This is a resource guide to hoaxes and fraud on this topic for ANTH 215.
Fraud in archaeology refers to any deliberate falsification or manipulation of data, artifacts, or records that deceive or mislead others in the field of archaeology. This can include fabrication of evidence, theft of artifacts, misrepresentation of data, and other fraudulent activities that compromise the accuracy and authenticity of archaeological research. Fraud in archaeology is a serious issue that can have far-reaching consequences for the field, as it undermines the integrity of research and erodes public trust in archaeology as a discipline.
Examples of fraud in archaeology are many and varied. One of the most notorious cases of archaeological fraud is that of the Piltdown Man, which was believed to be an early human ancestor until it was exposed as a forgery in the 1950s. The bones of the Piltdown Man were discovered in England in the early 20th century and were believed to be a crucial missing link in the evolution of humans. However, in 1953, it was revealed that the bones had been cleverly doctored, and the Piltdown Man was actually a combination of human and animal bones that had been deliberately modified to look like an early human ancestor.
Other examples of fraud in archaeology include the theft of artifacts from archaeological sites, the forging of inscriptions on ancient artifacts, and the manipulation of radiocarbon dating results. Given that artifacts can fetch high prices on the black market, fraud in archaeology occasionally has financial motives. In other instances, a desire for notoriety or recognition within the field of archaeology may be the driving force.
Researching the topic of fraud in archaeology can be challenging, as many cases of fraud may go undetected for years or even decades. However, there are several approaches that researchers can take to uncover instances of fraud in archaeology. One approach is to carefully examine the provenance of artifacts, tracing their origins and ownership back to their original excavation sites. This can help to identify cases where artifacts have been illegally removed from archaeological sites or have been tampered with in some way.
Another approach is to analyze the data and methodologies used in archaeological research, looking for inconsistencies or discrepancies that may indicate fraud or manipulation. For example, if radiocarbon dating results for a particular site are significantly different from those obtained for other sites in the same region, this could be a sign that the data has been manipulated.
Ultimately, preventing fraud in archaeology requires a combination of vigilance, transparency, and ethical behavior. Archaeologists must be committed to the highest standards of honesty and integrity in their research, and must be willing to speak out when they suspect that fraud or misconduct may be occurring.
Some videos on this topic can be found on this playlist, Paranormal Hoaxes and Frauds.
Unraveling Piltdown by 
The Giant and How He Humbugged America by 
