Welcome to the Archaeology Lab (ANTH 8L) web page. This
course is offered every Winter quarter along with the Introduction to
Archaeology lecture course (ANTH 8). Students need not be enrolled in
the lecture to take the lab, although it is highly recommended.
In the lab students learn standard archaeological field
and lab methods. Students practice survey and orienteering teachniques
used in archaeology, and become familiar with using compasses and topo
maps. They also learn to sketch sites, artifacts, and bone using the
conventions of the discipline.
Experimental archaeology is also part of the lab course.
We primarily focus on artifact replication and traditional technologies.
Students learn to flint knap (make stone tools), produce
fire-by-friction, and make cordage from plant material. Depending on
time, weather, student interest, and available materials, we may also
include the manufacture of other tools, traps, animal calls, drums and
other instruments.
The archaeology lecture class covers methods, techniques,
and theories used in archaeology. We learn about pre-contact Native
North, South, and Central Americans, Africans, and Australians, the
evolution of complex societies, and technological innovations, such as,
architechture, astronomy, art, and the domestication of plants and
animals. We will also cover recent major finds, such as the Siberian
Ice Maiden and the Ice Man. This class is highly recommended for
anthropology students.
Both the Archaeology Lecture and Lab students will have
an opprtunity to visit an archaeological site. This field trip will be
scheduled for a weekend day during the quarter.
The pictures below are from the Archaeology Lab
course. Not all activities were photographed, but this will give you
an idea of what we do in the class.
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