Teaching Archaeology

What Archaeologists Have Learned

Archaeologists have learned about previous cultures and environments in nearly every area in the world, but some areas have been studied more intensively than others. Ancient, historic, and modern people all can be studied using the methods of archaeology, although when studying prehistoric peoples, the evidence comes primarily from excavated sites. Researchers looking at historic and modern groups also have the benefit of written information.

Archaeologists know that excavation destroys a site. They address this problem by only sampling or unearthing a portion of a site, leaving the rest for future researchers, who will have better tools and methods.

When teaching about the ancient cultures of North America, keep in mind:

• Names given to ancient cultures (Anasazi, Archaic) are modern archaeologists' classifications, and may not correspond to prehistoric peoples' identifications or perceptions of their societies.
• Teaching about ancient cultures is also teaching American Indian ethnic history, which should be accorded a high degree of sensitivity and respect.
• The archaeological view of the past is based on inferences derived from the scientific analysis of material remains. This perspective can differ from a Native American view. Many people see the past as embodying their heritage and cultural traditions, religion, and myths.
• Unfortunate confrontations have occurred between archaeologists and Native Americans, especially regarding human burials encountered during excavation. However, there are many examples of Indian people and archaeologists working together and learning from each others' perspectives.
• Not all Indian people are closely tied to their traditional culture, nor do they practice the same lifeways or express the same feelings about their heritage.
• There is no such thing as a single "Indian" culture. Just as there were hundreds of Indian nations and languages in North America at the time of European contact, there have been many cultures that have migrated to the Americas, each with its own lifeways.