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October 16, 2008
The Strangest archaeology story I've read all month - meth and looting
Is this real, or is it just the War Against Drugs by other means? In an article about semi-organized looting of Native American artifacts in Crosscut.com people are talking about a methamphetamine connection - tweaking and relic hunting:
Such behavior might be self destructive -- such as the incessant scratching that causes skin sores common to meth addicts -- but for an artifact hunter, it could be just the right prescription. Obsessive compulsive activity is kind of what archaeology and systematic looting are all about. It requires energy and tireless focus. According to one meth user and arrowhead collector:
"You get kind of wired on that stuff and you need to have something to do," [Tony] Young said. It's the tedium of the search and the focus it requires that makes it an attractive hobby to meth users, Young said ... "[H]ead hunting" filled his need for activity when he was on meth.It had another virtue for Young: When he was busted, he sold his collection to help pay for a lawyer.
via Archeorama
Posted by CrankyProfessor at October 16, 2008 7:54 AM