Drugs, Arms, and Arrowheads: Theft From Archaeological Sites and the Dangers of Fieldwork

• NCJ Number: 237396
• Journal: Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 27 Issue: 4 Dated: November 2011 Pages: 500-522
• Author(s): Blythe Bowman Proulx
• Date Published: November 2011
• Length: 23 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: University of Nebraska at Omaha
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article presents findings from a recent worldwide study of archaeological site looting, which largely fuels the international trade in illicitly obtained antiquities.

Abstract

This article presents findings from a recent worldwide study of archaeological site looting, which largely fuels the international trade in illicitly obtained antiquities. Focused on practicing archaeologists' opinions about and personal experiences with site looting, the study surveyed 2,358 archaeologists excavating throughout the world in 118 countries. Key findings presented here include archaeologists' reports of connections between archaeological site looting and the production of and trade in methamphetamine across the United States. American archaeologists report run-ins with "meth heads" on their sites with increasing frequency. Other archaeologists working throughout the world report violent encounters with looters on site, some of whom even report being shot at and assaulted by looters. Overall findings suggest that archaeological fieldwork has become an increasingly dangerous occupation around the world. (Published Abstract)