Sandia Cave: A Study in Controversy

Description

Authors: Stevens, Dominique and Agogino, George A.  (1921-2000)

Publisher: Eastern New Mexico University

Pub Date: 1975

Binding: Paperback

Condition:  Fair.  Stapled binding tight.  No tears, bends, folds.  Previous owner’s name on upper edge title page.  Light edge and corner wear.  Appears unused.

Notes:  Controversy thy name is Sandia (Man) Cave.  The story starts in 1927 or 1928, with the “discovery” of the cave by a group of Boy Scouts.  A survey of the cave by University of New Mexico archaeologists in 1935, and excavations began.  Frank Hibben published the first set of articles on the Cave in 1940, one on work done, one in Scientific American, and an article in Time.  “Chronological correlation difficulties” by another archaeologist led to rebuttals and rebuttals and rebuttals.  The “definitive” monograph on the Cave was published in 1941, describing excavation, stratigraphy, cultural and faunal material.  Hibben described the first 38 “Sandia Points” in 1946.  The discovery of what was thought to be the claw of a “ground sloth” was brought to light. Dating of the cave and its artifacts became the issue in the 1950s.  It was just one thing after another, including what Hibben thought to be “Sandia Man.”  Amateurs, poor record keeping, uncertain scholarship.  Today, the Cave is a tourist attraction, with its own parking lot.