Sins of the Shovel

Sins of the Shovel explores the tumultuous history of American archaeology through the story of the Hyde Exploring Expedition, a nine-year venture that caused significant damage to Indigenous cultural sites in the Southwest. Practicing archaeologist Rachel Morgan examines how earlier practices, driven by profit and exploration, have left lasting ethical and cultural consequences. The narrative provides a thoughtful analysis of the complex legacy of archaeological activity and the efforts to address past wrongs within the field today.