In 1947, Heyerdahl risked his life attempting to prove his point. Academics scoffed, particularly at his idea that the islands of the mid-Pacific had been colonized by way of South America, rather than by Polynesians from the western Pacific. He believed that, long before Columbus, early ocean travelers-tall, fair-skinned, redheaded Vikings much like himself-spread human culture to the most remote corners of the earth. Thor Heyerdahl, who died in April at the age of 87, spent much of an active and sometimes inspiring life in the thrall of one good story. So it’s easy to forget the second great lesson of fieldwork: beware of a story that’s just a little too good. The cost of the expedition, the need to gratify sponsors, the urge to make a name, all turn up the pressure to get the story. One of the first lessons you learn going into the field as an anthropologist, archaeologist or journalist is never to come back empty-handed.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |