Advanced Archaeological Field School

Paleoindian Archaeology at the Edge of the Rockies

The AAFS program instructs graduate and upper class undergraduate students in advanced archaeological field techniques, project coordination, planning, and reporting. The program takes place at the Hell Gap Field Station and students are provided opportunities to tour nearby archaeological sites. Students benefit from working with specialists on the project that may include pedologists, geoarchaeologists, macrobotanists and others. Because of UW's multi-disciplinary focus at Hell Gap, researchers are beginning to understand the paleoenvironments and landscapes of this region. 

The Hell Gap Site, located at the edge of the ponderosa pine covered Hartville Uplift and adjacent to the open grassland plains of southeastern Wyoming, contains the most complete known sequence of Paleoindian deposits - from Goshen to Lusk (12,900-8,800 calendar year BP). Within these levels are the remains of over 20 occupations - from short to long term camps, lithic production to animal processing. Artifacts left or lost at the site include projectile points, chipped stone tools, debitage, bone, red ochre and adornments.

In addition to working on the one of the most significant Paleoindian sites in North America, the AAFS program takes students through the entire research process:

• Developing a research design
• Budgeting and project planning
• Executing the project
• Producing a final report in conjunction with other students

Students learn how to use state of the art electronic and digital field equipment (GPS, Total Station), how to apply field methods (excavation, testing, mapping, survey), and how to utilize analytical methods including data management and analysis, graphics, and display techniques.
 

Dates for 2009 are May 18- June 28. Applications are due April 30, 2009. Dates and tuition information are available now. Please contact the Institute for more information.

Last Updated on 4/17/2009 11:09:27 AM