| Our Sources Say |
Alabama has many historical treasures; let’s work together to preserve them
TVA Volunteers monitoring a Tribal Site.
T
he Tennessee Valley is rich in Native American history. With more than 20 federally recognized tribes that call the Valley their homeland and more than 12,500 reported Native American archeological sites on TVA property, it’s not uncommon for hikers and even property owners to stumble across an artifact — and be tempted to keep it. For Karen Brunso, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer and citizen of the Chickasaw nation, this is the equivalent of finding, taking and selling a tribal artifact. “Pottery shards are our grandmothers’ dishes; stone tools are our grandfathers’ tools,” Brunso said. “And if someone takes a sacred item, it’s the same as looting a church. Tribal artifacts are not a cool way to own a piece of history, they’re pieces of history that tell a story – our story.” In addition to eliminating a piece of history, Stacye Hathorn, partner to TVA’s Cultural Compliance team and state archaeologist for Alabama, said that removing an artifact from an archeological site in particular can impact the integrity of the entire site; meaning that they can no longer identify what the location was used for historically. “Not everyone gets to write their history in books, but everyone gets to write their history in the soil,” Hathorn said. “Even the flakes left over from someone carving an arrowhead can help us determine if the site was a simple campground or a war site. But if the arrowhead is missing, we’re missing a very crucial piece of the puzzle. Unless we find other artifacts deeper in the soil of the site,
Kevin Chandler is general manager, Alabama District Customer Service, for the Tennessee Valley Authority.
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we won’t be able to tell that story correctly.” Since archeological sites are non-renewable resources, even professional excavation projects require calculated measures and thought. For the past six years, TVA has been partnering with the University of Alabama’s Office of Archeological Research to analyze and catalog artifact collections that were gathered from the Guntersville, Wheeler and Pickwick basins in the 1930s and 40s. The artifacts, which range from pieces of Native American life to European trade goods, were collected by TVA and University of Alabama archeologists and researchers before the sites could be impacted by construction of the dams. So, what should you do if you find an artifact – either on TVA property or in your own backyard? According to TVA senior specialist archeologist Erin Dunsmore, the answer is simple. She notes that it could be illegal to dig in these sites, especially if you find a burial site. If you find an artifact, do the right thing and don’t touch it — leave it where it is. Then, she recommends that you follow these steps: Take a picture of the item just as you found it. Remember the precise location, so you can report it with the photo to Dunsmore and the team via email at culturalresources@ tva.gov. If you see someone illegally digging for artifacts on TVA property, contact the TVA police at 855-476-2489. If you find an artifact on your own property, it’s best to stop what you’re doing and contact your state archeologist or email the address above. TVA’s team can help you contact the correct authority. NEVER post about your findings on social media because it gives dishonest people the opportunity to steal and loot. Let’s work together to help preserve history and show reverence for Native American tribal heritage. www.alabamaliving.coop
9/13/21 10:56 AM
