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May 1[edit]

Where did Carlos J. Gradin graduate from?[edit]

Where did Carlos J. Gradin graduate from? I'm having a hard time answering this question. It seems he was a professor, and Spanish sources may have the answer. This guy was considered an archaeologist, so he must have an alma mater somewhere. Tyrone Madera (talk) 23:18, 1 May 2021 (UTC)[reply]

This site says "Bachelor's degree, National College Buenos Aires, 1938". No mention of any advanced degrees. Deor (talk) 16:42, 2 May 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Deor, Yeah, I saw that Prabook entry as well. I was hesitant to include it, however, because I'm not sure it's a reliable source. Anyone can edit it, right? Wouldn't that make it taboo to use? Also, I found the claim that Gradin was married to ANA M AGUERRE to be interesting, since she was a major researcher at the same archaeological sites that he was (and is often referenced in the same papers). Tyrone Madera (talk) 18:04, 2 May 2021 (UTC)[reply]

It seems not uncommon for archeologists to marry within the dicipline and thereafter work on the same projects: consider for example the Weeks. Archeologists often spend months in the field in small teams, so team colleagues are thrown together with limited opportunities for socialising elsewhere, which likely fosters relationships, while working on the same digs after marriage enables them to stay together.

Regarding a lack of graduate qualifications, archeology is one field (astronomy is another) where amateurs have been able to learn a great deal outside formal institutions, and have made significant contributions. An instance is Basil Brown, who pioneered the Sutton Hoo excavations despite institutional indifference to the site. Heinrich Schliemann and Arthur Evans are further examples. {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 90.200.135.95 (talk) 01:43, 3 May 2021 (UTC)[reply]

In Spanish, the title profesor does not imply one is a university professor. It can be used for any teacher, and is sometimes used as an honorific for esteemed scholars, even if they do not hold a teaching position. --Lambiam 17:08, 2 May 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Lambiam, Do you think that he's (possibly) not formally educated? I found this document, but translation is a little hazy. Tyrone Madera (talk) 18:09, 2 May 2021 (UTC)[reply]

On page 5, where J.S. gives his recollections of the early days with Gradin, he states, "At that moment, when CONICET was founded, Menghin sat on the advisory committee, and managed to propose to him [i.e. Gradin] to enter the career of Technician, since he did not hold a university degree." I think that settles it. --Lambiam 22:54, 2 May 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Sounds good. It's really incredible how he managed to pioneer so much of the archaeology in the area without a formalized education. He's basically given the most credit for the archaeological work in Patagonia, even more than others who had degrees in archaeology. To me, that really says something. Tyrone Madera (talk) 23:32, 2 May 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Also, I'm trying to find a direct source to reference saying that he was part of Argentina's National Anthropological Institute (the INAPL). I'm fairly sure that he was part of the INAPL on top of being a member of CONICET, but I've not read of him referenced as a direct member of the INAPL, despite his large presence in the organization.

Lastly, although his CONICET affiliation has been conclusively proven, there is a CONICET person ID field in Wikidata, and I haven't been able to find his yet. If anyone could help me find that, I would very much appreciate it. Tyrone Madera (talk) 18:18, 2 May 2021 (UTC)[reply]