Friday, March 30, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Archy Digs
I found an Archaeology Group on Library Thing, and the thread is discussing everyone's experience on archy digs, if any.
I am an archaeology graduate student at New Mexico State University. My experiences include a survey in the Saddle Mountains of eastern Washington, volunteered with the Mud Bay Field School near Olympia, and have worked on the excavation of the Wenas Mammoth near Selah (2 summers). The Wenas dig was under desert conditions--lots of fine sandy loess that destroyed two pairs of glasses, my camera, and helped to bury my favorite pair of boots! But I managed to locate and excavate two mammoth rib bone fragments (they are very fragmented due to the tentative age of 16,000 years), a possible prehistoric bison vertabrae, and parts of a kangaroo rat and 2 pocket gophers found at the bottom of a burrow. This dig also became archaeological in 2006 with the discovery of the heat-treated medial portion of a human modified stone flake found in the same excavation unit as mammoth and bison elements. Pretty cool stuff! This dig continues July-August of 2007--they are open to volunteers, and the site is open to visitors, as well.-aggie
I am an archaeology graduate student at New Mexico State University. My experiences include a survey in the Saddle Mountains of eastern Washington, volunteered with the Mud Bay Field School near Olympia, and have worked on the excavation of the Wenas Mammoth near Selah (2 summers). The Wenas dig was under desert conditions--lots of fine sandy loess that destroyed two pairs of glasses, my camera, and helped to bury my favorite pair of boots! But I managed to locate and excavate two mammoth rib bone fragments (they are very fragmented due to the tentative age of 16,000 years), a possible prehistoric bison vertabrae, and parts of a kangaroo rat and 2 pocket gophers found at the bottom of a burrow. This dig also became archaeological in 2006 with the discovery of the heat-treated medial portion of a human modified stone flake found in the same excavation unit as mammoth and bison elements. Pretty cool stuff! This dig continues July-August of 2007--they are open to volunteers, and the site is open to visitors, as well.-aggie
Graduate School
Here's a recent post to the graduate school board on Library Thing:
Hi rikker,I am beginning my first year as a graduate student at New Mexico State in May, which is a great relief! The process of applying to graduate school was even more grueling than the GRE. I don't think I remember how many hoops I had to jump through. A friend of mine (Ph.C. at University of Washington) applied to 6 schools, and only received an answer from one! I applied to 4, was accepted into 3 programs, and did not receive an official answer from 1. If there is one piece of advice I can give about the graduate school application process--have lots of faith, and persevere. Good luck!
aggie
Hi rikker,I am beginning my first year as a graduate student at New Mexico State in May, which is a great relief! The process of applying to graduate school was even more grueling than the GRE. I don't think I remember how many hoops I had to jump through. A friend of mine (Ph.C. at University of Washington) applied to 6 schools, and only received an answer from one! I applied to 4, was accepted into 3 programs, and did not receive an official answer from 1. If there is one piece of advice I can give about the graduate school application process--have lots of faith, and persevere. Good luck!
aggie
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
David Hurst Thomas
A Different History
I cut my archy teeth on Thomas' book. He is one of the reasons I have chosen to merge both professional passions--Native American studies and archaeology. 25 years ago, this would have been taboo. Today, it enables us to delve into prehistory through clearer lenses.
I cut my archy teeth on Thomas' book. He is one of the reasons I have chosen to merge both professional passions--Native American studies and archaeology. 25 years ago, this would have been taboo. Today, it enables us to delve into prehistory through clearer lenses.
Library Thing Group
Hey, I found a group of Graduate Students on The Library Thing who are discussing their degrees and goals. Here's my entry into the group...
If "non-traditional aged student" means someone who is categorized as "boomer-aged" then I guess I am one, too! I will be starting the M.A. program at New Mexico State University in May by taking part in the Kipp Ruins Graduate Field School. If all goes well, I will earn a Masters in Anthropology with a focus on Southwestern Anthropology and Archaeology.My original goal was to go after the Ph.D., but after thinking through my goals of working in Cultural Resource preservation, and teaching, I realized that I could reach them satisfactorily with the M.A.; and I wouldn't have to remain in college for the rest of my natural life :)As a side note, one of the reasons I chose a much smaller university for my graduate studies (my B.A. was earned at the University of Washington, Seattle) was to lessen the turmoil of having to deal with the politics and impersonal-ness of the large school.
If "non-traditional aged student" means someone who is categorized as "boomer-aged" then I guess I am one, too! I will be starting the M.A. program at New Mexico State University in May by taking part in the Kipp Ruins Graduate Field School. If all goes well, I will earn a Masters in Anthropology with a focus on Southwestern Anthropology and Archaeology.My original goal was to go after the Ph.D., but after thinking through my goals of working in Cultural Resource preservation, and teaching, I realized that I could reach them satisfactorily with the M.A.; and I wouldn't have to remain in college for the rest of my natural life :)As a side note, one of the reasons I chose a much smaller university for my graduate studies (my B.A. was earned at the University of Washington, Seattle) was to lessen the turmoil of having to deal with the politics and impersonal-ness of the large school.
Mmegi Online :: Climate change: Populations at greatest risk
Mmegi Online :: Climate change: Populations at greatest risk
Upcoming peer-reviewed article on how coast people will be affected by rising sea levels around the world.
Upcoming peer-reviewed article on how coast people will be affected by rising sea levels around the world.
Drought in Southwest
ScienceDaily: Possible Climate Shift Could Worsen Water Deficit In The Southwest
How might this relate to droughts during Southwest abandonments in prehistoric period?
How might this relate to droughts during Southwest abandonments in prehistoric period?
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
The Great Puebloan Abandonments and Migrations - DesertUSA
The Great Puebloan Abandonments and Migrations - DesertUSA
This site includes many pages on SW prehistory, Native American ritual
Aggie
This site includes many pages on SW prehistory, Native American ritual
Aggie
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Study Zone
I am spending a couple of hours this afternoon at Kingsgate Library, deep in the heart of tall tree country. Each Thursday, I am privileged to work with the kids who seek assistance with their homework. Not many seem to need help before 6PM on Thursdays, but I have helped some students with K-4 and PSAT math homework. I feel a sense of accomplishment when leaving here, knowing that I have helped students with their learning.
Aggie
Aggie
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
I just finished a shift at the library on the Muckleshoot Indian Reservation. It's quite an interesting place--working in a tiny library inside an elementary school, on an Indian Reservation. I feel like a school librarian! Hmmm, I seem to recall my own school librarian--Mrs. Applebee, or was that Appleby? Yes, right down to the sternness, and the wide glasses! In fact, I vaguely recall being asked to leave her library on at least one occasion, although my memory doesn't recall the reasons why . Thanks for visiting, and I hope you all have a great day!
Agnes
Agnes
Friday, March 16, 2007
Saturday, March 10, 2007
10000 year old Bison kill mystery
Members in the NEWS: "Lawrence Todd, a Colorado State University archaeologist, and David Rapson, an Iowa State University archaeologist, were mentioned in the July 4, 2006, Rocky Mountain News (Denver) story 'Tackling 10,000-year-old mystery.' The article detailed research on faunal remains at the Hudson-Meng Bison Kill on the Oglala National Grassland, northeast of Denver, including investigations into who or what killed the bison. The cause of death has been debated for decades, with some researchers espousing a 'stamped-'em-and-spear-'em' theory that attributes the cause to Paleoindian hunting. Others advocate a natural cause, such as a lightening strike or grass fire-asphyxiation scenario. Among the natural cause theorists are Todd and Rapson, who was quoted about their interpretations in the story. 'We're in kind of a funny situation here. We feel our research has brought into question the original [hunting] interpretation. But if it's natural mortality, we're unable to provide a strong interpretive answer for what did happen. This dispute will go on for years and will be seriously, acrimoniously debated,' he was quoted as saying. The story outlines the site's history and background of both theories."
Colorful Indian Place Names
Members in the NEWS: "William Bright, professor emeritus of linguistics and anthropology at the University of California at Los Angeles and an adjunct professor of linguistics at the University of Colorado at Boulder, was cited in a Jan. 7, 2006, story in the Tucson Citizen about place names with Native American origins. 'Lookin' back: Colorful Indian place names found everywhere' mentioned Bright's recent book 'Native American Placenames of the United States.' "
Members in the NEWS
Members in the NEWS: "The work of Igor Krupnik, an anthropologist at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History and curator of a new exhibition on global warming's effects on Arctic peoples, was featured in an Around the Mall item in Smithsonian magazine's April 2006 issue, which was released shortly before its issue date. The piece was subsequently picked up by the Associated Press wire service March 20, 2006. Krupnik discussed his research involving Shishmaref, an Eskimo village on an island in northwestern Alaska. Until a few years ago, villagers have relied on the formation of sea ice to buffer their home from fall storms. With the advent of global warming, the ice no longer freezes reliably, allowing giant storm surges to batter the site and wash away land, houses and even a school playground. 'When they lose a piece of their land, they aren't just losing a certain number of square miles. They are losing a part of their history and their memory. They are losing childhood events and grandparents' tales,' Krupnik was quoted as saying. Villagers voted in 2002 to leave their ancestral home for a site on the mainland. William Fitzhugh, an anthropologist and director of the Smithsonian's Arctic Studies Center, also was quoted in that piece. Krupnik subsequently was mentioned in an Associated Press wire story that moved April 11, 2006. In 'Effects of climate change on Arctic observed,' Krupnik was quoted in relation to two new exhibits about the effects of climate change on Arctic peoples. The exhibits are on display in the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History"
WSU: Indian remains repatriation
Members in the NEWS: "Roderick Sprague, a retired University of Idaho anthropologist, was included in an Associate Press story that moved May 31, 2006. 'American Indian remains to be reburied' covered the repatriation of remains from 150 individuals studied and stored at the University of Idaho and Washington State University. The remains were exhumed, under Sprague's direction, in 1964 to make way for flooding behind a Snake River dam. Sprague was paraphrased as saying that at the time of the dig, getting answers to scientific questions took precedence over offending descendants of the deceased. 'We took the position that we weren't going to keep any more Indian burials. It was 1967 when we really started asking questions,' he was quoted as saying. Former AAA member Mark Warner, an archaeologist with UI, described Sprague as being at the beginning of a trend to question grave excavations. 'There's been an unfortunate history of archaeologists digging up remains. Rick Sprague was way ahead of the curve in repatriating those remains,' Warner was quoted as saying."
Possession of Eagle Feathers
Members in the NEWS: "Jonathan Reyman, curator of anthropology at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, was featured in a short news item June 3, 2006, in The (Decatur, Ill.) Herald & Review. 'American Indian traditions helped by Scovill Zoo eagles' details a project, founded by Reyman, that collects feathers shed by bald eagles and macaws at the zoo in Decatur; those feathers are then forwarded to Zuni Pueblo and Sandia Pueblo Indians in New Mexico and Arizona via the National Eagle and Wildlife Property Repository in Colorado. The feathers are considered sacred objects by the tribes and used in making ceremonial headdresses and fans. 'It has been part of their religious tradition for more than a thousand years and are used to decorate clothing and ritual objects,' Reyman was quoted as saying. While federal law prohibits the possession of eagle feathers or parts, an exemption exists for tribal members who keep them for sacred and religious purposes."
Priests to purify Mayan Site after Bush visit
Priests to purify site after Bush visit Posted by: "Kris" softbrezes45@comcast.net softbrezes45 Date: Fri Mar 9, 2007 4:15 pm ((PST)) good for them!!!!!! http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070309/ap_on_fe_st/guatemala_bush_purification Priests to purify site after Bush visit By JUAN CARLOS LLORCA, Associated Press Writer Fri Mar 9, 12:20 AM ET GUATEMALA CITY - Mayan priests will purify a sacred archaeological site toeliminate "bad spirits" after President Bush visits next week, an official with close ties to the groupsaid Thursday. "That a person like (Bush), with the persecution of our migrant brothers inthe United States, with the wars he has provoked, is going to walk in oursacred lands, is an offense for the Mayan people and their culture," JuanTiney, the director of a Mayan nongovernmental organization with close tiesto Mayan religious and political leaders, said Thursday.Bush's seven-day tour of Latin America includes a stopover beginning lateSunday in Guatemala. On Monday morning he is scheduled to visit thearchaeological site Iximche on the high western plateau in a region of theCentral American country populated mostly by Mayans.Tiney said the "spirit guides of the Mayan community" decided it would benecessary to cleanse the sacred site of "bad spirits" after Bush's visit sothat their ancestors could rest in peace. He also said the rites — whichentail chanting and burning incense, herbs and candles — would prepare thesite for the third summit of Latin American Indians March 26-30.Bush's trip has already has sparked protests elsewhere in Latin America,including protests and clashes with police in Brazil hours before hisarrival. In Bogota, Colombia, which Bush will visit on Sunday, 200 maskedstudents battled 300 riot police with rocks and small homemade explosives.The tour is aimed at challenging a widespread perception that the UnitedStates has neglected the region and at combatting the rising influence ofVenezuelan leftist President Hugo Chavez, who has called Bush "history'sgreatest killer" and "the devil."Iximche, 30 miles west of the capital of Guatemala City, was founded as thecapital of the Kaqchiqueles kingdom before the Spanish conquest in 1524. kris "...the Supreme law of the land is the Great Spirit's, not man's law.....Thomas Banyaya---Hopi
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Monday, March 5, 2007
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Transportation Scholarship Awarded
As an old fellow Fred Meyer colleague would often say, "Top of the mornin'!" and a great day it is. On Mon. Feb. 26th, I received an email from Dr. Alexander announcing that the Graduate School has awarded me a Transportation Scholarship to enable me to travel to NMSU for a visit in April 2007. Way cool! It covers airfare, lodging at Meson de Mesilla, and meals during my visit. While the intent of the visit is to tour the university and meet members of the faculty, I will also take time to see some sights and look into housing. More on this trip later...
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