I Study Dead People

As a professional archaeologist, not a day goes by without someone inquiring about my discipline. Some people congratulate me on my choice of career and for the completion of the several years of education required to obtain the B.A. and the graduate degree required to pursue work as an archaeologist. Children, in particular exude excitement at meeting a "real" archaeologist; their perceptions of the job range from Indiana Jones' adventures, to the study of dinosaurs, to other activities sometimes akin to collecting (looting) archaeological artifacts from sites. After dispelling these notions, my standard answer is thus: "Archaeology is the study of prehistoric and historic human cultures through the examination and analysis of their material remains, as found in archaeological sites, structures, features, and landscapes. Material remains may include the stone tools utilized for hunting or processing plant foods, bone tools for making clothing and shelter material, seeds and animal bones indicating the foods people subsisted on, burial features, ceramics, and wooden structures. Since my research specializes in the material remains of ancient and prehistoric people, in a nutshell--I Study Dead People.

For more information, use the Google Search tool at the top of the page and SEARCH "What is Archaeology". Thanks for visiting my blog, and have a great day! --AFN


http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2011/09/illinois-high-school-says-goodbye-to-final-remnant-of-native-mascot/

Good-bye to final remnant of Native Mascot

According to the news article, Bloomington High School's Purple Raiders have detached themselves from the last vestiges of the American Indian mascot that has been used for 30 years. The life-sized statue of an American Indian will be auctioned off at an annual high school booster's event. Half of the proceeds are expected to fund this year's senior class.

This is good news, particularly in a climate where American Indian mascots are often seen as discriminatory and insensitive to the Native American people of this country. Change is good, and in Indian Country, this example of positive change may be applauded. --AFN

Go here to read the newspaper article

Prehistoric tools, gravestones, and Herty Cups!

http://www.ocala.com/article/20110927/ARTICLES/110929712/1005/sports01?Title=Archaeological-dig-near-Fairfield-turns-up-fascinating-tales The Senator Edwards Site Cluster is an archaeological site being excavated in Marion County, Florida by archaeologists from the College of Central Florida. Multiple components indicate the site was utilized by Native Americans who mined chert (rock used for making stone tools) in the area, and in more modern times became homesteads during the settlement days of the early 19th century. A clearing has produced several tombstones dating betwwen 1830 and 1884. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) will be enlisted to help identify additional unmarked burials as well as the boundary of the cemetery. "Herty Cups" found at the site attest to the importance of turpentine production in Marion County. Patented in 1902, the metal cups were nailed at the bottom of the tree with two "gutters" used to direct the gum into the container. An interesting site. The archaeologists indicate that many of the artifacts will be curated into a museum. It is my hope they will work with the local Native American tribes who may hold significant the artifacts left by their ancestors.--AFN