22 July, 2001

Paglagivsigin - we welcome you Inupiaq

Today was our day of rest. I don't think so! John and I took a hike to the top of the mountain overlooking Wales. At one point we could see the clouds coming in below us. It was a breathtaking site. In the distance we could see a series of three rock formations titled Ognaat (Women in Inupiaq). They are nicknamed the Three Ladies or Three Sisters. At one point there were five rock formations but two fell in an earthquake. The story behind this is that supposedly there were sisters who were banished from the village. When they left they were turned into stone. They sit today on top of a mountain overlooking Wales.

As we hiked we came upon many Inuksuks (Inuksuits). These are rock formations that serve in many ways. The ones we were following were showing us the path to the top of the mountain. They sometimes show where there is hunting, in memory of someone, or to simply just showing the path. We also came upon a great deal of musk-ox fur as we climbed. It was hard to imagine such a large animal walking down this path.

I have mentioned the many avenues in anthropology in previous days. I would like to continue with Julie Hollowell-Zimmer. This is her fourth trip with Dr. Harritt to Wales. She lives in Bloomington, Indiana. She received her B.A. degree in psychology from Indiana University. She next received her Masters in Education and proceeded to teach elementary school for ten years. Once again she decided to go back to school and received M.A. in Anthropology. Julie is currently working towards her Ph.D. in cultural Anthropology. Her specialty is North American Native Peoples, and the Social Context of Archaeology. She is writing her dissertation on: Market in Archaeological Materials from Alaska's Bering Strait. This is controversial because there are some archaeologists that believe archaeological materials should not go on the market because it leads to site destruction. People dig and desecrate sites for the sole purpose of making money. These are social, ethical, and archaeological issues. She became interested in this subject in Indiana. This happened, and many Native Peoples felt this was desecrating a site. She has many concerns for the Native peoples preserving their culture, artifacts being a major aspect.

Her concerns in these issues are: There is an impact of archaeology on Native Communities. There are ethical concerns of people making money on their finds such as ivory for example. How can archaeology benefit local communities? And what is the meaning of archaeology to local communities? How do people relate to their culture? She seems to have a great understanding and concern for people. Julie has stressed that one of the reasons she likes to come to Wales is because of the philosophy, everything belongs o the people of Wales. I have stated this in other journal entries. All of these findings will come back to Wales. The people can then decide what is to be done with all of the findings.

I would also like to thank her for all of her guidance in Wales. Julie has taught me a great deal about the people, about archaeology, about excavating, and of teaching!.

I am pictured here (the ancient artifact) next to an Inuksu which showed us the way to the top of this mountain. In the background are the Three sisters.

Julie (in red) is surveying the situation with Maria. We have to constantly study what and where we are with each level.

Julie and Wes share a laugh as we all look for a new level.