Ya Dig?
The world of archaeology is quite exciting right now - especially for the discoveries that affirm Biblical events, people and places. Among the recent ones are the excavation of the Pool of Siloam, the discovery of the “earliest” Christian church building, and the unearthing of a shard of pottery that offers support for the Goliath story. So maybe the magazine Biblical Archaeology Review can now refrain from making “Swimsuit Edition”-style covers to attract readership.
The BAR cover above from earlier this year has elicited spirited responses in the letters section a couple of issues later. Here are some excerpts:
- “The ersatz cheesecake photo… belies the serious material offered in the substance of the magazine.”
- “Was it really necessary to expose the young lady on the cover of “Digs 2005″ to such misogynistic treatment?”
- “Come on, is it really the thrill of discovery that got this shot on the cover? Let’s keep our controversies to issues of archaeology rather than immodesty.”
- “Right on…!”
- “Your selection of a scantily clad maiden… suggests that you have thrown in your lot with the minimalists.”
- “If you must put diggers on your covers, perhaps you could have a handsome young male digger - holding an artifact, of course.”
- “Bead! What bead?”
This is not the first time BAR has used a female digger on the cover of a special Dig issue. Here’s one from a couple of years ago. At least this lady has a tan to prove she ain’t no neophyte.
Tags: archaeology, Bible