Ever wish you were Indiana Jones? Apparently, all it took to succeed in 19th century Michigan archaeology was the suspension of disbelief, a few rocks, a little clay and a willing partner in crime. Tuesday, Feb. 21st, the Wayne State University department of anthropology will open an exhibit in the Old Main building on Warren and Cass, which celebrates one of the field’s greatest hoaxes -- the “Soper Relics” – with an extensive display of the artifacts.

James Scotford, an itinerant sign painter, and Daniel Soper, con artist, nee secretary of state, launched a grand illusion; they planted, and subsequently arranged official discovery of thousands of fake artifacts. Their unholy alliance began in 1890, in Montcalm County, Michigan with their first “find,” but their ongoing performance continued to the delight of many Michiganders over the span of a three-decade spree of staged archaeological finds, despite the fact that experts continually debunked their efforts. The “relics,” mostly unfired, crudely modeled clay boxes and tablets, sport mysterious symbols and hieroglyphics.

“There are still some who feel that these ‘Michigan relics’ might be true artifacts of some ancient biblical civilization; they reason not everyone in ancient times was an artist, so all archaeological finds are not equally refined,” said Tom Killion, chair of the Wayne State department of anthropology and archaeology. “Come see for yourself.”

John R. Halsey, Michgan state archaeologist since 1976, and director of the Michigan Historical Center, will be the keynote speaker at the opening reception, from 5 to 8 pm, Feb. 21. Halsey received his B.A. and M.A. degrees in anthropology at the University of Michigan, and his PhD at the University of North Carolina. Halsey has extensive archaeological experience in Michigan, Wisconsin and North Carolina; he is the editor of 140 publications, and an expert in the management of underwater cultural resources.

For more information contact Allison Muhammad, ac8240@wayne.edu, or (313) 577-2598, or visit: http://www.anthro.wayne.edu/museum/homepage.html. The museum’s hours are Mon. –Thurs. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Wayne State University Museum of Anthropology was founded in 1958 by. Arnold Pilling, as a center for local archaeological research. Its purpose is to inspire a broad understanding and appreciation of Michigan’s ethnic diversity and cultural heritage through education, preservation and scholarly research grounded in the stewardship of its collections.

Wayne State University is a premier institution offering more than 350 academic programs through 11 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students.