Thieves Of Time

Author Tony Hillerman introduces this disturbing documentary which traces the history of what used to be called archaeological exploration of Indian burial grounds, and what would today be rightfully called grave-robbing. Dating back at least to Jefferson's time (he had a burial mound on his property excavated) and continuing up through the "treasure hunts" of the 1960s, sanctioned or lawless digging has filled many an American museum with Native American artifacts and bones, including the Smithsonian Institution (which, at one time, harbored some 18,500 skeletons). Beginning with legislation in the late 1970s up to the present day, the tide has slowly but surely turned, and under current law human remains, cultural items, and sacred objects must be returned to Native American communities which request them. Today, archaeologists are working together with Native Americans rather than against them in assembling the historical puzzle of America's earliest ancestors. An excellent overview and discussion starter which really illuminates how far our thinking has come in the past couple of decades. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)