Chapter 14: Archaeology in the Real World True/False Questions 1) Kennewick Man was found as a result of a specific archaeological project. Answer: False Rationale: Kennewick Man was not found as a result of a specific archaeological project. Instead, his discovery occurred accidentally by two men along the Columbia River in Washington in 1996 while they were attending a hydroplane race. 2) Chatters immediately suspected that Kennewick Man was an ancient skeleton. Answer: False Rationale: Initially, when James Chatters, the forensic anthropologist, examined the skeleton of Kennewick Man, he believed it to be the remains of a recently deceased individual. It was only later, through radiocarbon dating and further analysis, that it was determined to be ancient, dating back over 9,000 years. 3) Archaeology is an apolitical enterprise. Answer: False Rationale: Archaeology is inherently intertwined with political, social, and cultural contexts. The interpretation and application of archaeological findings can have significant political implications, such as in issues of cultural heritage management, indigenous rights, land claims, and identity politics. 4) It was easy to determine the modern Native American descendants of Kennewick Man. Answer: False Rationale: Determining the modern Native American descendants of Kennewick Man was not easy due to the complexities of genetic, cultural, and legal considerations. The case involved lengthy legal battles and debates over whether Kennewick Man should be affiliated with contemporary Native American tribes under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). 5) One dominant misrepresentation of archaeology is that of it as a treasure-hunting enterprise. Answer: True Rationale: One common misrepresentation of archaeology is the portrayal of it as a treasure-hunting or adventure-seeking endeavor, particularly in popular media and entertainment. This portrayal often focuses on the discovery of valuable artifacts or treasures rather than the scientific study of past human cultures and societies. 6) Across the board, Native Americans refuse to become professional archaeologists. Answer: False Rationale: While there may be challenges and hesitations among some Native American individuals or communities about engaging with archaeology due to historical injustices and cultural sensitivities, it is not accurate to say that Native Americans universally refuse to become professional archaeologists. In fact, there are Native American archaeologists who are actively involved in the discipline, advocating for indigenous perspectives and contributing valuable insights to archaeological research. 7) Forensic archaeologists combine the skills of the archaeologist and the physical anthropologist. Answer: True Rationale: Forensic archaeologists specialize in the recovery and analysis of human remains within a legal context. They utilize archaeological methods to locate, excavate, and document burial sites or crime scenes, and they work closely with physical anthropologists to analyze skeletal remains for forensic purposes. 8) Popular movies are the only source of information about archaeology for the interested public. Answer: False Rationale: While popular movies and media often shape public perceptions of archaeology, they are not the sole source of information about the discipline. There are various other sources of information available to the public, including books, documentaries, educational programs, museum exhibits, academic journals, and outreach initiatives by archaeologists and cultural heritage organizations. 9) Archaeology was used to legitimize the Nazi notions of an Aryan fatherland. Answer: True Rationale: Archaeology was indeed misappropriated by the Nazis to promote their ideology of racial superiority and nationalism. They distorted archaeological evidence and interpretations to support their notions of an Aryan master race and justify their territorial claims and atrocities during World War II. 10) Applied archaeology is the use of archaeology to help people with real-life problems of today. Answer: True Rationale: Applied archaeology involves the application of archaeological methods, theories, and techniques to address contemporary issues and challenges, such as cultural resource management, heritage preservation, community development, and public education. It aims to utilize archaeological knowledge and expertise to provide practical solutions and insights for addressing real-life problems and enhancing the quality of life in modern societies. Multiple-Choice Questions 1) Kennewick man was thought to be __________. A) a modern homicide victim B) a Civil War survivor C) a nineteenth-century settler D) all of the above Answer: D Rationale: Kennewick Man was initially thought to be a modern homicide victim due to his skeletal condition resembling recent remains. Later, it was considered that he might have been a Civil War survivor or a nineteenth-century settler based on the location where he was found. However, further analysis revealed that he was a prehistoric individual dating back over 9,000 years. 2) The Kennewick Man controversy __________. A) was resolved by giving the remains to the Umatilla tribe B) ended with the archaeologists carrying out their analysis of the skeleton C) was resolved in a complicated “time-share” of the skeleton between the archaeologists and the Umatilla D) has yet to be resolved E) will never be resolved Answer: D Rationale: The Kennewick Man controversy remains unresolved. It involves legal, scientific, and ethical debates over the custody, study, and disposition of the skeletal remains, and despite various legal proceedings and scientific analyses, a definitive resolution has not been reached. 3) The work of archaeologists at the World Trade Center is __________. A) forensic archaeology B) ethnoarchaeology C) tribal archaeology D) osteobiography E) geoarchaeology Answer: A Rationale: The work of archaeologists at the World Trade Center involved forensic archaeology, which focuses on the recovery and analysis of human remains within a legal context, particularly in the aftermath of traumatic events such as disasters or crimes. 4) Archaeology played a part in the ideology of __________. A) Pol Pot B) Benito Mussolini C) Adolf Hitler D) all of the above Answer: D Rationale: Archaeology played a part in the ideology of Pol Pot, Benito Mussolini, and Adolf Hitler. These leaders misappropriated archaeology to serve their political agendas, promoting nationalist, supremacist, or totalitarian ideologies. 5) Applied archaeology __________. A) has practical applications that can help people today B) has become popular in law enforcement crime scene situations C) can help design solutions for environmental issues D) can help indigenous peoples recover lost information about themselves E) all of the above Answer: E Rationale: Applied archaeology involves the application of archaeological methods, theories, and techniques to address contemporary issues and challenges, including assisting law enforcement, addressing environmental concerns, and supporting indigenous communities in reclaiming their heritage. 6) Native American disputes with archaeological practice include which of the following A) They are being misrepresented with a false or incomplete history. B) The handling of possession of dead relatives can result in illness, bad luck, and even death among living populations. C) Archaeologists have treated tribal concerns with indifference. D) all of the above Answer: D Rationale: Native American disputes with archaeological practice encompass various issues, including misrepresentation of history, concerns about the treatment of ancestral remains, and perceived indifference from archaeologists towards tribal perspectives and concerns. 7) Archaeologists helped a group in northeastern Bolivia by __________. A) rediscovering lost textile weaving techniques B) discovering ancient farming techniques that were more productive C) preserving a ceremonial site in danger of being destroyed by the construction of a new road D) finding a lost ancestral burial ground E) discovering a lost Inca city that now serves as the basis for a tourist economy Answer: B Rationale: Archaeologists helped a group in northeastern Bolivia by discovering ancient farming techniques that were more productive, which could have practical benefits for local communities in terms of agriculture and food security. 8) A __________ allows for much more rapid mapping of sites, and provenience points generated can be manipulated to produce an accurate computer map. A) robot excavator B) GIS C) “total station” D) computer model E) GPS Answer: C Rationale: A "total station" allows for much more rapid mapping of sites, and provenience points generated can be manipulated to produce an accurate computer map. It is a device used in surveying and archaeology for precise measurements and mapping of spatial data. 9) Most movies depict archaeologists as __________. A) musty old men in libraries B) mercenaries and romantic heroes C) politically aware D) forensic experts E) scientists Answer: B Rationale: Most movies depict archaeologists as mercenaries and romantic heroes, often engaged in adventurous quests for treasure or ancient artifacts, rather than accurately portraying them as scientists conducting research in the field or laboratory. Short Answer Questions 1) What are the issues raised by Kennewick Man? Answer: The issues raised by Kennewick Man include debates over cultural affiliation, repatriation, and the treatment of ancient human remains. These issues involve legal, scientific, and ethical considerations regarding the custody, study, and disposition of the skeletal remains, especially concerning claims of cultural heritage by indigenous groups. 2) What are the unique challenges faced by an archaeologist of indigenous descent? Answer: An archaeologist of indigenous descent faces unique challenges, including navigating complex relationships with indigenous communities, balancing personal and professional identities, addressing potential conflicts of interest or bias, and advocating for indigenous perspectives within the field of archaeology while also engaging with broader academic and institutional contexts. 3) What is a “total station” and why is it so useful to archaeologists? Answer: A "total station" is a surveying instrument used by archaeologists for precise measurement and mapping of spatial data. It combines electronic distance measurement (EDM) with theodolite functionality to record horizontal and vertical angles, distances, and coordinates. Total stations are useful to archaeologists because they allow for rapid and accurate mapping of archaeological sites, facilitating detailed documentation, spatial analysis, and interpretation. 4) Discuss one goal of genome research. Answer: One goal of genome research is to understand human evolutionary history and genetic diversity. By analyzing ancient DNA from archaeological samples and comparing it with modern genomes, researchers can reconstruct population movements, demographic changes, and genetic adaptations over time. Genome research also aims to elucidate the genetic basis of various traits, diseases, and behaviors, contributing to advancements in medicine, anthropology, and evolutionary biology. 5) How has archaeology made contributions to the lives of modern farmers? Give specific examples. Answer: Archaeology has contributed to modern agriculture by providing insights into ancient farming practices, crop domestication, and agricultural technologies. For example, studies of ancient agricultural terraces in the Andes have informed contemporary farming techniques, such as soil conservation and water management strategies. Analysis of plant remains at archaeological sites has identified ancestral varieties of crops and wild relatives, facilitating crop breeding efforts for improved resilience and yield. Additionally, archaeological research on traditional farming systems has inspired sustainable agricultural practices and agroecological innovations aimed at preserving biodiversity and enhancing food security. 6) What are some of the pros and cons to the availability of many different kinds of information about archaeology in the mass media? Answer: The availability of various information about archaeology in the mass media offers pros such as increased public interest and awareness, potential for educational outreach, and opportunities for archaeologists to share their research with a broader audience. However, it also presents cons such as sensationalism, misrepresentation of archaeological methods and findings, perpetuation of stereotypes, and distortion of cultural heritage narratives for entertainment value. 7) How did forensic archaeology come into play in the case of the murder of Jeff Towers? Answer: Forensic archaeology played a crucial role in the case of the murder of Jeff Towers by assisting law enforcement in the recovery, documentation, and analysis of physical evidence at the crime scene. Archaeologists applied their expertise in excavation techniques, context recording, and evidence preservation to uncover and interpret skeletal remains, artifacts, and other forensic clues. This facilitated the investigation, helped establish the timeline of events, and provided valuable insights into the circumstances surrounding the crime. 8) How has the increased quality and availability of personal computers and software programs changed archaeological practice? Answer: The increased quality and availability of personal computers and software programs have significantly transformed archaeological practice by enhancing data management, analysis, visualization, and communication capabilities. Archaeologists can now efficiently process large datasets, create detailed digital maps and 3D models of excavation sites, conduct statistical analyses, and produce sophisticated visualizations of archaeological findings. Furthermore, digital technologies facilitate collaboration, remote work, and interdisciplinary research, leading to greater efficiency and innovation in archaeological studies. 9) What are some of the problems Native Americans have with the practice of archaeology? Answer: Some of the problems Native Americans have with the practice of archaeology include issues related to cultural heritage management, repatriation of ancestral remains and sacred objects, lack of consultation and collaboration with indigenous communities, ethical considerations regarding the handling and interpretation of cultural materials, and concerns about misrepresentation or appropriation of indigenous history and identity. Additionally, Native Americans may perceive archaeology as a colonial or intrusive discipline that privileges Western scientific perspectives over indigenous knowledge systems and perspectives. Essay Questions 1) Discuss some of the ways in which archaeology has been used by nationalist movements to legitimize their ideologies. Answer: Archaeology has been utilized by nationalist movements to legitimize their ideologies in various ways. One method involves the selective interpretation and appropriation of archaeological evidence to support claims of territorial ownership or historical continuity with past civilizations. Nationalist regimes have often promoted archaeological excavations and monument preservation projects to emphasize cultural heritage and reinforce national identity. Additionally, archaeological discoveries may be politicized and presented in a manner that glorifies the nation's ancestors or historical achievements, serving to foster patriotism and loyalty among the populace. However, such instrumentalization of archaeology can also lead to biased interpretations, suppression of dissenting views, and the distortion of historical narratives to suit political agendas. 2) How has computer modeling enriched our thinking about the populating of the American continents? Answer: Computer modeling has significantly enriched our understanding of the peopling of the American continents by providing powerful tools for simulating and analyzing various migration scenarios, demographic trends, and environmental factors shaping human dispersal patterns. Through sophisticated computational techniques, researchers can simulate hypothetical migration routes, estimate population sizes and dispersal rates, and explore the impacts of climatic fluctuations on ancient human populations. Furthermore, computer models allow for the integration of diverse data sources, such as genetic, archaeological, and environmental data, enabling researchers to develop more nuanced and comprehensive hypotheses about prehistoric human migrations and colonization processes in the Americas. 3) Discuss the variety of settings in which a forensic archaeologist might work. Give specific examples. Answer: Forensic archaeologists may work in diverse settings where their expertise in archaeological methods and principles can aid in the investigation and analysis of legal cases involving human remains, crime scenes, or historical contexts. Specific examples include: • Crime scenes: Forensic archaeologists collaborate with law enforcement agencies to excavate and document evidence related to homicides, mass graves, clandestine burials, or other criminal activities. For instance, they may assist in recovering and analyzing skeletal remains, artifacts, and soil samples to reconstruct events, establish victim identities, or identify potential suspects. • Disaster zones: In the aftermath of natural disasters, forensic archaeologists may be deployed to assess and recover human remains, personal effects, and forensic evidence from debris fields, collapsed buildings, or flood-ravaged areas. Their expertise in site surveying, excavation techniques, and evidence preservation is crucial for conducting systematic searches and facilitating victim identification processes. • Historical investigations: Forensic archaeologists may be involved in historical inquiries, such as uncovering evidence of past atrocities, human rights abuses, or archaeological looting. They may excavate and document sites associated with wartime atrocities, genocides, or conflicts to gather evidence for legal proceedings, truth commissions, or memorialization efforts, contributing to the documentation and commemoration of historical injustices. Test Bank for Archaeology : The Science of the Human Past Mark Q. Sutton 9780205895311
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