Preservation of Archaeological Sites— de Laguna 55 



fossil ivory, but at present the sites on the American side, for 

 example, on St. Lawrence and the Diomede Islands, are the only 

 places where it can be obtained, and the destruction of some of 

 these sites is virtually complete. An attempt to prohibit all 

 digging by the Eskimos would be useless, and would result 

 simply in inflated prices and poaching. 



Even though the preservation of scientific data is desirable, we 

 must recognize that the Eskimos feel that they have a claim to 

 exploit the garbage heaps of their ancestors. The sale of carv- 

 ings, including those of fossil ivory, has been encouraged by 

 the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, and the Eskimos' interests 

 in fossil ivory protected by the special regulations attached to 

 permits granted by the Interior Department to archaeologists. 



Thus: "All materials found shall be deposited in the 



Museum, with the exception of unworked ivory, fossil or more 

 recent, together with such complete, partially worked, damaged 

 and broken artifacts of fossil or more recently worked ivory 

 which the Museum does not require for scientific study or dis- 

 play. The material that is not to be retained by the Museum shall 

 be disposed of under agreement with the village concerned, such 

 agreement to be subject to review by the Superintendent of the 

 Alaskan Native Service." Unfortunately there is not enough 

 authorized archaeological work being conducted in Alaska to 

 supply the native carvers with such ivory, and because ivory is 

 traded from hand to hand among the Eskimos it is impossible 

 to know the source of any piece, so that it would in any case be 

 impossible for the Indian Arts and Crafts Board or others to 

 purchase only the carvings made from ivory obtained from 

 archaeologists. 



What then can we suggest that might be effective and fair? 

 First, all Federal and Territorial officials should be made ac- 

 quainted with the Antiquities Act and should be asked to report 

 violators. This might lessen depredations, some of which are 

 unfortunately committed by these officials, but Ave must not 

 expect that school teachers in isolated villages will always place 

 law enforcement above their need for maintaining friendly 

 relations with local residents, fellow workers, or visiting superi- 



