Indiana Jones: Myth, Reality And 21st Century Archaeology

Archaeologists are constantly looking for materials and evidence of land use to illuminate past human activity. One aspect of archaeological research that has been gaining attention is the evidence of resistance and power among those previously assumed to be powerless. Some have assumed those who were enslaved or indentured were static within those roles. In so assuming, those oppressed peoples were (and are) denied their agency and the gravity of their experiences glazed over. Studies of African Diaspora and ethnographic study have brought forward forgotten histories and experiences that have been neglected in American history. Today we talk with none other than Dr. Terrance Weik, who addresses these particular issues in his book The Archaeology of Antislavery Resistance, and get a better idea of agency, culture, behavior, and ability that is not generally attributed to enslaved or otherwise oppressed peoples.