Press Release by the AIA

HARRISON FORD HONORED BY THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA
Ford to Be Presented with First-Ever Adolph Bandelier Award for Public Service at Organization’s 2009 Gala

BOSTON – The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) (www.archaeological.org), North America’s oldest and largest organization devoted to the world of archaeology⁽¹⁾, will honor Harrison Ford at its first-ever gala event, to be held in April 2009 in New York.  Ford will receive the organization’ inaugural “Adolph Bandelier Award for Public Service,” honoring his contributions in raising awareness of archaeology through his work on-screen in the “Indiana Jones” film series. 

“Harrison Ford’s work in his ‘Indiana Jones’ films have gone above and beyond to generate excitement, and inspire the next generation of archaeologists,” said C. Brian Rose, president of the AIA.  “With Harrison recently being elected to our Board of Directors, we wanted to honor his real-life commitment to archaeology and the role he has played in the public’s opinion of our field.”

Speaking of the importance of archaeology, Ford added, “Knowledge is power, and understanding the past can only help us in dealing with the present and the future.”

The AIA’s gala, being held at New York’s Capitale in April 2009, will celebrate the AIA’s 130^th anniversary and the 60^th anniversary of Archaeology magazine.  In addition to Ford, the Kress Foundation will be honored for its generous support of the AIA’s National Lecture Program and annual meeting, and several countries will be highlighted for their rich archaeological resources.  The dinner menu will be an interpretation of a traditional, ceremonial Maya feast, with a selection of desserts from around the world.  There will also be live and silent auctions for archaeology-themed items and exclusive trips led by world-renowned archaeologists.

About Archaeological Institute of America (AIA):

The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) is North America's oldest and largest organization devoted to the world of archaeology⁽¹⁾.  Founded in 1879 as a non-profit group and chartered by the United States Congress in 1906, the AIA has nearly 250,000 members and subscribers belonging to 104 local societies in the United States, Canada and overseas.  The organization promotes public interest in the cultures and civilizations of the past, supports archaeological research, fosters the sound professional practice of archaeology, advocates the preservation of the world's archaeological heritage and represents the discipline in the wider world.  The organization hosts archaeological fairs, lectures and other events throughout North America, publishes Archaeology magazine, American Journal of Archaeology and a variety of books; awards fellowships and honors; and leads global, archaeological travel excursions.

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Here's The Rub!

What exactly has Harrison Ford, or rather Indiana Jones, done to deserve this honor?  And who might better be the recipient of this inaugural award?

Let's actually examine the role of Indiana Jones in archaeology.  Of course I've already explored his latest film here.

In his first movie, it begins with a classic plunder scene, risking the total destruction of a significant site, in favor of grabbing the gold.  The underground template was full of artifacts, glyphs, and yet Indy approaches it as though it was just another capital cantina - his only focus to grab the golden idol.  Granted that in the story line, he barely makes it out with his life.  What scholar would not have returned and spent a significant part of his career working that site?  Instead, Indy runs home, only to display his plunder from his pockets like so many tourist trinkets - without context, or even care.  This is scholarship worthy of honoring?

While the Indiana Jones stories are fundamentally adventure stories, they never the less present a public perception of archaeology - that we are all grave robbers, only concerned with the gold.  In simple fact, Indiana Jones is the poster child of bad science (or the lack of any science), a thief, a destroyer of humanity's common history, and a megalomaniac to boot!  This is the image worthy of honoring?

If, on the other hand, the movies were at least accurate, I might agree.  However, none of the movies even tried to portray the reality of the cultures touched upon.   So in fact, not only did Indiana Jones represent just a grave robber, little or none of the archaeology shown was factual.  Is this worthy of honoring?

I will acknowledge that Indy has been the hero of many an aspiring student, looking to go into archaeology as a profession, and many of us have secretly wished that such adventures were possible.  In this, back handed way, Indiana Jones has played a role in expanding awareness of our field.  But in the manner in which it was done, the positives don't out way the negatives.  Especially in a country where Scientists are viewed with distrust, and viewed as dumb geeks out to destroy the world - false images such as these only serve to undermine legitimate, pains-taking work of scholars, the world over!

What makes matters worse, Harrison Ford is being give a board membership with the AIA!  After 130 years, the AIA has become little more than a media company, selling out to Hollywood.  Anything for ratings and magazine sales it appears!

Another serious consequence of this is the revisionist history being written as we speak.  If real history can be abused to such an extent, and sold out by Hollywood, then the fantasy views of the Mexican Azlan movement will never be countered by truth and fact.  While currently a fringe movement, the Azlan seek a massive redistribution of territory and establishment of a new Aztec homeland.  When ignorance is exploited and promoted, as by the likes of Indiana Jones movies, it creates the opportunity for political exploitation of public fantasy (remember Hitler?).

With major and amazing discoveries happening daily, we need to devote our energies on real scholarship, not show biz!

I urge the AIA to reconsider its award, and seek a true example of selfless scholarship and sacrifice as the recipient.

I nominate Dr. Maria Reiche for the award, who nearly single-handedly, for almost 60 years devoted her life to preserving, exploring, and educating the world about the archaeology of Peru.  There is no finer example of the scientist we aspire to be.  And, in truth, there are numerous other examples, such as Frederic Catherwood - who along with John Lloyd Stephens virtually pioneered American Archaeology!

Instead of honoring a media fraud, let's honor the real heroes of our field!

Please leave your thoughts and comments below!

Point Of Fact

(1)  The AIA is not the oldest Archaeological organization.  The American Ethnological Society was begun in 1842 in New York City by Albert Gallatin, John Lloyd Stephens, and John Russell Bartlett.  While the AES is now focused on Ethnology, its original focus was broad and did include archaeology as we know it.

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