As we saw in Monday’s article, Cultural Resources Management archaeologists work with construction companies to evaluate, study, and sometimes preserve archaeological materials found in the course of construction projects. But why is archaeology an important activity?
Archaeology and the Study of the Past
Archaeology is the scientific study of human cultures through their material remains. It is a way to understand history before the development of written records, which cover only a tiny slice of human existence. Through archaeology, we can learn about long-term cultural processes, like how cultures and civilizations develop, rise to prominence, and go into decline, or how artistic or technological innovations can spread through a group of people. These processes have important implications for our modern world.
As George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Studying the past, including archaeological evidence, can help us learn alternative ways to deal with the effects of natural disasters like droughts. It can also help us think about more productive ways to farm land or water crops.
The Past as a Resource
Archaeology can also be used to study peoples who stood on the outside of written narratives of history. For instance, the Native peoples of the San Francisco Bay Area did not leave behind written records. The Spanish explorers and founders of the Missions in the area did, but these records are inherently one-sided and biased because they are written from the perspective of people who were conquering the native peoples and trying to convert them to Christianity.
These narratives also cannot tell us much about what was going on before the Spaniards arrived. Archaeological sites like the area in Pleasanton where the new Safeway will be built can tell us a great deal about how people lived in the Bay Area in the past. Combined with the oral traditions carried by the descendants of Native groups, archaeology is a powerful tool for telling the stories of people who are often left out of traditional historical narratives.
Protecting the Past
Finally, archaeologists are important stewards of the past. Cultural Resources Management archaeologists stand on the front lines, as they are often in a position where archaeological materials will be destroyed if they don’t step in. While it would be nice if archaeological materials, particularly burials, could be left where they are and not disturbed, the reality is that every day the expansion of infrastructure, including office buildings, grocery stores, roads, and other construction projects, infringes upon the past. In these situations, CRM archaeologists are there to salvage what they can and to help protect the resources.
CRM Archaeology is Important!
In short, then, Cultural Resources Management archaeology is important because archaeological resources are often found on construction sites. These resources can be used in a variety of ways to illuminate the past and enrich the present.
Questions? Comments? Tell me about them!
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