Role-playing exercises for dealing with the public
The following situation is one of five different ones that we discuss in small groups in order to examine possible actions that you may take when confronted with issues regarding artifact theft or site damage. As site monitors, you may have to make decisions in difficult situations. It is best to examine how you may react and prepare yourself for handling these types of situations. As you review this situations, point out the pros and cons of each and write out your reasons for your decision.
Situation 2
Your neighbor shows you some prehistoric artifacts that he obtained while on a weekend camping trip because he wants your opinion about how much they might be worth. When you talk to him about the artifacts, he says that since he found them on private property, then it is legal to sell them. What do you do?
• Try to get more information about where he found the artifacts, and contact your coordinating archaeologist for advice.
• Tell your neighbor that he has broken the law.
• Ask law enforcement agents from the public land managing agency in this area to investigate your neighbor.
• Don't do anything because you have no concrete proof.
• Try to get your neighbor involved in archaeological classes or to volunteer on a legal excavation so that he will understand the importance of preserving sites on private and public lands.
• Other solution: