Andi's+Opinion

When it comes to the conflict between looting and archaeology, I feel that neither is really more guilty than the other. Most people side with archaeologists, citing science as their permission to dig things up, but I find the community more than just a little bit conceited. They complain about graverobbbers 'stealing' items from tombs, but how are archaeologists any more entitled to these treasures than average people? Aren't the people of Egypt just as entitled to own these treasures; why does an American with a degree deserve it more?

I also have trouble understanding how it is okay for archaeologists to take the corpses from their tombs and tour them around like show dogs. Just because we do not share the beliefs of these ancient people does not mean that we should disrupt the bodies and disrespect their wishes. I do not have a problem with taking artifacts from houses and settlements, as I would not be upset if 2000 years from now someone felt like taking my coffee mug and showing the world how amazing it is, but if they dug up my body and showed that off I would feel differently.

In regards to the articles concerning modern problems, I think it would be stupid not to preserve artifacts that weren't legitimately excavated. It seems silly and spiteful to let a piece of history that is already removed from it's resting place die just because conservators want to send a message to looters. I find the incident at the museum in Iraq unfortunate because I do not approve of stealing, and the items were surely safer from damage at the museum. But what is done is done, and the people have reclaimed their history for themselves.