Can
Archaeology and Relic-Hunting
co-exist?
I say yes!

This page is dedicated to the joint cooperation of the Relic/Treasure Hunter and the Amateur/Professional Archaeologist. Although - on the surface - this appears to be an oxy-moronic statement, nothing could be further from the truth; both can - and have - worked together.
Having been both a relic-hunter and a student of archaeology, I have seen the benefits.
With cooperation, the symbiosis can work.
My point is this: every day, another archaeological site is disturbed or an artifact lost - due to the elements or man; the sites and artifacts cannot be restored or replaced. There simply are not enough "professionals" available to monitor, survey, and excavate every site in the time-frame allowed by the "progress" of modern man.
To allow any potential archaeological site to be disturbed - if not totally destroyed - by hap-hazard excavation - with the sole purpose of moving material for new construction - is nothing short of criminal. I propose that the archaeological "enterpreneur" can work hand-in-hand with the "professional" archaeologist and will do less damage in a lifetime than any modern construction crew can do in one day.
I do not condone the pilfering of burial grounds or "sacred" sites, but I do acknowledge there are areas that should be explored in spite of biased regulations and lobby.
I know the "professional archaeologist" frowns upon the thought of lending credence to the "relic hunter". The former usually works for the science, while the latter usually works for personal gain (usually financial). I see no problem with either, except where judgment is clouded by the tendencies of one over the other. I believe the professional archaeologist should work to bring the relic-hunter "into the fold" and not isolate them. I truly believe more can be accomplished through cooperation than with the alternative.
Your comments - in regard to this proposal - are welcome.

Anthropology, Archaeology, and Relic Hunting Inquiries If you would like to explore or relic-hunt in the Texas-New Mexico area, please take time to E-mail me!

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