Southwestern Archaeology Making the News - A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology
- The Legal Ramifications of Illicit Southwestern Antiquities Trade Looms Over "Indian Market:" Earlier this year, the William Siegal Gallery offered for sale, for $250,000, a pristine, prehistoric Anasazi cotton shoulder wrap — one of several found sealed in an urn. Although Siegal specializes in prehistoric items from Latin America, he said he agreed to handle the North American textile because it had been found on private land, its provenance was impeccable and its sale met all requirements of the myriad of laws regulating antiquities. But last week Siegal declined to discuss the wrap in detail because of the government's recent crackdown. Like most Santa Fe antiquities dealers, Siegal expects federal agents will be closely watching this weekend and next week's rounds of auctions and shows of antique tribal arts.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/8k2k - Santa Fe New Mexico
- Advisory Council on Historic Preservation has Two Remaining Section 106 Training Sessions for 2009: We have two training sessions remaining in our 2009 course year. The last Section 106 Advanced Seminar will be in Santa Fe, NW on September 24; and the last Section 106 Essentials Course will be in Nashville, TN on October 12-13. Our recent courses reached class capacity, so you may want to get your registrations in for the remaining courses. For complete information, see the attached flyers which detail course objectives and logistics or visit www.achp.gov/106. We invite you to pass this information on to colleagues and associates who would benefit from attending either the Essentials Training or the Advanced Seminar. Feel free to contact Cindy Bienvenue at cbienvenue@achp.gov with any questions.
http://www.achp.gov/106select.html
- National Preservation Insitiute Offers Training Program for NAGPRA - Determining Cultural Affiliation: Chicago, IL, September 14, 2009. Purpose of the Seminar: Review the tools and best practices for determining cultural affiliation as part of the requirements of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Each federal agency and museum with control over Native American human remains must identify
cultural affiliation if it can do so on the basis of reasonable belief. Discuss NAGPRA requirements, definitions of critical terminology, grant assistance, and the consultation and review process.
http://www.npi.org
- Memorial for Edward T. Hall to be Held Tuesday Evening in Santa Fe: The memorial for Edward T. "Ned" Hall is this evening, Monday, August 17, at 6:30 pm in St. Francis Auditorium.
- Lecture Opportunity - Tucson: Thursday August 20, 2009, Old Pueblo Archaeology Center's "Third Thursdays" free presentation: "The Absence of Conflict in the Tsegi Phase of Northeastern Arizona, A.D. 1250-1300" with University of Arizona Professor Jeffrey S. Dean at Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, 2201 W. 44th Street, Tucson (in Tucson Unified School District's Ajo Service Center, just west of La Cholla Blvd., ½-mile north of John F. Kennedy Park). 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free.
Thanks to Gerald Kelso for contributions to today's newsletter.
Showing posts with label Looting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Looting. Show all posts
Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Mesoamerican Diet, Excavations on Utah Potter's Kiln
Southwestern Archaeology Making the News - A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology
- Domestication Of Chile Pepper Provides Insights Into Crop Origin And Evolution:
Chile peppers have long played an important role in the diets of Mesoamerican people. Capsicum annuum is one of five domesticated species of chiles and is one of the primary components of these diets. However, little is known regarding the original location of domestication of C. annuum and the genetic diversity in wild relatives. Researchers have now found a large amount of diversity in individuals from the Yucatan Peninsula, making this a center of diversity for chiles.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619152137.htm
- Excavations on Kiln Site Used By Pioneer-Era Master Potter: Thomas Davenport fired up a kiln in southern Utah's first pioneer settlement and started making pottery and crockery that slowly spread through the West along with his reputation as a craftsman. The old site in Parowan, where Davenpoprt manufactured the clay pieces, is being excavated now by a team from Michigan Technological University led by a associate professor who has been studying Davenport and his work for the past 10 years.
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12651916
- Tribe from New Mexico Now One Step Closer to Formal Federal Recognition: This is a story of numbers and the quest of one Native American tribe. The Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe, Pueblo of San Juan de Guadalupe of Las Cruses, N.M., has been seeking federal recognition from the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs for almost 40 years, but with the help of Lee Ann Allen, a UNT anthropology student, the American Indian tribe is one step closer to receiving recognition. One of the requirements of Bureau of Indian Affairs requires is for the tribe to have complete records. In order to accomplish this, Allen lived with the tribe's cacique Edward Roybal Sr. and his wife, and spent eight to nine hours a day, sometimes six days a week, organizing the tribal archives.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/zvd - North Texas Daily
- Jornada Mogollon artifacts found at White Sands: Artifacts have been found near White Sands Missile Range of the Jornada Mogollon, who lived mostly in the Tularosa Basin more than 650 years ago. The archeological find was discovered last year during preliminary site preparation for construction of facilities for the 2nd Engineer Battalion, which was activated at White Sands in October. Archaeologists consider the artifacts "a significant discovery" because they suggest that the Jornada Mogollon temporarily occupied the site two separate times, first around A.D. 1150 and the second from about A.D. 1250 to 1350.
http://www.elpasotimes.com/education/ci_12614579
- Phoenix Museum of History to Close: The museum that holds prized artifacts from Phoenix's early days will close on June 30 because it doesn't have enough money to operate. The Phoenix Museum of History would like to merge with another organization so that the museum can reopen later, officials say. It's unclear, however, if or when that would happen. "We are hoping to come back stronger, but right now, the money is not there," said Frank Barrios president of the museum's board of trustees.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/8eqs - Arizona Republic
- US Government Seeks Dismissal of Geronimo Repatriation Lawsuit: US officials are seeking the dismissal of a lawsuit brought against the government by descendants of Apache leader Geronimo to recover his remains. The descendants want to rebury Geronimo, who was buried in Oklahoma in 1909, in his native land in New Mexico. They are also seeking the return of body parts they say were stolen in 1918 or 1919 by a secret society at Yale University known as Skull and Bones. But justice officials say the law cited by the plaintiffs is not applicable.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8112051.stm
- 11th Annual Meeting of National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers to be Held in Durant Ok, August 10-17: The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma will host our annual meeting, as well as related events and training sessions. The Tribe's Choctaw Casino-Resort-Hotel in Durant, Oklahoma, will be the main meeting location, and they have graciously offered a discounted room rate for NATHPO participants. This year's meeting theme is, "Tribal Historic Preservation and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)."
http://www.nathpo.org/meetings/11meeting.htm
- Second Man Linked to Artifacts Investigation Found Dead: A second defendant indicted following an investigation into the theft and illegal trafficking of American Indian artifacts from the Four Corners area has been found dead in an apparent suicide, the FBI said Friday.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/ds7q - Santa Fe New Mexican
http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_12651408
- Maya Intensively Cultivated Manioc 1,400 Years Ago:A University of Colorado at Boulder team has uncovered an ancient and previously unknown Maya agricultural system -- a large manioc field intensively cultivated as a staple crop that was buried and exquisitely preserved under a blanket of ash by a volcanic eruption in present-day El Salvador 1,400 years ago.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616133940.htm
- Earlier Dates for Peopling of the Americas: Many, if not most, Native people insist that their ancestors have lived on this continent since time immemorial, and some mainstream scientists are beginning to weigh in on their side.
http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/archive/47924372.html
- (Reminder) Today is the Last Chance to Register for the Friends of Arizona Archives Annual Meeting: The meeting will take place on Thursday, June 25, starting at 11:00 a.m. in the Arizona Capitol Museum. The theme of the meeting is "Arizona Archives and Authors." The keynote speaker at the meeting will be Heidi Osselaer, author of the recently published book "Winning Their Place: Arizona Women in Politics, 1883-1950." People that register by June 22 and attend the meeting will receive a free book and a free lunch, courtesy of FAzA
http://faza.org/
- Conference Posits a New Vision of our Relationship with Water and Earth:
Elders and artists from Hopi, Navajo and the West, scientists and researchers from across the country and across cultures, and conference attendees shared their teachings, worldviews and wisdom at the Braiding Through Water conference presented by Black Mesa Trust. Water is a living, sentient substance that flows through and connects all life, explained Hopi Tobacco/Rabbit Clan at Hotevilla Keeper of the Pipe Jerry Honawa.
http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/national/southwest/48613282.html
Tubac Resident Wins Arziona GAAC Public Archaeology Award:Tubac property owner Linda Ellinor has received the Governor’s Advisory Commission Award in Public Archaeology in the category of private developer/landowner. Linda purchased three adjacent properties in the heart of Tubac, just diagonally across the street from the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, to establish a new business, the Floating Stone Inn and Spa. These three properties include the Charles D. Poston Territorial House, an adjoining building that Poston used as the office of the Sonoran Exploring and Mining Company, and the Ysidro Otero House. Plans called for an extensive remodeling of the land involved, but realizing its historic importance, Linda sought out the Tubac/Santa Cruz County Chapter of the Arizona Archaeological Society for assistance. Linda’s appeal to that group elicited the support of its members and its former chapter advisor, professional archaeologist Deni J. Seymour. A dig on the property was planned and conducted, the results of which are currently being written up for a published report and the artifacts from which are currently being prepared for curation at the Arizona State Museum. Linda provided financial support for the effort and even instructed her architects to modify their design to preserve evidence of a foundation wall perhaps dating to the Spanish Colonial period. She did this despite being under deadline pressure to begin the building process and knowing that, under particular circumstances, the results of the excavation might create delays to that project. In nominating Linda for the GAAC award, chapter president Alan Sorkowitz said, “Linda has placed documenting and preserving a part of Arizona’s history above her own economic interest as a property owner—done the right thing rather than simply the most expedient.” This prestigious award recognizes Linda for her support of Arizona’s archaeology and history.
Thanks to Gerald Kelso, Adrianne Rankin and Alan Sorkowitz for contributions to today's newsletter.
- Domestication Of Chile Pepper Provides Insights Into Crop Origin And Evolution:
Chile peppers have long played an important role in the diets of Mesoamerican people. Capsicum annuum is one of five domesticated species of chiles and is one of the primary components of these diets. However, little is known regarding the original location of domestication of C. annuum and the genetic diversity in wild relatives. Researchers have now found a large amount of diversity in individuals from the Yucatan Peninsula, making this a center of diversity for chiles.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619152137.htm
- Excavations on Kiln Site Used By Pioneer-Era Master Potter: Thomas Davenport fired up a kiln in southern Utah's first pioneer settlement and started making pottery and crockery that slowly spread through the West along with his reputation as a craftsman. The old site in Parowan, where Davenpoprt manufactured the clay pieces, is being excavated now by a team from Michigan Technological University led by a associate professor who has been studying Davenport and his work for the past 10 years.
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12651916
- Tribe from New Mexico Now One Step Closer to Formal Federal Recognition: This is a story of numbers and the quest of one Native American tribe. The Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe, Pueblo of San Juan de Guadalupe of Las Cruses, N.M., has been seeking federal recognition from the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs for almost 40 years, but with the help of Lee Ann Allen, a UNT anthropology student, the American Indian tribe is one step closer to receiving recognition. One of the requirements of Bureau of Indian Affairs requires is for the tribe to have complete records. In order to accomplish this, Allen lived with the tribe's cacique Edward Roybal Sr. and his wife, and spent eight to nine hours a day, sometimes six days a week, organizing the tribal archives.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/zvd - North Texas Daily
- Jornada Mogollon artifacts found at White Sands: Artifacts have been found near White Sands Missile Range of the Jornada Mogollon, who lived mostly in the Tularosa Basin more than 650 years ago. The archeological find was discovered last year during preliminary site preparation for construction of facilities for the 2nd Engineer Battalion, which was activated at White Sands in October. Archaeologists consider the artifacts "a significant discovery" because they suggest that the Jornada Mogollon temporarily occupied the site two separate times, first around A.D. 1150 and the second from about A.D. 1250 to 1350.
http://www.elpasotimes.com/education/ci_12614579
- Phoenix Museum of History to Close: The museum that holds prized artifacts from Phoenix's early days will close on June 30 because it doesn't have enough money to operate. The Phoenix Museum of History would like to merge with another organization so that the museum can reopen later, officials say. It's unclear, however, if or when that would happen. "We are hoping to come back stronger, but right now, the money is not there," said Frank Barrios president of the museum's board of trustees.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/8eqs - Arizona Republic
- US Government Seeks Dismissal of Geronimo Repatriation Lawsuit: US officials are seeking the dismissal of a lawsuit brought against the government by descendants of Apache leader Geronimo to recover his remains. The descendants want to rebury Geronimo, who was buried in Oklahoma in 1909, in his native land in New Mexico. They are also seeking the return of body parts they say were stolen in 1918 or 1919 by a secret society at Yale University known as Skull and Bones. But justice officials say the law cited by the plaintiffs is not applicable.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8112051.stm
- 11th Annual Meeting of National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers to be Held in Durant Ok, August 10-17: The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma will host our annual meeting, as well as related events and training sessions. The Tribe's Choctaw Casino-Resort-Hotel in Durant, Oklahoma, will be the main meeting location, and they have graciously offered a discounted room rate for NATHPO participants. This year's meeting theme is, "Tribal Historic Preservation and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)."
http://www.nathpo.org/meetings/11meeting.htm
- Second Man Linked to Artifacts Investigation Found Dead: A second defendant indicted following an investigation into the theft and illegal trafficking of American Indian artifacts from the Four Corners area has been found dead in an apparent suicide, the FBI said Friday.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/ds7q - Santa Fe New Mexican
http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_12651408
- Maya Intensively Cultivated Manioc 1,400 Years Ago:A University of Colorado at Boulder team has uncovered an ancient and previously unknown Maya agricultural system -- a large manioc field intensively cultivated as a staple crop that was buried and exquisitely preserved under a blanket of ash by a volcanic eruption in present-day El Salvador 1,400 years ago.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616133940.htm
- Earlier Dates for Peopling of the Americas: Many, if not most, Native people insist that their ancestors have lived on this continent since time immemorial, and some mainstream scientists are beginning to weigh in on their side.
http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/archive/47924372.html
- (Reminder) Today is the Last Chance to Register for the Friends of Arizona Archives Annual Meeting: The meeting will take place on Thursday, June 25, starting at 11:00 a.m. in the Arizona Capitol Museum. The theme of the meeting is "Arizona Archives and Authors." The keynote speaker at the meeting will be Heidi Osselaer, author of the recently published book "Winning Their Place: Arizona Women in Politics, 1883-1950." People that register by June 22 and attend the meeting will receive a free book and a free lunch, courtesy of FAzA
http://faza.org/
- Conference Posits a New Vision of our Relationship with Water and Earth:
Elders and artists from Hopi, Navajo and the West, scientists and researchers from across the country and across cultures, and conference attendees shared their teachings, worldviews and wisdom at the Braiding Through Water conference presented by Black Mesa Trust. Water is a living, sentient substance that flows through and connects all life, explained Hopi Tobacco/Rabbit Clan at Hotevilla Keeper of the Pipe Jerry Honawa.
http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/national/southwest/48613282.html
Tubac Resident Wins Arziona GAAC Public Archaeology Award:Tubac property owner Linda Ellinor has received the Governor’s Advisory Commission Award in Public Archaeology in the category of private developer/landowner. Linda purchased three adjacent properties in the heart of Tubac, just diagonally across the street from the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, to establish a new business, the Floating Stone Inn and Spa. These three properties include the Charles D. Poston Territorial House, an adjoining building that Poston used as the office of the Sonoran Exploring and Mining Company, and the Ysidro Otero House. Plans called for an extensive remodeling of the land involved, but realizing its historic importance, Linda sought out the Tubac/Santa Cruz County Chapter of the Arizona Archaeological Society for assistance. Linda’s appeal to that group elicited the support of its members and its former chapter advisor, professional archaeologist Deni J. Seymour. A dig on the property was planned and conducted, the results of which are currently being written up for a published report and the artifacts from which are currently being prepared for curation at the Arizona State Museum. Linda provided financial support for the effort and even instructed her architects to modify their design to preserve evidence of a foundation wall perhaps dating to the Spanish Colonial period. She did this despite being under deadline pressure to begin the building process and knowing that, under particular circumstances, the results of the excavation might create delays to that project. In nominating Linda for the GAAC award, chapter president Alan Sorkowitz said, “Linda has placed documenting and preserving a part of Arizona’s history above her own economic interest as a property owner—done the right thing rather than simply the most expedient.” This prestigious award recognizes Linda for her support of Arizona’s archaeology and history.
Thanks to Gerald Kelso, Adrianne Rankin and Alan Sorkowitz for contributions to today's newsletter.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Commentary on Artifact Raids Continues - INAH Partners With Google.
Southwestern Archaeology Making The News - A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology
- INAH Partners with Google to Restore Heritage Tourism: Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History has signed an agreement with Google Mexico to promote archaeological and historical sites in a bid to revive tourism following the swine flu epidemic. The plan uses several elements of the Google platform, including placing maps of archaeological sites and directions to them on Google Earth.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/d9l - BBC4
- Commentary on Artifact Raids Continue: The individuals are accused in federal indictments of stealing, receiving or trying to sell Ancestral Puebloan artifacts stolen from public and tribal lands. One of the individuals indicted, a Blanding physician, reportedly took his own life. That death indeed is a tragedy. But so is the looting. Artifacts removed from their context are disconnected from the stories they have to tell. Furthermore, they do not belong to the people who profit from their sale. Although those people may argue that anything found on public lands is theirs for the taking, that is not true legally and certainly is questionable ethically, as well.
http://www.durangoherald.com/sections/Opinion/Editorial/2009/06/16/Artifact_raid/
- Afidavits Illustrate Federal Case Against Alleged Pot-hunters: Jeanne Redd tried to peddle a shell necklace from tribal land made famous in a Tony Hillerman novel. Aubry Patterson would go pot hunting and instead came across American Indian skeletons. And Tad Kreth assured his worried grandmother that he never would end up in jail over his artifact dealing. So alleges a batch of new search-warrant affidavits released Tuesday in federal cases against these three southern Utahns and others indicted last week in what officials are calling the biggest-ever crackdown against illegal traffickers of pre-Columbian tribal artifacts.
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12602735
- Craig Childs Describes Federal Case as A Raid on the "Good 'Ole (Artifact) Boys:" After federal raids last week on the somewhat casual, small-town traffic in illicit Southwest artifacts, one prominent pot hunter is dead and nearly a dozen more are under indictment. The criminal actions grew out of a two-year undercover investigation in the Four Corners region, in which a wired informant purchased more than $300,000 in illicit antiquities. Most were bought in the high desert town of Blanding, Utah.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/grzi - LA Times
- Resentment Grows in Blanding: The backlash started soon after, and not just because of the arrest of James and Jeanne Redd. Another group of agents had yanked Nick Laws, 30, from his home with such force that they broke some of his toes, local officials say. Nearly 20 agents had surrounded a pair of mobile homes belonging to septuagenarian brothers and led them away in cuffs. Local authorities called the raids overkill. The county sheriff, whose brother was among those charged, launched his own investigation into how suspects were treated. Then a day after his arrest, Dr. Redd killed himself.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/4fv6 - LA Times
- Concepts of Value and Material Culture Compared and Contrasted in Utah: Like many people last weekend, I took the public tour of the new Church History Library in downtown Salt Lake City, where The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stores some of its most precious artifacts. In one of the library's reading rooms, some artifacts are housed in glass cases. They run the gamut from a first-edition copy of The Book of Mormon with handwritten notations by Joseph Smith to a genealogy board game from the '70s (with garish colors true to the period). Such artifacts are a record of a people. The artifacts are clues to how they lived their lives, and what they believe to be important. Nobody would look at these precious items and say to themselves: "Gee, I wonder how much these would fetch on eBay?" The monetary value of artifacts from another group of people -- the Native American tribes of the Four Corners area of southeastern Utah -- was a hot topic last week, when federal officials announced the arrests of two dozen suspects accused of trafficking in looted archaeological items.
http://www.sltrib.com/themix/ci_12595294
- Arizona Preservation Conference Starts Tomorrow: Just a reminder that the 7th Annual Statewide Preservation Partners conference is this Thursday to Saturday at the Phoenix Hyatt. There are some excellent archaeological sessions planned on local ordinances, Native American perspectives on preservation, a recap of Aprils Traditional Cultural Properties conference, the Arizona State Museum's pottery vault project, big public projects such as the Light Rail project, Interstate-10 in Tucson, and the Phoenix convention center, how to balance public access to sites with the risk of vandalism, the analysis of historic period archaeological materials, and far more. The event and features the Governors Archaeology Awards, a workshop on how to remove graffitti from rock art and other archaeological places, and national speakers Donovan Rypkema and Gwendolyn Wright.
http://www.azpreservation.com
- Lecture on Chocolate in the Ancient Americas this Sunday at the Anasazi Heritage Center: Historian Sharon Edgar Greenhill will speak about the deep history of a near-magical food—chocolate— at the Anasazi Heritage Center on Sunday, June 21, at 2:00 pm. Her appearance is part of the 2009 Four Corners Lecture Series, which also sponsors events at Mesa Verde National Park, Fort Lewis College, the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, and the Cortez Cultural Center. Museum admission will be free throughout the day on June 21.The Bureau of Land Management Anasazi Heritage Center is 3 miles west of Dolores on State Highway 184, and is open daily from 9 to 5. For more information, call the Center at (970)882-5600, or visit the web site at the following link:
www.co.blm.gov/ahc.
- Plein Air Painting Show At Anasazi Heritage Center: Dolores, Colo: The Plein Air Painters of the Four Corners will present their 2009 summer exhibition at the Anasazi Heritage Center from July 1 through September 7. An opening reception and “paintout” (weather permitting) will take place at the museum on July 12, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This will be a juried event, with a “Best of Show” award given at the reception. The paintings on exhibit will be offered for sale. Proceeds benefit both the artists and the nonprofit Canyonlands Natural History Association.
www.fourcornerspleinairpainters.com
http://www.co.blm.gov/ahc
Thanks to Sarah Herr and Michael D. Mauer for contributions to today's newsletter.
- INAH Partners with Google to Restore Heritage Tourism: Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History has signed an agreement with Google Mexico to promote archaeological and historical sites in a bid to revive tourism following the swine flu epidemic. The plan uses several elements of the Google platform, including placing maps of archaeological sites and directions to them on Google Earth.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/d9l - BBC4
- Commentary on Artifact Raids Continue: The individuals are accused in federal indictments of stealing, receiving or trying to sell Ancestral Puebloan artifacts stolen from public and tribal lands. One of the individuals indicted, a Blanding physician, reportedly took his own life. That death indeed is a tragedy. But so is the looting. Artifacts removed from their context are disconnected from the stories they have to tell. Furthermore, they do not belong to the people who profit from their sale. Although those people may argue that anything found on public lands is theirs for the taking, that is not true legally and certainly is questionable ethically, as well.
http://www.durangoherald.com/sections/Opinion/Editorial/2009/06/16/Artifact_raid/
- Afidavits Illustrate Federal Case Against Alleged Pot-hunters: Jeanne Redd tried to peddle a shell necklace from tribal land made famous in a Tony Hillerman novel. Aubry Patterson would go pot hunting and instead came across American Indian skeletons. And Tad Kreth assured his worried grandmother that he never would end up in jail over his artifact dealing. So alleges a batch of new search-warrant affidavits released Tuesday in federal cases against these three southern Utahns and others indicted last week in what officials are calling the biggest-ever crackdown against illegal traffickers of pre-Columbian tribal artifacts.
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12602735
- Craig Childs Describes Federal Case as A Raid on the "Good 'Ole (Artifact) Boys:" After federal raids last week on the somewhat casual, small-town traffic in illicit Southwest artifacts, one prominent pot hunter is dead and nearly a dozen more are under indictment. The criminal actions grew out of a two-year undercover investigation in the Four Corners region, in which a wired informant purchased more than $300,000 in illicit antiquities. Most were bought in the high desert town of Blanding, Utah.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/grzi - LA Times
- Resentment Grows in Blanding: The backlash started soon after, and not just because of the arrest of James and Jeanne Redd. Another group of agents had yanked Nick Laws, 30, from his home with such force that they broke some of his toes, local officials say. Nearly 20 agents had surrounded a pair of mobile homes belonging to septuagenarian brothers and led them away in cuffs. Local authorities called the raids overkill. The county sheriff, whose brother was among those charged, launched his own investigation into how suspects were treated. Then a day after his arrest, Dr. Redd killed himself.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/4fv6 - LA Times
- Concepts of Value and Material Culture Compared and Contrasted in Utah: Like many people last weekend, I took the public tour of the new Church History Library in downtown Salt Lake City, where The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stores some of its most precious artifacts. In one of the library's reading rooms, some artifacts are housed in glass cases. They run the gamut from a first-edition copy of The Book of Mormon with handwritten notations by Joseph Smith to a genealogy board game from the '70s (with garish colors true to the period). Such artifacts are a record of a people. The artifacts are clues to how they lived their lives, and what they believe to be important. Nobody would look at these precious items and say to themselves: "Gee, I wonder how much these would fetch on eBay?" The monetary value of artifacts from another group of people -- the Native American tribes of the Four Corners area of southeastern Utah -- was a hot topic last week, when federal officials announced the arrests of two dozen suspects accused of trafficking in looted archaeological items.
http://www.sltrib.com/themix/ci_12595294
- Arizona Preservation Conference Starts Tomorrow: Just a reminder that the 7th Annual Statewide Preservation Partners conference is this Thursday to Saturday at the Phoenix Hyatt. There are some excellent archaeological sessions planned on local ordinances, Native American perspectives on preservation, a recap of Aprils Traditional Cultural Properties conference, the Arizona State Museum's pottery vault project, big public projects such as the Light Rail project, Interstate-10 in Tucson, and the Phoenix convention center, how to balance public access to sites with the risk of vandalism, the analysis of historic period archaeological materials, and far more. The event and features the Governors Archaeology Awards, a workshop on how to remove graffitti from rock art and other archaeological places, and national speakers Donovan Rypkema and Gwendolyn Wright.
http://www.azpreservation.com
- Lecture on Chocolate in the Ancient Americas this Sunday at the Anasazi Heritage Center: Historian Sharon Edgar Greenhill will speak about the deep history of a near-magical food—chocolate— at the Anasazi Heritage Center on Sunday, June 21, at 2:00 pm. Her appearance is part of the 2009 Four Corners Lecture Series, which also sponsors events at Mesa Verde National Park, Fort Lewis College, the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, and the Cortez Cultural Center. Museum admission will be free throughout the day on June 21.The Bureau of Land Management Anasazi Heritage Center is 3 miles west of Dolores on State Highway 184, and is open daily from 9 to 5. For more information, call the Center at (970)882-5600, or visit the web site at the following link:
www.co.blm.gov/ahc.
- Plein Air Painting Show At Anasazi Heritage Center: Dolores, Colo: The Plein Air Painters of the Four Corners will present their 2009 summer exhibition at the Anasazi Heritage Center from July 1 through September 7. An opening reception and “paintout” (weather permitting) will take place at the museum on July 12, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This will be a juried event, with a “Best of Show” award given at the reception. The paintings on exhibit will be offered for sale. Proceeds benefit both the artists and the nonprofit Canyonlands Natural History Association.
www.fourcornerspleinairpainters.com
http://www.co.blm.gov/ahc
Thanks to Sarah Herr and Michael D. Mauer for contributions to today's newsletter.
Friday, April 24, 2009
The Antiquities Trade, Archaeological Monitoring
Southwestern Archaeology Making the News - A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology
- New York Review of Books Examines the Works of James Cuno - How Art, the Antiquities Trade, Nationalism, and Cultural Heritage Intersect at Museums: The stark reality facing art museums today is that the era of large-scale collecting of antiquities has come to a close. In the United States, the situation is further complicated by the dependency of large museums on wealthy private donors and patrons, whose contributions have often related to their own interests as collectors. Now that museums have adopted rules that prevent the acquisition of many ancient objects still in private hands, they must find other ways of retaining that support.
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/22657
- Unexpected Finding on Ebay and The Antiquities Market from Archaeology Magazine: Our greatest fear was that the Internet would democratize antiquities trafficking and lead to widespread looting. This seemed a logical outcome of a system in which anyone could open up an eBay site and sell artifacts dug up by locals anywhere in the world. We feared that an unorganized but massive looting campaign was about to begin, with everything from potsherds to pieces of the Great Wall on the auction block for a few dollars. But a very curious thing has happened. It appears that electronic buying and selling has actually hurt the antiquities trade. How is it possible? The short answer is that many of the primary "producers" of the objects have shifted from looting sites to faking antiquities.
http://www.archaeology.org/0905/etc/insider.html
- Native American Monitors Police Archaeological Practice Near San Diego: With each new project built around San Diego, more artifacts and remains of Native Americans will be uncovered, necessitating the services of archaeological "monitors" such as Carmen Lucas and Clint Linton. A Kwaaymii Indian, Lucas has worked closely with the Kumeyaay Cultural Repatriation Committee (KCRC) for the past decade overseeing development projects. It's her job to ensure any physical or cultural remains discovered are treated properly, expeditiously and reverentially.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/3sir - The La Jolla Light
- Apache Peoples Mark the Anniversary of the Camp Grant Massacre: This April 30 will mark the 138th year since the Camp Grant Massacre of the Arivaipa Apaches along Arivaipa Creek that flows into the San Pedro River. The site is about fifty miles north of Tucson and around 12 miles from the southwestern border of the present San Carlos Apache tribal area. It was in the year of 1871 and it was tragedy too often seen in Southwestern history. Still, it was a pivotal event and one of the major reasons for the forming of the San Carlos Apache Reservation.
http://www.silverbelt.com/articles/2009/04/23/apache_moccasin/apache05.txt
- Archaic Era Deposits Found in Southern Texas: UTSA Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) researchers are examining artifacts they recently discovered that date from 3700 B.C. to 600 A.D. The artifacts were discovered during a three-month dig at Miraflores Park, east of Brackenridge Park.
http://www.utsa.edu/today/2009/04/carartifacts.cfm
- Sourcing Maya Blue: The ancient Maya civilization used a rare type of clay called "palygorskite" to produce Maya blue. Combining structural, morphological and geochemical methods, Spanish researchers have defined the features of palygorskite clay on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. These findings will make it possible to ascertain the origin of the materials used to produce this pigment, which survives both time and chemical and environmental elements.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420085049.htm
- Stimulus Money Assists Curation at Hopewell: A $2 million federal stimulus grant might bring Ohio closer to solving one of its great prehistoric mysteries: the Hopewell Culture. Money from the U.S. Department of the Interior will be used to build a curatorial facility at the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park at Chillicothe. Rick Perkins, acting superintendent and chief ranger at Hopewell, said the money will pay for a new facility for 150,000 artifacts, most of which are now stored underground. Trails and expanded parking are not included.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/1wml - The Columbus Dispatch
- Lecture Opportunity (Santa Fe): On April 27 Southwest Seminars presents Dr. Jeffrey Dean's "Environment or Conflict: Tsegi Phase Transformation of the Kayenta Anasazi, A.D. 1250-1300" as part of the Ancient Sites, Ancient Stories 2009 lecture program. Monday Evening, April 27 At 6 Pm At Hotel Santa Fe. Offered As A Benefit For The Archaeological Conservancy.
Thanks to Adrianne Rankin for contributions to today's newsletter.
- New York Review of Books Examines the Works of James Cuno - How Art, the Antiquities Trade, Nationalism, and Cultural Heritage Intersect at Museums: The stark reality facing art museums today is that the era of large-scale collecting of antiquities has come to a close. In the United States, the situation is further complicated by the dependency of large museums on wealthy private donors and patrons, whose contributions have often related to their own interests as collectors. Now that museums have adopted rules that prevent the acquisition of many ancient objects still in private hands, they must find other ways of retaining that support.
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/22657
- Unexpected Finding on Ebay and The Antiquities Market from Archaeology Magazine: Our greatest fear was that the Internet would democratize antiquities trafficking and lead to widespread looting. This seemed a logical outcome of a system in which anyone could open up an eBay site and sell artifacts dug up by locals anywhere in the world. We feared that an unorganized but massive looting campaign was about to begin, with everything from potsherds to pieces of the Great Wall on the auction block for a few dollars. But a very curious thing has happened. It appears that electronic buying and selling has actually hurt the antiquities trade. How is it possible? The short answer is that many of the primary "producers" of the objects have shifted from looting sites to faking antiquities.
http://www.archaeology.org/0905/etc/insider.html
- Native American Monitors Police Archaeological Practice Near San Diego: With each new project built around San Diego, more artifacts and remains of Native Americans will be uncovered, necessitating the services of archaeological "monitors" such as Carmen Lucas and Clint Linton. A Kwaaymii Indian, Lucas has worked closely with the Kumeyaay Cultural Repatriation Committee (KCRC) for the past decade overseeing development projects. It's her job to ensure any physical or cultural remains discovered are treated properly, expeditiously and reverentially.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/3sir - The La Jolla Light
- Apache Peoples Mark the Anniversary of the Camp Grant Massacre: This April 30 will mark the 138th year since the Camp Grant Massacre of the Arivaipa Apaches along Arivaipa Creek that flows into the San Pedro River. The site is about fifty miles north of Tucson and around 12 miles from the southwestern border of the present San Carlos Apache tribal area. It was in the year of 1871 and it was tragedy too often seen in Southwestern history. Still, it was a pivotal event and one of the major reasons for the forming of the San Carlos Apache Reservation.
http://www.silverbelt.com/articles/2009/04/23/apache_moccasin/apache05.txt
- Archaic Era Deposits Found in Southern Texas: UTSA Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) researchers are examining artifacts they recently discovered that date from 3700 B.C. to 600 A.D. The artifacts were discovered during a three-month dig at Miraflores Park, east of Brackenridge Park.
http://www.utsa.edu/today/2009/04/carartifacts.cfm
- Sourcing Maya Blue: The ancient Maya civilization used a rare type of clay called "palygorskite" to produce Maya blue. Combining structural, morphological and geochemical methods, Spanish researchers have defined the features of palygorskite clay on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. These findings will make it possible to ascertain the origin of the materials used to produce this pigment, which survives both time and chemical and environmental elements.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420085049.htm
- Stimulus Money Assists Curation at Hopewell: A $2 million federal stimulus grant might bring Ohio closer to solving one of its great prehistoric mysteries: the Hopewell Culture. Money from the U.S. Department of the Interior will be used to build a curatorial facility at the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park at Chillicothe. Rick Perkins, acting superintendent and chief ranger at Hopewell, said the money will pay for a new facility for 150,000 artifacts, most of which are now stored underground. Trails and expanded parking are not included.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/1wml - The Columbus Dispatch
- Lecture Opportunity (Santa Fe): On April 27 Southwest Seminars presents Dr. Jeffrey Dean's "Environment or Conflict: Tsegi Phase Transformation of the Kayenta Anasazi, A.D. 1250-1300" as part of the Ancient Sites, Ancient Stories 2009 lecture program. Monday Evening, April 27 At 6 Pm At Hotel Santa Fe. Offered As A Benefit For The Archaeological Conservancy.
Thanks to Adrianne Rankin for contributions to today's newsletter.
Monday, January 26, 2009
AIA Claims Discovery Channel Profiting From Looting, Apache Playing Cards Talk at Heard North
Southwestern Archaeology Making the News - A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology
- American Institute of Archaeology Claims Discovery Channel is Profiting from the Looting of Underwater Sites: Shipwrecks! Treasure! Gold, gold, gold! The hallmarks of treasure-hunting are the stuff of adventure stories, more than fun enough to make archaeologists, who are mounting increasing complaints against the pillaging of sunken ships, seem like wet blankets. But more is at stake than just a few loose doubloons, they say. "The big picture is that a fair amount of humanity's past we don't know, and it's important we don't let it become lost forever," says maritime archaeologist James Delgado, head of the Institute of Nautical Archaeology.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/kmct - USA Today
- Lecture Opportunity, Apache Playing Cards at Heard North: While other American Indian groups enjoyed playing cards, only the Apaches appeared to have crafted their own deck. Hand-painted on horsehide rectangles, the 40-card deck at first resembled the Spanish deck from which it was adopted. The Chiricahuas and Western Apaches later came to design their own cards and invented new games and new tales of how they learned of the cards, said Alan Ferg, archivist at the Arizona State Museum.Ferg will share more about the culture of Apache playing cards Wednesday at the Nights at North presentation at Heard Museum North Scottsdale. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday Jan 28, 10 dollars.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/7yes - Arizona Republic
http://www.heard.org/Page.aspx?pid=205
- Ancient Responses to Catastrophe in the Southwest: The earth trembled. The rock smoldered. The forest burned. And the holy man danced, his turquoise and coral beads bouncing on the chest of his finely woven tunic. The low wall of glowing lava rolled inexorably toward him at a slow walk, swallowing everything in its path with a gulp of flame and smoke. The shaman danced up to the edge of the molten rock, feeling its heat on his face. Then he bent down before the molten rock, with the grace of a bow, and arranged three ears of corn in front of it — an offering, a frail prayer. Then he danced backward, chanting — as the lava took the corn in a gulp, then rolled on toward the holy man’s doomed village — unappeased. Countless such scenes no doubt attended the most recent volcanic outpouring in the 8-million-year process of building Mount Humphreys, the tallest mountain in Arizona. Archaeologists have unearthed the ash-smothered villages, and the lava-created casts of the corn placed carefully in the lava’s path.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/dh9c - Payson Roundup
- Hohokam Irrigation System Documented In Mesa: Less than 360 yards away from where the Wenzlaus played with their grandchildren, the faint remnants of those ancient canals straddle a languishing state of resilience and invisibility. You can’t see them with the naked eye. “Through satellite imagery, sometimes we can actually see the canals, kind of a signature of them,” said Jerry B. Howard, curator of anthropology at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. “The soil in them is different than the other soil around them — more porous and moist — still conducting water, if you will.”
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/134534
- National Park Archetype - Utah's Natural Bridges National Monument: This monument of slickrock, ancient rock writing, American Indian ruins and three natural bridges is one of the most remote and least populated places in the lower 48 states. The nearest town is Blanding, 40 miles to the east. Though reasonably close to Monument Valley, Lake Powell and Canyonlands National Park, Utah¹s first national monument and one of the first dozen in the nation requires effort to visit. Tourists must really want to come here. Perhaps that is part of its magic.
http://www.sltrib.com/faith/ci_10810444
- American Institute of Archaeology Claims Discovery Channel is Profiting from the Looting of Underwater Sites: Shipwrecks! Treasure! Gold, gold, gold! The hallmarks of treasure-hunting are the stuff of adventure stories, more than fun enough to make archaeologists, who are mounting increasing complaints against the pillaging of sunken ships, seem like wet blankets. But more is at stake than just a few loose doubloons, they say. "The big picture is that a fair amount of humanity's past we don't know, and it's important we don't let it become lost forever," says maritime archaeologist James Delgado, head of the Institute of Nautical Archaeology.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/kmct - USA Today
- Lecture Opportunity, Apache Playing Cards at Heard North: While other American Indian groups enjoyed playing cards, only the Apaches appeared to have crafted their own deck. Hand-painted on horsehide rectangles, the 40-card deck at first resembled the Spanish deck from which it was adopted. The Chiricahuas and Western Apaches later came to design their own cards and invented new games and new tales of how they learned of the cards, said Alan Ferg, archivist at the Arizona State Museum.Ferg will share more about the culture of Apache playing cards Wednesday at the Nights at North presentation at Heard Museum North Scottsdale. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday Jan 28, 10 dollars.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/7yes - Arizona Republic
http://www.heard.org/Page.aspx?pid=205
- Ancient Responses to Catastrophe in the Southwest: The earth trembled. The rock smoldered. The forest burned. And the holy man danced, his turquoise and coral beads bouncing on the chest of his finely woven tunic. The low wall of glowing lava rolled inexorably toward him at a slow walk, swallowing everything in its path with a gulp of flame and smoke. The shaman danced up to the edge of the molten rock, feeling its heat on his face. Then he bent down before the molten rock, with the grace of a bow, and arranged three ears of corn in front of it — an offering, a frail prayer. Then he danced backward, chanting — as the lava took the corn in a gulp, then rolled on toward the holy man’s doomed village — unappeased. Countless such scenes no doubt attended the most recent volcanic outpouring in the 8-million-year process of building Mount Humphreys, the tallest mountain in Arizona. Archaeologists have unearthed the ash-smothered villages, and the lava-created casts of the corn placed carefully in the lava’s path.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/dh9c - Payson Roundup
- Hohokam Irrigation System Documented In Mesa: Less than 360 yards away from where the Wenzlaus played with their grandchildren, the faint remnants of those ancient canals straddle a languishing state of resilience and invisibility. You can’t see them with the naked eye. “Through satellite imagery, sometimes we can actually see the canals, kind of a signature of them,” said Jerry B. Howard, curator of anthropology at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. “The soil in them is different than the other soil around them — more porous and moist — still conducting water, if you will.”
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/134534
- National Park Archetype - Utah's Natural Bridges National Monument: This monument of slickrock, ancient rock writing, American Indian ruins and three natural bridges is one of the most remote and least populated places in the lower 48 states. The nearest town is Blanding, 40 miles to the east. Though reasonably close to Monument Valley, Lake Powell and Canyonlands National Park, Utah¹s first national monument and one of the first dozen in the nation requires effort to visit. Tourists must really want to come here. Perhaps that is part of its magic.
http://www.sltrib.com/faith/ci_10810444
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Presidential Pardon for Pothunter, New Discoveries in Sierra Vista
Southwestern Archaeology Making The News - A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology
- President Bush Pardons Pothunter: A St. George man convicted in 1992 of digging up ancient Indian ruins on public lands in Garfield County has been pardoned by President George W. Bush. David Lane Woolsey is among 19 people being pardoned for various crimes as the president prepares to leave office. Woolsey was convicted of an aiding and abetting violation of the federal Archaeological Resources Protection Act and sentenced to three years probation and 100 hours of community service.
http://deseretnews.com/article/0,5143,705272608,00.html
- Early Pithouse Village Located in Sierra Vista: Archaeologists have unearthed an ancient village in the West End. Based on artifacts found there, the prehistoric pit-house village is believed to have belonged to a desert Mogollon people who lived here early in the first millennium. “It’s amazing,” property owner Karol George said during an interview in May. “You can always find something out there when you’re kicking around, but this site is a very unique site, is what I’m being told.”
http://www.svherald.com/articles/2008/12/18/news/doc4949ed3b93b5a206231009.txt
- Related Story, Inscribed Stone Artifact Found in Sierra Vista Fascinates Archaeologists: A mysterious “circle stone” is puzzling archaeologists who unearthed it with an ancient village in the West End. “You don’t find little pieces of rock art like that very often,” archaeologist Avi Buckles said Wednesday. Buckles works for WestLand Resources Inc., an Arizona engineering and environmental consultancy that has been studying the site for more than a year. The company has offices in Tucson and Phoenix.
http://www.svherald.com/articles/2008/12/21/news/doc494df1c7d1033032198505.txt
- Volunteers Prove Priceless at Aztec Ruins National Monument: People who are able to volunteer their time at Aztec Ruins National Monument enter a world where they can choose anything they want to do. The only hitch is the lack of salary, but volunteer Judy Hollar said her pay comes in myriad other ways. "What a great opportunity volunteering there can be," she said. "You get to do what you want to do and you get paid in other ways."
http://www.daily-times.com/ci_11275634
- Mesa Verde Requests Economic Stimulus: Washington lawmakers are talking about an $850 billion economic stimulus, and Mesa Verde National Park leaders want a share of it. The park has requested stimulus money for three projects - reconstruction of the main park road, work on a new visitor center and weed control.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/hlcw - Durango Herald
- Preserving Ancient Chinese Sites the Newest Release on the Archaeology Channel: Ongoing changes in China are accompanied by significant threats to some of the world’s most remarkable cultural heritage sites. Efforts to address this issue are highlighted by Saving the Last Living Ancient Town in China: Lijiang, Yunnan, China, the latest video feature on our nonprofit streaming-media Web site, The Archaeology Channel.
http://www.archaeologychannel.org
- President Bush Pardons Pothunter: A St. George man convicted in 1992 of digging up ancient Indian ruins on public lands in Garfield County has been pardoned by President George W. Bush. David Lane Woolsey is among 19 people being pardoned for various crimes as the president prepares to leave office. Woolsey was convicted of an aiding and abetting violation of the federal Archaeological Resources Protection Act and sentenced to three years probation and 100 hours of community service.
http://deseretnews.com/article/0,5143,705272608,00.html
- Early Pithouse Village Located in Sierra Vista: Archaeologists have unearthed an ancient village in the West End. Based on artifacts found there, the prehistoric pit-house village is believed to have belonged to a desert Mogollon people who lived here early in the first millennium. “It’s amazing,” property owner Karol George said during an interview in May. “You can always find something out there when you’re kicking around, but this site is a very unique site, is what I’m being told.”
http://www.svherald.com/articles/2008/12/18/news/doc4949ed3b93b5a206231009.txt
- Related Story, Inscribed Stone Artifact Found in Sierra Vista Fascinates Archaeologists: A mysterious “circle stone” is puzzling archaeologists who unearthed it with an ancient village in the West End. “You don’t find little pieces of rock art like that very often,” archaeologist Avi Buckles said Wednesday. Buckles works for WestLand Resources Inc., an Arizona engineering and environmental consultancy that has been studying the site for more than a year. The company has offices in Tucson and Phoenix.
http://www.svherald.com/articles/2008/12/21/news/doc494df1c7d1033032198505.txt
- Volunteers Prove Priceless at Aztec Ruins National Monument: People who are able to volunteer their time at Aztec Ruins National Monument enter a world where they can choose anything they want to do. The only hitch is the lack of salary, but volunteer Judy Hollar said her pay comes in myriad other ways. "What a great opportunity volunteering there can be," she said. "You get to do what you want to do and you get paid in other ways."
http://www.daily-times.com/ci_11275634
- Mesa Verde Requests Economic Stimulus: Washington lawmakers are talking about an $850 billion economic stimulus, and Mesa Verde National Park leaders want a share of it. The park has requested stimulus money for three projects - reconstruction of the main park road, work on a new visitor center and weed control.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/hlcw - Durango Herald
- Preserving Ancient Chinese Sites the Newest Release on the Archaeology Channel: Ongoing changes in China are accompanied by significant threats to some of the world’s most remarkable cultural heritage sites. Efforts to address this issue are highlighted by Saving the Last Living Ancient Town in China: Lijiang, Yunnan, China, the latest video feature on our nonprofit streaming-media Web site, The Archaeology Channel.
http://www.archaeologychannel.org
Monday, November 17, 2008
Nevada Archaeological Crime Prosecuted, New Home for Arizona Archives, Lecture on Hohokam Rituals Tonight
Southwest Archaeology Making the News – A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology
- Father and Son Plead ‘Not Guilty’ to Looting Charges: A father and son from Northern California have pleaded not guilty to charges alleging they illegally collected Indian artifacts in Nevada. Donald Parker, who is 69, and his 42-year-old son, Steven Parker, were arraigned Thursday in U.S. District Court in Sacramento.
http://www.fresnobee.com/384/story/1013798.html
- Arizona Archives Move to New Facility: As constitutions go, it doesn’t exactly evoke a sense of history. It’s typewritten. Typewriters, after all, were the latest thing in 1910, when the state Constitution was drafted. Still, the document is a part of history. It’s an archive. And it will soon have a new home, one more modern than a typewriter.
http://azcapitoltimes.com/story.cfm?id=9857
http://www.azcapitoltimes.com/story.cfm?ID=9858
- Homolovi Hosts Hopi Artists: The history of northern Arizona is rooted in the movement of Pueblo clans. The descendents of these people produce art that depicts their stories and traditions, and you can see the artists at work from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Homolovi Ruins State Park. Hopi artist demonstrations will be featured every Saturday through December 20.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/7ndx - The Arizona Republic
- Non-Native, But Still Heirloom: The Kino Heritage Fruit Trees Project involves finding the oldest heirloom trees, taking cuttings and planting them. The project's goal is to replant the heirloom trees at the mission gardens in Tumacácori National Historic Park, south of Tucson. Heirloom trees will also be planted in Tucson in the Rio Nuevo gardens of Origins Heritage Park on the west bank of the Santa Cruz, near the nursery.
http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/267480
- Accomplished Prescott Craftsman Entrusted with Katsina Restorations: Hopi and Zuni carvers entrust Neely with their personal doll repairs, and he in turn promises that he would never carve his own katsina doll. "The Hopi have a very complex religion and culture. I respect that and treat the dolls that way," he said.
http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&subsectionID=1&articleID=61326
- Lecture Opportunity Tonight, “Hohokam Rituals: The Meso-American Connection.” Dr. Stephanie Whittlesey of SWCA Environmental Services will speak at 7:30 pm at the Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society’s free monthly lecture. The event, which is open to the public, will be held tonight, November 17, at the DuVal Auditorium of the University Medical Center, 1501 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson. For more information, refer to the following link.
http://www.statemuseum.arizona.edu/aahs/lectures.shtml
- Lecture Opportunity, “In the Aftermath of Ancestral Puebloan Migrations to Southern Arizona.” Dr. Anna Neuzil of EcoPlan Associates will speak on Thursday, November 20, at 7:30 pm at Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, 5100 W. Ina Road, Bldg. 8, Tucson. Old Pueblo’s lecture program, which occurs on the third Thursday of every month, is free and open to the public. For more information on the lecture series and other exciting activities happening this week, visit Old Pueblo’s website below.
http://www.oldpueblo.org/
- Exhibition Opening, BLM Anasazi Heritage Center, “The Old Spanish Trail: A Conduit for Change.” On the day after Thanksgiving the Anasazi Heritage Center will open a special exhibit about the Southwest’s earliest and most important historic trade route, which ran from northern New Mexico to the Pacific coast. The exhibition traces the trail's history through artifacts, maps, and images. It was developed by the Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado in conjunction with the Old Spanish Trail Association, and made possible in part by a cost share grant from the NPS National Trails System Office in Santa Fe. The exhibition continues through October 2009. For more information, call the Center at (970) 882-5600 or visit the website below.
www.blm.gov/ahc
- Travelogue – History of Natural Bridges National Monument: The monument now features a paved entrance road, a campground, a fancy visitor center, video program and modern ranger residences. But it began simply with the dream of pioneers who believed in conservation and stewardship of special places. "We owe them a great debt," said Ryan. "It is overwhelming."
http://www.sltrib.com/help/ci_10810444
Thanks to Doug Kupel for contributions to today’s newsletter.
- Father and Son Plead ‘Not Guilty’ to Looting Charges: A father and son from Northern California have pleaded not guilty to charges alleging they illegally collected Indian artifacts in Nevada. Donald Parker, who is 69, and his 42-year-old son, Steven Parker, were arraigned Thursday in U.S. District Court in Sacramento.
http://www.fresnobee.com/384/story/1013798.html
- Arizona Archives Move to New Facility: As constitutions go, it doesn’t exactly evoke a sense of history. It’s typewritten. Typewriters, after all, were the latest thing in 1910, when the state Constitution was drafted. Still, the document is a part of history. It’s an archive. And it will soon have a new home, one more modern than a typewriter.
http://azcapitoltimes.com/story.cfm?id=9857
http://www.azcapitoltimes.com/story.cfm?ID=9858
- Homolovi Hosts Hopi Artists: The history of northern Arizona is rooted in the movement of Pueblo clans. The descendents of these people produce art that depicts their stories and traditions, and you can see the artists at work from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Homolovi Ruins State Park. Hopi artist demonstrations will be featured every Saturday through December 20.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/7ndx - The Arizona Republic
- Non-Native, But Still Heirloom: The Kino Heritage Fruit Trees Project involves finding the oldest heirloom trees, taking cuttings and planting them. The project's goal is to replant the heirloom trees at the mission gardens in Tumacácori National Historic Park, south of Tucson. Heirloom trees will also be planted in Tucson in the Rio Nuevo gardens of Origins Heritage Park on the west bank of the Santa Cruz, near the nursery.
http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/267480
- Accomplished Prescott Craftsman Entrusted with Katsina Restorations: Hopi and Zuni carvers entrust Neely with their personal doll repairs, and he in turn promises that he would never carve his own katsina doll. "The Hopi have a very complex religion and culture. I respect that and treat the dolls that way," he said.
http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&subsectionID=1&articleID=61326
- Lecture Opportunity Tonight, “Hohokam Rituals: The Meso-American Connection.” Dr. Stephanie Whittlesey of SWCA Environmental Services will speak at 7:30 pm at the Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society’s free monthly lecture. The event, which is open to the public, will be held tonight, November 17, at the DuVal Auditorium of the University Medical Center, 1501 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson. For more information, refer to the following link.
http://www.statemuseum.arizona.edu/aahs/lectures.shtml
- Lecture Opportunity, “In the Aftermath of Ancestral Puebloan Migrations to Southern Arizona.” Dr. Anna Neuzil of EcoPlan Associates will speak on Thursday, November 20, at 7:30 pm at Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, 5100 W. Ina Road, Bldg. 8, Tucson. Old Pueblo’s lecture program, which occurs on the third Thursday of every month, is free and open to the public. For more information on the lecture series and other exciting activities happening this week, visit Old Pueblo’s website below.
http://www.oldpueblo.org/
- Exhibition Opening, BLM Anasazi Heritage Center, “The Old Spanish Trail: A Conduit for Change.” On the day after Thanksgiving the Anasazi Heritage Center will open a special exhibit about the Southwest’s earliest and most important historic trade route, which ran from northern New Mexico to the Pacific coast. The exhibition traces the trail's history through artifacts, maps, and images. It was developed by the Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado in conjunction with the Old Spanish Trail Association, and made possible in part by a cost share grant from the NPS National Trails System Office in Santa Fe. The exhibition continues through October 2009. For more information, call the Center at (970) 882-5600 or visit the website below.
www.blm.gov/ahc
- Travelogue – History of Natural Bridges National Monument: The monument now features a paved entrance road, a campground, a fancy visitor center, video program and modern ranger residences. But it began simply with the dream of pioneers who believed in conservation and stewardship of special places. "We owe them a great debt," said Ryan. "It is overwhelming."
http://www.sltrib.com/help/ci_10810444
Thanks to Doug Kupel for contributions to today’s newsletter.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Looted Mimbres Pottery Recovered, Crow Canyon Looks at Ancient Agriculture
Southwestern Archaeology Making the News - A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology
- Mimbres Pottery Recovered from Possible Looters: Taos, Chama and Silver City homes were searched last month in an ongoing probe into illegal excavation of Mimbres pottery. The investigation began in late April when someone witnessed what they believed was an illegal dig in the Gila National Forest and called the Catron County sheriff. "They responded, and they found items in the car, interviewed the individuals and then forwarded it on to the Forest Service for additional investigation," said Kathy DeLucas of the Carson National Forest in Taos.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/jpjj - Santa Fe New Mexican
- Crow Canyon Studying Ancient Agricultural Techniques: Corn may seem like an impossible dryland crop for the Four Corners region. With an annual rainfall of 13 inches and soils full of clay, it's certainly not Iowa. Yet the early Ancestral Puebloans successfully grew enough corn, beans and squash without irrigation in a short growing season to support populations that equaled today's population in Montezuma County. How did they do it? That’s the answer being sought by a Pueblo Farming Project at Crow Canyon Archaeological Center northwest of Cortez.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/i4w5 - Cortez Journal
- Grand Canyon Archaeology Topic of Special Program at the Museum of Northern Arizona: Learn about the process of conducting archaeology in the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff adventure photographer Dawn Kish and archaeologists from the National Park Service and Museum of Northern Arizona will discuss images of recent archaeological research done by MNA in partnership with Grand Canyon National Park. Saturday, June 7 from 5:00 p.m.—6:30 p.m.
http://www.musnaz.org/exhibits/grandarch.html
- Preserve Petroglyphs: They look a little like ancient graffiti — the doodlings of an ancient hunter who was better with a chisel than a bow. And maybe that is why prehistoric petroglyphs don't garner the care or respect they deserve. People look at them and don't see the value. But the value is there.
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,5143,700231226,00.html
- The Southwest as a Tri-Cultural Region: From my roof I can look west and see Mount Taylor, which looms above Grants, a small New Mexico city built on the dreams of unmeterably cheap electricity, thanks to the existence there of vast seams of uranium ore. Mount Taylor is one of the four sacred mountains of the Navajo, and you can't see Mount Taylor without also thinking about San Francisco Peaks, a mountain whose three peaks rise above Flagstaff, Arizona, 400 miles west of here. It's another mountain sacred to the Navajo and is also the winter home of the Hopi rain spirits, the kachinas. When you see clouds building up over San Francisco Peaks, the Hopi say, it is the kachinas rehearsing the business of bringing rain to Hopi cornfields.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/jyph - Mother Earth News
- Rafting though Ancient Places: Our first stop was Butler Wash, where a series of petroglyphs 100 yards from the river’s northern bank stretched so far along an overhanging hunk of sandstone they resembled an elaborate frieze. About 10 feet off the ground, bighorn sheep, ducks, spirals, zigzags and human figures scratched in white and dating from 5000 B.C. covered the terra-cotta-colored rock.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/l19c - New York Times, Site may require user regsistration.
- University of Arizona Archaeology Student Wins American Anthropology Association Dissertation Fellowship: Kerry F. Thompson received the award for the dissertation " A?k'ida;a; 'da hooghanée (They used to live here): An archaeological study of 19th century Navajo households." This annual Fellowship is intended to encourage members of ethnic minorities to complete doctoral degrees in anthropology, thereby increasing diversity in the discipline and/or promoting research on issues of concern among minority populations. Dissertation topics in all areas of the discipline are welcome. Doctoral students who require financial assistance to complete the write-up phase of the dissertation are urged to apply. A nonrenewable dissertation fellowship of $10,000 will be provided annually to one anthropology graduate student.
http://anthropology.arizona.edu/news_events/news_story.php?id=153
-The Historical Growth of Phoenix will be the Topic of a Lunchtime Lecture at the Carnegie Center: Professor VanderMeer, as his students like to call him, will be the Lunchtime Speaker at the Carnegie Center on June 12. The title of his talk is Transforming Desert Visions: The Growth of Phoenix, 1860 – 2006." If you've ever wondered how Phoenix could get so big, with 100 plus degree weather like were having now, here in the desert, on a horse with no name. Well, at this lunch time chat, the illustrious Dr. Phil will explain why Phoenix grew and how it was able to surpass in size and success other cities such as Tucson, El Paso, Albuquerque, and Winkleman. So come on down to the historic Carnegie Center next Thursday (June 12) from noon to 1:00 in Downtown Phoenix at 1100 W Washington St, Phoenix, 85007. There will be light refreshments and the parking is free as is the lecture.
- Reminder, there is still time to register for next week's 2008 Arizona Historic Preservation Conference!
http://www.azpreservation.com/
- Archaeology of the Western Mohave Desert to be Lecture Topic at the Next Meeting of the Pacific Coast Archaeology Society: Pacific Coast Archaeological Society's June 12th meeting will feature Dr. Mark Sutton speaking on "Excavations at the Koehn Lake Site, Western Mojave Desert." Excavations undertaken at the Koehn Lake site (CA-KER-875) revealed a Rose Spring Complex site situated on a lakeshore containing an extensive deposit and structures. The work at this site is important to an understanding of changing settlement and subsistence patterns across the Mojave Desert for the last several thousand years and may be related to larger-scale population movements into southern California and across the Great Basin. Meeting information: Thursday, June 12th, 2008, 7:30 pm at the Irvine Ranch Water District, 15600 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, CA.
Meeting is free and open to the public.
Http://www.pcas.org.
- Employment Opportunity (Las Vegas): Nevada Humanities is seeking a dynamic and visionary executive director to implement its recently adopted five-year program plan. The program plan addresses needs in the State of Nevada for community building, organizational capacity building, convening people for informed discussion and civic reflection, and new technologies for program delivery and communication. It also emphasizes expanding financial resources so that Nevada Humanities can keep pace with population growth and have a greater impact and influence. For additional information on the program plan and activities of Nevada Humanities, including the Online Nevada Encyclopedia, go to www.nevadahumanities.org.
http://www.cdarc.org/sat/nh.doc - Ms Word Document.
- Mimbres Pottery Recovered from Possible Looters: Taos, Chama and Silver City homes were searched last month in an ongoing probe into illegal excavation of Mimbres pottery. The investigation began in late April when someone witnessed what they believed was an illegal dig in the Gila National Forest and called the Catron County sheriff. "They responded, and they found items in the car, interviewed the individuals and then forwarded it on to the Forest Service for additional investigation," said Kathy DeLucas of the Carson National Forest in Taos.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/jpjj - Santa Fe New Mexican
- Crow Canyon Studying Ancient Agricultural Techniques: Corn may seem like an impossible dryland crop for the Four Corners region. With an annual rainfall of 13 inches and soils full of clay, it's certainly not Iowa. Yet the early Ancestral Puebloans successfully grew enough corn, beans and squash without irrigation in a short growing season to support populations that equaled today's population in Montezuma County. How did they do it? That’s the answer being sought by a Pueblo Farming Project at Crow Canyon Archaeological Center northwest of Cortez.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/i4w5 - Cortez Journal
- Grand Canyon Archaeology Topic of Special Program at the Museum of Northern Arizona: Learn about the process of conducting archaeology in the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff adventure photographer Dawn Kish and archaeologists from the National Park Service and Museum of Northern Arizona will discuss images of recent archaeological research done by MNA in partnership with Grand Canyon National Park. Saturday, June 7 from 5:00 p.m.—6:30 p.m.
http://www.musnaz.org/exhibits/grandarch.html
- Preserve Petroglyphs: They look a little like ancient graffiti — the doodlings of an ancient hunter who was better with a chisel than a bow. And maybe that is why prehistoric petroglyphs don't garner the care or respect they deserve. People look at them and don't see the value. But the value is there.
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,5143,700231226,00.html
- The Southwest as a Tri-Cultural Region: From my roof I can look west and see Mount Taylor, which looms above Grants, a small New Mexico city built on the dreams of unmeterably cheap electricity, thanks to the existence there of vast seams of uranium ore. Mount Taylor is one of the four sacred mountains of the Navajo, and you can't see Mount Taylor without also thinking about San Francisco Peaks, a mountain whose three peaks rise above Flagstaff, Arizona, 400 miles west of here. It's another mountain sacred to the Navajo and is also the winter home of the Hopi rain spirits, the kachinas. When you see clouds building up over San Francisco Peaks, the Hopi say, it is the kachinas rehearsing the business of bringing rain to Hopi cornfields.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/jyph - Mother Earth News
- Rafting though Ancient Places: Our first stop was Butler Wash, where a series of petroglyphs 100 yards from the river’s northern bank stretched so far along an overhanging hunk of sandstone they resembled an elaborate frieze. About 10 feet off the ground, bighorn sheep, ducks, spirals, zigzags and human figures scratched in white and dating from 5000 B.C. covered the terra-cotta-colored rock.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/l19c - New York Times, Site may require user regsistration.
- University of Arizona Archaeology Student Wins American Anthropology Association Dissertation Fellowship: Kerry F. Thompson received the award for the dissertation " A?k'ida;a; 'da hooghanée (They used to live here): An archaeological study of 19th century Navajo households." This annual Fellowship is intended to encourage members of ethnic minorities to complete doctoral degrees in anthropology, thereby increasing diversity in the discipline and/or promoting research on issues of concern among minority populations. Dissertation topics in all areas of the discipline are welcome. Doctoral students who require financial assistance to complete the write-up phase of the dissertation are urged to apply. A nonrenewable dissertation fellowship of $10,000 will be provided annually to one anthropology graduate student.
http://anthropology.arizona.edu/news_events/news_story.php?id=153
-The Historical Growth of Phoenix will be the Topic of a Lunchtime Lecture at the Carnegie Center: Professor VanderMeer, as his students like to call him, will be the Lunchtime Speaker at the Carnegie Center on June 12. The title of his talk is Transforming Desert Visions: The Growth of Phoenix, 1860 – 2006." If you've ever wondered how Phoenix could get so big, with 100 plus degree weather like were having now, here in the desert, on a horse with no name. Well, at this lunch time chat, the illustrious Dr. Phil will explain why Phoenix grew and how it was able to surpass in size and success other cities such as Tucson, El Paso, Albuquerque, and Winkleman. So come on down to the historic Carnegie Center next Thursday (June 12) from noon to 1:00 in Downtown Phoenix at 1100 W Washington St, Phoenix, 85007. There will be light refreshments and the parking is free as is the lecture.
- Reminder, there is still time to register for next week's 2008 Arizona Historic Preservation Conference!
http://www.azpreservation.com/
- Archaeology of the Western Mohave Desert to be Lecture Topic at the Next Meeting of the Pacific Coast Archaeology Society: Pacific Coast Archaeological Society's June 12th meeting will feature Dr. Mark Sutton speaking on "Excavations at the Koehn Lake Site, Western Mojave Desert." Excavations undertaken at the Koehn Lake site (CA-KER-875) revealed a Rose Spring Complex site situated on a lakeshore containing an extensive deposit and structures. The work at this site is important to an understanding of changing settlement and subsistence patterns across the Mojave Desert for the last several thousand years and may be related to larger-scale population movements into southern California and across the Great Basin. Meeting information: Thursday, June 12th, 2008, 7:30 pm at the Irvine Ranch Water District, 15600 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, CA.
Meeting is free and open to the public.
Http://www.pcas.org.
- Employment Opportunity (Las Vegas): Nevada Humanities is seeking a dynamic and visionary executive director to implement its recently adopted five-year program plan. The program plan addresses needs in the State of Nevada for community building, organizational capacity building, convening people for informed discussion and civic reflection, and new technologies for program delivery and communication. It also emphasizes expanding financial resources so that Nevada Humanities can keep pace with population growth and have a greater impact and influence. For additional information on the program plan and activities of Nevada Humanities, including the Online Nevada Encyclopedia, go to www.nevadahumanities.org.
http://www.cdarc.org/sat/nh.doc - Ms Word Document.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Beating Looters to the Punch, the Fate of National Parks, Ancient Sailing
Southwestern Archaeology Making the News - A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology
- Federal Archaeologists Pre-empt Looters In Burial Excavations: Working in secret, federal archaeologists have dug up the remains of dozens of soldiers and children near a Civil War-era fort after an informant tipped them off about widespread grave-looting. The exhumations, conducted from August to October, removed 67 skeletons from the parched desert soil around Fort Craig — 39 men, two women and 26 infants and children, according to two federal archaeologists who helped with the dig.
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/Endangered-history
-"Ghosts of the Hohokam and the Fate of National Parks: pair of Brits, a Vietnam vet, a sullen teen and a dozen or so retirees gathered under the Sonoran Desert sun to try to decipher some of the clues left behind by people who lived here nearly 1,000 years ago. Who were these Hohokam people who thrived in a compact urban village built around a Great House? They knew astronomy and irrigation and how to construct a four-story building with little more than mud. They played sports on their ball courts, fermented wine from cactus fruit and made sure their walls faced the four cardinal points of the compass.
http://egan.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/the-ghosts-of-casa-grande/
- Cultural Resources for Native Cultural Empowerment: A Lecture by Teresa Lorden and Lisa Woodward, April 13 at the Anasazi Heritage Center.
Http://www.cdarc.org/sat/empowerment.doc - Ms Word Document
- Ancient Sailing Between Mexico and South America: Western Mexico and countries on the west coast of South American had ancient relationships, involving trade in goods and culture. Now MIT students have analyzed just how this communication and transportation system worked. The research was published in the Journal of Anthropological Research.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/b64a - Scientific American
- Interview with University of Arizona Archaeologist Mark Aldenderfer, places Discovery of Ancient Gold in Context: Anthropology professor Mark Aldenderfer began his career in archaeology as an undergraduate student in 1970. Since then, he has excavated national and international sites, including those in Ethiopia, Guatemala and Peru. On a dig in the late 1990s in the Peruvian Andes, Aldenderfer and his team unearthed the oldest known gold artifact to be found in the Americas.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/9izq - Arizona Daily Wildcat
- Arizona Legislature Funds New Archive Building, but Threatens to Cut Monies for Moving Artifacts: Capitol Museum Curator Brenda McLain is working against the clock — and a state budget deficit — for the big move. Some 8,000 items in storage at the old Capitol are slated for transfer to the new Polly Rosenbaum Archives and History Building, 19th Avenue and Madison. Preparations for the fall move began last summer. Artifacts can't just be tossed onto the back of a truck. They have to measured and carefully packed. Their condition and catalog numbers have to be written down, then keyed into a database that tracks museum items using special software. Money to complete the move is in jeopardy, as Gov. Janet Napolitano and the Legislature scramble to find ways to plug budget deficit for the current fiscal year that stands at $1.2 billion and counting.
http://www.faza.net/nm/nm032808ACT.pdf
- Memorial for Chester Shaw: (From Sharon Urban) On the afternoon of March 27, 2008 Chester Shaw passed away after a two year battle with cancer. He was under hospice care and thought to be stable. His passing was quick and peaceful. He was employed by Harris Environmental Group, Inc. of Tucson, AZ as a Principal Investigator and Senior Project Manager. A memorial service for Chet is being held in Hot Springs Arkansas which is where Chester and his family are from originally. The service is this Saturday, April 12th at 2:00 p.m. Chet's sister Sharon and her youngest son Ryan will be conducting Chet's service. Chet's sister and family will be staying at the Village Inn in Hot Springs, AK from this Friday noon to Sunday a.m. Anyone interested in sending condolences should send them care of the Village Inn listed below which is where the family will be staying this weekend. The address is: The Village Inn, c/o Sharon Shaw, 4429 North Hwy. 7' Hot Springs Village, Arkansas 71910. - We may still yet organize a local memorial service, but I wanted to get this information out in case people are interested in sending condolences direct
to Chet's family.
- Employment Opportunity: URS Corporation is looking for 2-4 temporary Field Archaeologists. Minimum Requirements: BA in Anthropology or related field Archaeological excavation experience Ability to recognize and excavate archaeological features and prepare accurate, thorough, and legible field documentation Ability to conduct field work during summer desert conditions. For a detailed description and to submit your resume, please visit our website at www.urscorp.jobs and apply to requisition URS28153.
http://www.urscorp.jobs
Thanks to Brian Kenny, Michael J. Williams and Sharon Urban for contributions to today's newsletter.
- Federal Archaeologists Pre-empt Looters In Burial Excavations: Working in secret, federal archaeologists have dug up the remains of dozens of soldiers and children near a Civil War-era fort after an informant tipped them off about widespread grave-looting. The exhumations, conducted from August to October, removed 67 skeletons from the parched desert soil around Fort Craig — 39 men, two women and 26 infants and children, according to two federal archaeologists who helped with the dig.
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/Endangered-history
-"Ghosts of the Hohokam and the Fate of National Parks: pair of Brits, a Vietnam vet, a sullen teen and a dozen or so retirees gathered under the Sonoran Desert sun to try to decipher some of the clues left behind by people who lived here nearly 1,000 years ago. Who were these Hohokam people who thrived in a compact urban village built around a Great House? They knew astronomy and irrigation and how to construct a four-story building with little more than mud. They played sports on their ball courts, fermented wine from cactus fruit and made sure their walls faced the four cardinal points of the compass.
http://egan.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/the-ghosts-of-casa-grande/
- Cultural Resources for Native Cultural Empowerment: A Lecture by Teresa Lorden and Lisa Woodward, April 13 at the Anasazi Heritage Center.
Http://www.cdarc.org/sat/empowerment.doc - Ms Word Document
- Ancient Sailing Between Mexico and South America: Western Mexico and countries on the west coast of South American had ancient relationships, involving trade in goods and culture. Now MIT students have analyzed just how this communication and transportation system worked. The research was published in the Journal of Anthropological Research.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/b64a - Scientific American
- Interview with University of Arizona Archaeologist Mark Aldenderfer, places Discovery of Ancient Gold in Context: Anthropology professor Mark Aldenderfer began his career in archaeology as an undergraduate student in 1970. Since then, he has excavated national and international sites, including those in Ethiopia, Guatemala and Peru. On a dig in the late 1990s in the Peruvian Andes, Aldenderfer and his team unearthed the oldest known gold artifact to be found in the Americas.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/9izq - Arizona Daily Wildcat
- Arizona Legislature Funds New Archive Building, but Threatens to Cut Monies for Moving Artifacts: Capitol Museum Curator Brenda McLain is working against the clock — and a state budget deficit — for the big move. Some 8,000 items in storage at the old Capitol are slated for transfer to the new Polly Rosenbaum Archives and History Building, 19th Avenue and Madison. Preparations for the fall move began last summer. Artifacts can't just be tossed onto the back of a truck. They have to measured and carefully packed. Their condition and catalog numbers have to be written down, then keyed into a database that tracks museum items using special software. Money to complete the move is in jeopardy, as Gov. Janet Napolitano and the Legislature scramble to find ways to plug budget deficit for the current fiscal year that stands at $1.2 billion and counting.
http://www.faza.net/nm/nm032808ACT.pdf
- Memorial for Chester Shaw: (From Sharon Urban) On the afternoon of March 27, 2008 Chester Shaw passed away after a two year battle with cancer. He was under hospice care and thought to be stable. His passing was quick and peaceful. He was employed by Harris Environmental Group, Inc. of Tucson, AZ as a Principal Investigator and Senior Project Manager. A memorial service for Chet is being held in Hot Springs Arkansas which is where Chester and his family are from originally. The service is this Saturday, April 12th at 2:00 p.m. Chet's sister Sharon and her youngest son Ryan will be conducting Chet's service. Chet's sister and family will be staying at the Village Inn in Hot Springs, AK from this Friday noon to Sunday a.m. Anyone interested in sending condolences should send them care of the Village Inn listed below which is where the family will be staying this weekend. The address is: The Village Inn, c/o Sharon Shaw, 4429 North Hwy. 7' Hot Springs Village, Arkansas 71910. - We may still yet organize a local memorial service, but I wanted to get this information out in case people are interested in sending condolences direct
to Chet's family.
- Employment Opportunity: URS Corporation is looking for 2-4 temporary Field Archaeologists. Minimum Requirements: BA in Anthropology or related field Archaeological excavation experience Ability to recognize and excavate archaeological features and prepare accurate, thorough, and legible field documentation Ability to conduct field work during summer desert conditions. For a detailed description and to submit your resume, please visit our website at www.urscorp.jobs and apply to requisition URS28153.
http://www.urscorp.jobs
Thanks to Brian Kenny, Michael J. Williams and Sharon Urban for contributions to today's newsletter.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Special Topic: Museum & Looting News
Southwestern Archaeology Making the News - A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology
- Federal Law Enforcement Raids Southern California Museums, Authorities Suspect Extensive Organized Crime Network Supporting Looting: Coordinated raids on four Southern California museums early Thursday suggest that the involvement of art institutions in the purchase of looted objects is far more extensive than recent high-profile scandals have indicated. Even as the country's most prominent museums were embarrassed by revelations of stolen artifacts in their collections, several local museums continued to pursue objects they had reason to believe were taken illegally from Thailand, Myanmar, China and Native American sites within the United States, according to search warrants served Thursday.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-museums25jan25,0,101198.story
- Raids Further Threaten the Credibility of American Musuems: It's another public relations debacle for the nation's museum industry, already tarred by reports that top institutions knowingly dealt in looted Italian artifacts. Federal agents raided several Southern California museums on Thursday, mostly in search of artifacts allegedly taken from Thailand's Ban Chiang archeological site, one of the most important prehistoric settlements ever discovered in Southeast Asia. Authorities believe they were smuggled into the U.S. and donated at inflated prices so collectors could claim fraudulent tax deduction.
http://www.charlotte.com/nation/story/460986.html
- Timely Class on Legal Issues in Museum Administration to be Offered in Scottsdale: American Law Institute/American Bar Association presents a course of study at Scottsdale in April titled "Legal Issues in Museum Administration." A full program description and online registration are available on the web, at
http://www.ali-aba.org/cn015
- Time Magazine Fails to Respond to Archaeologist's Concerns that the Magazine Apparently Supports Antiquities Trade: Despite numerous letters from the professional archaeological community, not a single comment or letter to the editor has been published by the magazine.
Thanks to Garry Cantley and Irene Brace for Contributions to Today's Newsletter
- Federal Law Enforcement Raids Southern California Museums, Authorities Suspect Extensive Organized Crime Network Supporting Looting: Coordinated raids on four Southern California museums early Thursday suggest that the involvement of art institutions in the purchase of looted objects is far more extensive than recent high-profile scandals have indicated. Even as the country's most prominent museums were embarrassed by revelations of stolen artifacts in their collections, several local museums continued to pursue objects they had reason to believe were taken illegally from Thailand, Myanmar, China and Native American sites within the United States, according to search warrants served Thursday.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-museums25jan25,0,101198.story
- Raids Further Threaten the Credibility of American Musuems: It's another public relations debacle for the nation's museum industry, already tarred by reports that top institutions knowingly dealt in looted Italian artifacts. Federal agents raided several Southern California museums on Thursday, mostly in search of artifacts allegedly taken from Thailand's Ban Chiang archeological site, one of the most important prehistoric settlements ever discovered in Southeast Asia. Authorities believe they were smuggled into the U.S. and donated at inflated prices so collectors could claim fraudulent tax deduction.
http://www.charlotte.com/nation/story/460986.html
- Timely Class on Legal Issues in Museum Administration to be Offered in Scottsdale: American Law Institute/American Bar Association presents a course of study at Scottsdale in April titled "Legal Issues in Museum Administration." A full program description and online registration are available on the web, at
http://www.ali-aba.org/cn015
- Time Magazine Fails to Respond to Archaeologist's Concerns that the Magazine Apparently Supports Antiquities Trade: Despite numerous letters from the professional archaeological community, not a single comment or letter to the editor has been published by the magazine.
Thanks to Garry Cantley and Irene Brace for Contributions to Today's Newsletter
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Oil Drilling and Ancient Sites in the Galisteo Basin, Looting In National Parks
Southwestern Archaeology Making the News - A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology
- Drilling in New Mexico's Galisteo Basin may Impact Ancient Sites: The basin, with its rugged mesas and open vistas, is one of the most pristine natural landscapes in our state. The basin also holds large ancestral Pueblo villages, extensive rock art, Spanish Colonial period settlements and missions, and historic trails. The archaeological remains of more than seven centuries of human endeavor in the Galisteo Basin lie largely undisturbed as a legacy for future generations.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/6xn3 - (Robert Powers, in the Santa Fe New Mexican)
- Summary of Galisteo Controversy at Santa Fe New Mexican:
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/oil/
- Looting Impacts on National Parks: Looting of fossils and archaeological artifacts from national parks — such as Native American pottery and Civil War relics — is increasing as demand for such items rises on the Internet and the world market, U.S. National Park Service officials say.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-01-23-looting_N.htm?csp=34
- New Superintendent at Bandelier: Bandelier National Monument near Los Alamos has gotten a new superintendent. Brad Traver, a 26-year veteran of the National Park Service, took over the job this week. He succeeds Darlene Koontz, who became the superintendent at Lassen Volcanic National Park in California last year.
http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_8046377
- Civic Tourism; New Publication and Conference Announcement: The March 2006 civic tourism conference in Prescott, Arizona, was attended by people from 35 states, Canada, and Mexico, and was called a "landmark" meeting by more than a few people. Watch Gov. Napolitano's welcome to the conference at the civic tourism website, and read participant evaluations here. Now a new book has been published and another conference will be held this October. "Civic Tourism: The Poetry & Politics of Place" was just published and is available through the civic tourism website. We are selling the book exclusively through Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona, and we encourage you to support local businesses and purchase your copy online through Changing Hands, named Publisher’s Weekly “Bookstore of the Year” in 2007. A book signing will be held at Changing Hands, Feb. 13 at 7 PM.
http://www.civictourism.org/
- Field School Announcement, University of Utah at Range Creek: Anthropology students can spend the summer digging at Range Creek Canyon, a ranch in east central Utah about 60 miles from the nearest town, surrounded by juniper trees and sagebrush with nearby rugged cliff walls bearing Fremont Indian rock art. Applications are now being accepted for U students to do field work in June and July for the Archaeology Field School at the location.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/kvvx - Daily Utah Chronicle
- Publication Announcement: Prehistoric Southwest Pottery Types and Wares by Norman “Ted” Oppelt. In 2007, Ted Oppelt published the latest version of his reference text on Southwestern pottery. The current edition includes color photos of 220 types and 25 wares (both whole vessels and sherds), a welcome addition to this comprehensive manual. The book also includes bibliographic references for major sources of information. The 150-page spiral bound volume can be ordered directly from Mr. Oppelt (contact nrmoppelt@aol.com).
- Drilling in New Mexico's Galisteo Basin may Impact Ancient Sites: The basin, with its rugged mesas and open vistas, is one of the most pristine natural landscapes in our state. The basin also holds large ancestral Pueblo villages, extensive rock art, Spanish Colonial period settlements and missions, and historic trails. The archaeological remains of more than seven centuries of human endeavor in the Galisteo Basin lie largely undisturbed as a legacy for future generations.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/6xn3 - (Robert Powers, in the Santa Fe New Mexican)
- Summary of Galisteo Controversy at Santa Fe New Mexican:
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/oil/
- Looting Impacts on National Parks: Looting of fossils and archaeological artifacts from national parks — such as Native American pottery and Civil War relics — is increasing as demand for such items rises on the Internet and the world market, U.S. National Park Service officials say.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-01-23-looting_N.htm?csp=34
- New Superintendent at Bandelier: Bandelier National Monument near Los Alamos has gotten a new superintendent. Brad Traver, a 26-year veteran of the National Park Service, took over the job this week. He succeeds Darlene Koontz, who became the superintendent at Lassen Volcanic National Park in California last year.
http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_8046377
- Civic Tourism; New Publication and Conference Announcement: The March 2006 civic tourism conference in Prescott, Arizona, was attended by people from 35 states, Canada, and Mexico, and was called a "landmark" meeting by more than a few people. Watch Gov. Napolitano's welcome to the conference at the civic tourism website, and read participant evaluations here. Now a new book has been published and another conference will be held this October. "Civic Tourism: The Poetry & Politics of Place" was just published and is available through the civic tourism website. We are selling the book exclusively through Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona, and we encourage you to support local businesses and purchase your copy online through Changing Hands, named Publisher’s Weekly “Bookstore of the Year” in 2007. A book signing will be held at Changing Hands, Feb. 13 at 7 PM.
http://www.civictourism.org/
- Field School Announcement, University of Utah at Range Creek: Anthropology students can spend the summer digging at Range Creek Canyon, a ranch in east central Utah about 60 miles from the nearest town, surrounded by juniper trees and sagebrush with nearby rugged cliff walls bearing Fremont Indian rock art. Applications are now being accepted for U students to do field work in June and July for the Archaeology Field School at the location.
http://www.cdarc.org/page/kvvx - Daily Utah Chronicle
- Publication Announcement: Prehistoric Southwest Pottery Types and Wares by Norman “Ted” Oppelt. In 2007, Ted Oppelt published the latest version of his reference text on Southwestern pottery. The current edition includes color photos of 220 types and 25 wares (both whole vessels and sherds), a welcome addition to this comprehensive manual. The book also includes bibliographic references for major sources of information. The 150-page spiral bound volume can be ordered directly from Mr. Oppelt (contact nrmoppelt@aol.com).
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