Archaeological lecture by Doctor Uhle

Abstract

Inaugural lecture of an archaeology course. Uhle argues that the history of America should be written in America, based on the scientific investigation of the material remains that were buried in the ground and not just the "crumbs" taken to European museums. He defines archaeology as the science that reconstructs the life of vanished peoples and highlights the importance of stratigraphy to establish historical chronologies, something he claims to have achieved in Peru unlike other regions. He criticizes the destructive work of huaqueros (looters) and asks for government protection for monuments. He also compares the archaeologist to a surgeon who needs precision in his work.