Archaeology Field School
2006 AAS Field Schools at Elden Pueblo
Application Deadline: May 15 for Crew Member 1 & 2 June 15 for Mapping Techniques & Ruins Stabilization
Field School Dates:
Crew Member 1 & 2: June 26-30, 2006 and July 3-7, 2006
Mapping Techniques & Ruins Stabilization: August 14-18, 2006
University, Company, Institution
Arizona Archaeology Society Field Schools at Elden Pueblo
Field School Location
Elden Pueblo Flagstaff , Arizona
Field School Overview
Field School Type: Excavation - Crew Member 1 and Crew Member 2. Mapping Techniques, Ruins StabilizationTime Period(s) Elden Pueblo is the type site for the Elden Phase in Southwest Prehistoric history. The prehistoric ruins date from 1100 to 1275. It's a 60-70 pueblo with smaller pueblos, pithouses and other features. Field School Conditions: Located at the base of Mt. Elden in Flagstaff, AZ.
On the west side of Hwy 89, one mile north of the Flagstaff mall, 0.1 miles south of Townesend-Winona Rd.
Field School Access: The entire ADA loop trail around the pueblo is 0.22 miles.
Number of years for field school: at least 20 years.Professional certification of this field school: AAS certification program.
Project Directors Peter Pilles, Jr., Forest Archaeologist for Coconino National Forest, is Project Director and oversees all field schools. Peter directs Crew Member 1 & 2 field schools. Walter gosart & Tom Woodall assist with CM1&2 field school.
Donald Weaver is instructor for Mapping Techniques.
Walter Gosart & Tom Woodall are instructors for Ruins Stabilization
Field School Description
Crew Member 1 field school covers beginning excavation and recording methods.
Crew member 2 field school, held concurrently, offers advanced field methods and opportunities for participants to act as supervisors (Crew Chiefs) for those in Crew Member 1.
There will be a half-day field trip to nearby sites each week. An all day field trip to nearby Verde Valley sites will be offered the middle weekend (free). There will be a series of lectures and photographic and sample collection demonstrations, as field progress dictates. Follows the criteria of AAS certification standards. Two one-week sessions offerred. Two weeks of field school required for AAS certification
Mapping techniques is week two of a two week certification program. The course provides the basic to allow participation in non-electronic mapping techniques used in survey and excavation projects. The course will cover the types of mapping techniques available, selecting the most appropriate kind of map for the job at hand, scale drawing, metric system, use of tapes, compass and basic of using the transit and alidade.
Ruins Stabilization is offerred for one-week only, of a two week certification program.The Ruins Stabilization course provides the basic academic and field skill to allow participation in AAS stabilization projects and assist the professional community, as may be requested. The course will briefly cover excavation methods when needed specifically for stabilization purposes. The course will cover the principles and purpose of stabilization, the difference between stabilization and reconstruction , and the various tools and techniques used. Also, the course will discuss the importance of mapping, photography and documentation during the stabilization or reconstruction process. Field trips to observe stabilization efforts at nearby sites may be scheduled.
All field schools require membership in AAS to participate.
Field school web site: www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/elden-pueblo.shtml
Field School Size: 16-25
Minimum age: teens okay with participating parent
Is prior experience required?: No
Recommended experience: Unless registering for Crew Member 2.
Traditional Photography: Yes
Digital Photography: Yes
Excavation Survey Techniques: Yes
Artifact analysis: Yes
Report writing: Yes
Evening Lectures: no
Lab work on rain days?: Yes
Rain days free: Yes
Is travel during free time restricted?: No
Additional information for students: Flagstaff is in a pondersa pine forest at 7,000 ft elevation, with many recreational opportunities and national parks and monuments nearby. Visitor information will be provided.
Academic, Credit Room and Board, & Tuition
Academic Credit: No
Room and Board Information: Primitive camping (chemical toilets, tank water & solar shower frames) on site is free during field school. An abundance of motals are available in the area, as well as a KOA within a mile on Hwy 89. Visitor information can be provided.
Recommended readings
You'll receive a packet about a month prior to field school, with course reading material.
Archaeology field school contact
The Elden Pueblo Project/ Lisa Edmonson
P.O. Box 3496
Flagstaff, Arizona 86003
USA
phone. 928-527-3452
Fax. 928-527-3620
eldenpueblo@npgcable.com
Summary
A classic prehistoric site in the Southwest. Unique opportunity to be a part of actual excavations and research. Great for interested families with teens. The present day HOPI consider the site a special acestral place called PASIOVI.
Since 1978, the Coconino National Forest has continued research on the site as a public archaeology project to educate the public, especially school children, about the prehistoric Sinagua culture, its relationship to modern tribes and the practice and theory of archaeology. Quotes from former students
The saying we use at Elden Pueblo is, it is not what you find, it is what you find out. And you, as a beginner, will find out a lot about archaeology in a totally fun and non-threatening way. The 30 or so participants during our week were a mix of males and females and young (teenagers) and older (like me, let s just say old enough to be retired). My wife and I were impressed with just how nice and helpful everyone there was, from the other beginners, to the experienced crew members, to the Elden Pueblo staff, to Dr. Peter Pilles the Chief Archaeologist. Laughter and smiles filled each and every day. Everyone was patient, even with my sometimes naïve and off-the wall questions.
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