The Connection: Three Fools Who Perhaps Think A Tad Too Highly of Themselves
Smith, Morgan, and Schliemann are all examples of early-to-late 1800s archeo-anthropologists who, rather than a need to discover, see the profession as a means to high regard and, especially in Smith’s case, to act as though he is superior to the culture he claims to be all-knowing of. All three of these ego-centric cads feel as though they are high-value people, above any and all. They cause havoc and destroy the incredible and important sites they attempt to work on, and in the case of Morgan and Schliemann end up destroying beyond repair parts of the cities that won them their credibility in the first place. Their books show their self-interest in full, with Smith flat-out lying in parts and Morgan caring little about the Iranian people. While Schliemann didn’t harm living people like the other two, the destruction caused in his wake is such that it has partly overshadowed the positive work he did, and he, at least, is known now for his poor handling of archeological sites. As with the other two, as well. Smith is disregarded for his violent and plainly evil treatment of the Aboriginal Australian people, and it is clear through his works that, while being entirely well-versed in the importance of keeping the dead buried in Aboriginal culture, has dug up and sullied the graves of countless peoples. The 182 human skulls found in his home tell, more than words, what the man has done to the ever-suffering indigenous Australian people. In Morgan’s case, his legacy is held the most intact, as he is still cited as an excellent archeologist, without even a mention of his attitude and treatment of Susa on his wiki page or in the descriptions of his person in his re-published books. Still, there are some who want his atrocities brought to light, and fight for the devaluing of his contributions to the field.
Irene Morse, Publishing Tools, Spring 2024. Cornish College of the Arts.
Fonts Used:
Sedan, Serif.
Red Hat Display, Sans-Serif.
Platypi, Serif.
Websites Referenced:
TheModernFirst.com, BaumanRareBooks.com, and AntiquarianAuctions.com.