This document introduces archaeology and discusses the importance of artifact ethics. It defines archaeology as the study of historic and prehistoric peoples through artifacts. Artifacts are defined as any object made by humans. The document states that archaeological sites are being destroyed, which results in the loss of scientific and cultural information. Both Native American heritage and human remains are being impacted. Examples of damaged sites in Wisconsin are provided to illustrate the irreversible nature of the destruction. The document calls on readers to act now to protect and save important links to the past.

1. Introduction to
Archaeology and Ethics
By
Ms. Hesson

2. What is Archaeology?
 The study of historic and
prehistoric peoples and their
cultures by looking at
artifacts

3. What is an Artifact?
Any object made by humans
such as a tool or the remains
of one such as a pottery
sherd

4. Artifact Ethics
 Our nations archaeological sites are being destroyed
and plundered
 Scientific information is being destroyed
 Native Americans lose an important part of their
heritage
 Large quantities of human remains, pottery rock art,
and sites of habitation are being lost and important
links to the past – gone forever
 It is important to protect archaeological sites and
artifacts

5. Examples showing
destruction of artifacts
Larsen Cave near Prairie du Chien

6. Red arm with nearby damage

7. Larsen Cave, red bird with recent
damage

8. Larsen Cave, looter’s pit

9. Looter’s pit

10. More destruction in Iowa County, WI
The Damage is
irreversible!

11. Gottschall vandalism

12. Once the past is
destroyed, early cultures
can no longer be
accurately dated and
studied.

13. Act now to save
the links to our
past.

14. As a follow up to the PowerPoint
presentation, I will have my students
make a brochure to be put into
visitor stops on the bike trail in our
communities. The brochure will
feature how and why to protect sites.