lived.

Archaeologists conduct their studies on archaeological sites. These sites are usually situated in areas that bear evidence of a past human event. The site could be a minor campsite consisting of scattered and flaked stones that symbolize the existence of tools modified and manufactured. The sites can also be wide and complex with lots of structures as well as artifacts.

Archaeological evidences involve features that include burial mounds, archaeological structures, storage pits, petroglyphs or hearths existing on rock sites. Archaeologists could also collect evidences from pollen, animal bones, snail shell or seeds that were used by people indirectly. However, these evidences are able to tell more pertaining to the diet of the occupants of the site and the environment lived.

There are instances where archaeology is thought of as an imitation to the discipline of history. It is actually the vice versa. There are two main advantages got from archaeological evidences. To begin with, there is a possibility of stretching back to the eras that were so remote in order to understand an unknown. Secondly, archaeologist handle tangible evidences hence this provides credibility not provided by other human sciences.

The efforts of archaeologist can shed the much-needed light on the present day issues revolving around possession and identity. This is possible through discovery of valuable facts on land, artifacts, and bones which can help to solve issues of retention of land rights of a minority group.

The role played by archaeological studies is very important. This field contributes significantly by revealing artifacts and cultural ways that help in identifying incorrect historical views and understandings. The field is also important in creating unity of diversity in varied civilizations and cultures. This also helps in rediscovering our own selves.

Therefore, losing archaeological artifact of a site is considered as a loss of a story that may never be retold. Hence, the archaeology discipline needs to be treated with value to preserve the past. This is since it portrays the misconstrued stories and the buried pasts.




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