A short archaeological documentary on a pickaxe-cutting-edge topic, filmmaker Colin Rosemont's Unearthed looks in microcosm at the notion that antiquities science should be sensitive to the cultures of the Indigenous peoples whose ancestors they are literally digging up.
The "Cache Cave" site of the Tejon Indian Tribe of California is shown excavated carefully in a project under the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. But descendants of these ancient Tejon live nearby. Even today they maintain their cemeteries and revere lost relatives on All Saints' Day. Those Tejon interviewed are not comfortable with their antecedents and relics going on public view in an Anglo visitor center.
Archaeologist David Robinson (listed as co-producer) seems to front for an enlightened form of the discipline. Indian archaeologists are among his team, and the scientists affirm they disturb the Cache Cave no more than absolutely necessary. In the end, we learn that some artifacts will form the nucleus of a Tejon-managed museum, with the inference that something like that would have met the ancestors' approval.
It is a very vignette-like affair, not mentioning other cases of mummies or nonwhite bodies going on display in controversial fashion - and perhaps assuming prior viewer knowledge that the early field of archaeology marched hand-in-hand with imperialist armies and European aristos collecting treasure for their gardens. But as a conversation starter in classroom settings, the brief treatment is an effective gambit.
What public library shelves would this title be on?
Science collections with subsets of Anthropology and Archaeology are ideal sites. Cal
What academic subjects would this film be suitable for?
The film covers a range of subjects, including Native American Studies, as well as Science, Archaeology, and Anthropology. Additionally, it serves as a valuable resource for courses related to museum practices and administrative topics.
What type of classroom would this documentary resource be suitable for?
High school and above are satisfactory audience levels (even if it does not make Archaeology look much like an Indiana Jones film).