Confessions Of A Looter...

[Sandman]

Artifact hunting on federal lands is a crime under ARPA and yet this behavior is prevelant in rural areas of the west. More recently there have been several high profile cases involving federal prosecution of individuals involved in this illicit activity. Often these individuals will resort to grave robbing to obtain artifacts of antiquity. There was a recent case where a prominant physician in Blanding, Utah committed suicide rather than do time for illegally trading in artifacts in violation of the Archeological Resources Protection Act.

For those who desire to own and collect personal items of Native American origin, it is easy to obtain them and support tribal families working as traditional artists. Some artists will even do custom pieces of pottery, blanketry or jewlrey and include symbols of personal signifigance in a piece making it truley a one of a kind piece of personal art. The old stuff sells for big bucks.

Pow wows provide an outlet for many artisans to show and sell their artwork. Some of the better ones are held in the southwest. Flagstaff has a large one every year where some of the finest silversmiths alive bring their art. It's also a place where people from all tribes can gather and share community and tradition.

[desert wanderer]

Artifact hunting on federal lands is a crime under ARPA and yet this behavior is prevelant in rural areas of the west. More recently there have been several high profile cases involving federal prosecution of individuals involved in this illicit activity. Often these individuals will resort to grave robbing to obtain artifacts of antiquity. There was a recent case where a prominant physician in Blanding, Utah committed suicide rather than do time for illegally trading in artifacts in violation of the Archeological Resources Protection Act.

For those who desire to own and collect personal items of Native American origin, it is easy to obtain them and support tribal families working as traditional artists. Some artists will even do custom pieces of pottery, blanketry or jewlrey and include symbols of personal signifigance in a piece making it truley a one of a kind piece of personal art. The old stuff sells for big bucks.

Pow wows provide an outlet for many artisans to show and sell their artwork. Some of the better ones are held in the southwest. Flagstaff has a large one every year where some of the finest silversmiths alive bring their art. It's also a place where people from all tribes can gather and share community and tradition.

Good info and points made, Sandman. I live just one hour west of Flagstaff, and know about several pow wows in my area, organized by the Navajo and Hualapai tribes. Both are fun and interesting.
I read about that Utah story, there's a price to pay for desecrating native American burial sites and artifact-laden areas. Hope more would-be thieves take notice.