Archaeology Matters

Jeremy A. Sabloff is Curator of Mesoamerican Archaeology, Williams Director Emeritus, and the Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania Museum. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Philosophical Society, and fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Society of Antiquaries, London. Sabloff's research interests range from the study of ancient Maya civilization, to archaeological theory and method, to the history of American archaeology, to pre-industrial urbanism, and to the use of settlement pattern studies. He has conducted field work in the Maya lowlands of Mexico and Guatemala including co-directing the major field project at the Yucatan site of Sayil. He is author or editor of 20 books and countless articles on the Maya and the history of archaeology. Sabloff is former president of the Society for American Archaeology.

"...What matters in Jeremy Sabloff's Archaeology Matters is his call that archaeology be political, practical, and located inside and within communities. I have known Jerry Sabloff over 40 years and never has his archeology been so fresh, pertinent, skillful, and inviting. He writes to us all as a senior professional who could say he has done enough, but proves here that we have more to do, particularly as citizens."...--Mark Leone, University of Maryland "What is the broader relevance of my work? How can I justify the cost of my research, in light of the pressing needs that face humanity today? These are tough questions without simple answers, but Jeremy Sabloff does not shy from taking them on. As the title indicates, Sabloff's collection of short essays focuses on core questions regarding the relevance of archeology in the modern age. Students and their teachers will find Sabloff's essays a welcome addition to undergraduate introductory courses in archaeology. Those members of the general public who have a strong curiosity about archaeology, or about issues of ethics and relevance in the sciences in general, will find much to interest them. Because the book is short, Sabloff has only scratched the surface of a number of important themes, and does not mention some related topics Nevertheless, the references provide a wealth of additional readings, in addition to those listed in a useful appendix. This book will interest anyone interested in the direction many practitioners in the field will be taking archaeology in the 21st century. " -- Brian D. Jones, Associate Director of UMass Archaeological Services, The Internet Review of Books Sabloff (Univ. of Pennsylvania Museum) makes four linked points in this fine essay To these ends, contemporary, engaged, "...action"... archaeology can work equally well among the Maya of Central America and suburbanites of Tucson, Arizona; it can learn from them and teach them and others something about their lives archaeologists reach out not only through personal contact with the members of contemporary communities, but through clear, engaging, readable publications. This last and fifth point follows from the first four and is critical. Archaeologists must write as if people other than archaeologists mattered. Excellent for anyone interested in the past, and for all introductory courses in archaeology. Summing Up: Highly recommended."-- C. S. Peebles, CHOICE "Archaeology Matters...is a thoughtful, well-written volume. It represents a contribution to public archaeology (in the beyond-CRM sense) from a senior scholar, and for that reason alone would be important. Fortunately, the content here is as solid as the scholar's reputation would suggest...I would hope that those who read this compelling volume will search for and find ways to act on the inspiration that Sabloff provides..." --Carol McDavid, Collaborative Anthropologies "This book is an archaeological activist's primer, full of good arguments for enjoining the intellectual battle for a less rapacious society and more sustainable development. Jerry has rightly aimed it at the young (the book is intended for students on introductory archaeological courses') who are idealistic enough to want to see their archaeology having an impact on contemporary issues, but he does not underestimate how difficult it will be to get some of these messages across, noting wryly that the best known archaeologist' in America is an unrepentant looter called Indiana Jones - not exactly the role model archaeologists would choose for their caring profession." --Christopher Catling, SALON - the Society of Antiquaries of London Online Newsletter

• Chapter 1 The Importance of the Past for the Present; Chapter 2 Lessons from the Past?; Chapter 3 How Can the Prospects for a Sustainable World Be Improved?; Chapter 4 Is Warfare Inevitable?; Chapter 5 Why Cities?; Chapter 6 What Can Be Done to Preserve the World’s Historical Heritage?; Chapter 7 Future Directions; Chapter 8 Epilogue;