Policies of the major archaeology associations against the publication of information about artifacts that come to light without proper documentation should be changed because they obstruct research and the advance of knowledge of the ancient world, a number of scholars say in a "Statement of Concern" that has been circulating by e-mail and online.

More than 100 archaeologists and other scholars who deal with texts and other materials from the ancient Near East and the Mediterranean basin have signed the statement, which urges the American Schools of Oriental Research and the Archaeological Institute of America to revoke their policies.