AIA Update
Welcome to the AIA e-Update! June 16, 2011
In This Issue...
AIA Statement on Belitung Shipwreck
Free Totebag With Your Annual Fund Donation
Video Update from Site Preservation Grant Winner
AJA Partnership with JSTOR
Dig Deeper
AIA Tours: Just a Few Spots Left on Prehistoric Cave Art of Spain & France!
This fall, discover the most famous and arguably the greatest prehistoric cave art in the world, all on this one trip, in the company of prehistoric art and early man expert Paul G. Bahn. Explore ten major prehistoric caves plus two exact replicas; visit superb archaeological, ethnographic, and art museums; and enjoy visits to charming medieval villages. Along the way, savor wonderful food and fine wines, and relax in excellent accommodations.
Details on all AIA Tours land tours and cruises are online at www.aiatours.org. Contact AIA Tours at (800) 748-6262 or aia@studytours.org with questions and to request brochures by mail. Click here to receive AIA Tours e-newsletters.
AIA STATEMENT ON BELITUNG SHIPWRECK
As the largest and oldest organization devoted to archaeology in North America, the Archaeological Institute of America is committed to the protection of the world's cultural heritage. As part of this commitment we strongly oppose the commercial salvage of antiquities and any exploitation of archaeological materials obtained in this manner.
The Belitung Shipwreck was salvaged unscientifically by commercially-motivated treasure hunters. Although the excavation and disposition of these materials may be technically "legal," it is the AIA's position that involvement by the Smithsonian Institution in the exhibition of these artifacts will serve to blur the distinction between bona fide nautical archaeology and treasure hunting. Following this path puts the Smithsonian in the indefensible position of aiding those who believe that antiquities are a commodity to be mined for personal or corporate financial gain. They are not-they are part of the world's cultural patrimony.
As the premier museum of the United States and the largest museum and research institution in the world, the Smithsonian is a model for others and should endorse the highest ethical standards for American archaeological and museological practice. The AIA urges the Smithsonian's leadership to heed the voices of archaeologists worldwide-including many within its own walls-in cancelling the plans for any exhibition of the Belitung shipwreck and its artifacts. To proceed with plans to display these objects will increase the risk to other equally valuable shipwrecks that have yet to be discovered. - Liz Bartman, AIA President FREE TOTEBAG WITH YOUR
ANNUAL FUND DONATION
Whether you are en route to a summer excavation, the beach, or the farmer's market, the new AIA totebag will carry everything you need in style. Made of sturdy cotton canvas with comfort-grip leather handles and emblazoned with the AIA logo, this bag is yours free (included as a complimentary gift) with a new Annual Fund donation of $250 or more. The totebag may be purchased separately for $78. Get yours today by calling Megan Bernard at 617-353-8703 or by emailing mbernard@aia.bu.edu. SITE PRESERVATION GRANT VIDEO UPDATE View a video update from AIA Site Preservation Grant winner and lecturer, Heather McKillop, as she discusses her exceptional discovery, preservation methods, and the status of her work supported by the AIA Site Preservation Grant: www.archaeological.org/news/currentprojects/5232 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY The American Journal of Archaeology has partnered with JSTOR in the Current Scholarship Program. Beginning July 1, 2011, all electronic AJA access will originate from JSTOR.
The AJA is a longstanding participant in the JSTOR Archival Collections, and adding current journal content is a natural extension of the collaboration with JSTOR. The Journal's participation in the Program will seamlessly integrate the current issues alongside its archival content.
Stay tuned to the AJA website (www.ajaonline.org) for upcoming information about this new partnership and to take advantage of a free trial subscription offer. Discount packages will be available to institutional subscribers. ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELDWORK OPPORTUNITIES Archaeological Fieldwork Opportunities are available at www.archaeological.org/fieldwork/afob. JOBS View our latest jobs listings at: www.archaeological.org/jobs. A checklist for professionals seeking positions in Classics may be found at: www.archaeological.org/jobs/checklist.