Understanding Archaeology

The study of archaeology invites a moment of introspection. Situating within a cultural context usually deprives us of our ability to remain objective. To understand archaeology, one should widen the lens and explore its greater connections, delving beneath the superficial to uncover the skeletal structure. The structure can be the zeitgeist or the spirit of the times, or it can be other conceptual frameworks that describe the cognitive patterns of an era. In contemplating archaeology, we may gain not only an understanding but also a serene appreciation with millions of years of history in mind. When we contemplate archaeology, we appreciate its beauty.