Archaeological Anthropology Commons^™

Pvc-080-Yakas-Field Notes-2008, Laura Yakas

Four Valleys Archive

No abstract provided.

Pvc-075-Lee-Field Notes-2008, Zac Lee

Four Valleys Archive

No abstract provided.

Pvc-070-Coleman-Field Notes-2008, Courtney Coleman

Four Valleys Archive

No abstract provided.

Age Discrepancies With The Radiocarbon Dating Of Sagebrush (Artemisia Tridentata Nutt.)., Phil R. Geib

Department of Anthropology: Faculty Publications

When ancient hearths at open archaeological sites do not yield carbonized annual plant remains or other highquality samples, wood charcoal is commonly used for radiocarbon dating. Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt.), a shrub frequently used for fuel across much of the western United States, seems a potentially better candidate for 14C dating than tree wood since the possibility for significant age discrepancy might be less. A comparison of multiple assays from single features reveals that sagebrush can overestimate age more than even tree wood charcoal. A plausible cause of this appears to be persistence of the shrub on the ground surface …

Community Strategies In The Aztec Imperial Frontier: Perspectives From Totogal, Veracruz, Mexico, Marcie L. Venter

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Using archaeological and ethnohistorical data, this dissertation examines the character of the relationship between the Late Postclassic (ca. AD 1250-1520) frontier center of Totogal, located in the western Tuxtla Mountains (Toztlan) of southern Veracruz, Mexico, and the expanding Aztec Empire. Traditional models of imperialism examine frontiers from a core perspective that limits the autonomy and agency of groups in the path of expansion. Recent ethnographic, ethnohistoric, and archaeological studies of other boundaries, however, suggest that considerable room for negotiation exists within the space of interactions, whether asymmetrical amounts of power characterize the home bases of those groups.

I argue that …

Parasite Pathoecology Of Salmon Pueblo And Other Chacoan Great Houses: The Healthiest And Wormiest Ancestral Puebloans, Karl Reinhard

Karl Reinhard Publications

Two fields of paleopathological investigation originated in the Southwest. Archaeoparasitology is the study of ancient parasite infection (Reinhard 1990, 1992b). It includes comparisons between time periods of single societies as well as comparisons of parasitism between different, contemporaneous cultures. For example, Fry (1980) compared Fremont and Anasazi parasitism, and also Archaic hunter-gatherer and ancestral Pueblo parasitism. All of these studies fall into the definition of archaeoparasitology.

By contrast, pathoecology is the reconstruction of relationships among behavior, environment, and disease organisms in the development of illness (Martinson et al. 2003; ReinhardandBuikstra2003; Reinhardet al. 2003; Santoro et al. 2003).1his field developed from …

Cranial Deformation As The Cause Of Death For A Child From The Chillon River Valley, Peru, Shelia M.F. Medoncade Souza, Karl J. Reinhard, Andrea Lessa

Karl Reinhard Publications

Two small mummy bundles, found in a tomb at the Chillon River Valley, Lima Plains, Peru exist in the collections of the Museu Nacional, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They were donated to the collections at the beginning of the 20th century. A multidisciplinary team is now curating and studying them. CT scans confirmed both skeletons were of individuals less than one year old at death. One of the bundles is intact and will be preserved and displayed. The other one was partly decomposed and the authors received permission to unwrap it to analyze the bones in details. Mites and pollen …

A Child And His Fate: Tuberculosis, Perimortem Trauma And Mummification, Sheila M. M.De Souza, Karl J. Reinhard, Bernardo Tessarollo, Jose Fernando Cardona Zannier, Adauto Araujo

Karl Reinhard Publications

A male child, sitting, 7 years, circumferential deformation, skin marked by coiled fibers, nostril plugs, consistent with Aymara practices was CT scanned. Puppae in the skin suggest exposition of the body previous to the funeral. Dark brown color at the skin suggest blood perfusion. A broken area at the right frontal with the skin partially inside is suggestive of perimorten trauma. There were no bone debris inside the skull and the CT images show two confluent fractures defined by radiating lines extending beyond the missing bone surface. The right eyeball is projected out, the tongue is outside the mouth, the …

Pathoecology And The Future Of Coprolite Studies In Bioarchaeology, Karl J. Reinhard, Vaughn M. Bryant Jr.

Karl Reinhard Publications

Human coprolites currently provide an expanding array of information about the diet, health, and ecology of prehistoric people in the Southwest, but for many years coprolites were not recognized or preserved, or they were not considered important and thus were not saved (Bryant and Dean 2006). With the expansion of archaeological field work during the last half of the twentieth century archaeologists have increasingly explored the "complete" potentials of sites, including the collection and analysis of geomorphologic, botanical, and faunal data. In some ideal habitats (e.g., very dry or frozen) this includes exploring the scientific potential of human coprolite studies. …

Pathoecology Of Two Ancestral Pueblo Villages, Karl Reinhard

Karl Reinhard Publications

Pathoecology is the study of the biotic, abiotic, and cultural environments of disease (Martinson et al. 2003). A parasitic infection is the result of the pathoecological interaction of host behavior, parasite life cycle, the environment in which both life forms live, the nutritional status of the host, and host physiological responses to all of these factors. Parasites contribute to anemia in many ways. Some, such as hookworm, actually consume blood and cause iron loss through their activities. For other parasites, symptoms such as profuse diarrhea reduce intestinal absorption of nutrients. Others, such as certain fish tapeworms, actually compete for absorption …

Paleoparasitology: Perspectives With New Techniques, Adauto Araújo, Karl Reinhard, Otilio M. Bastos, Ligia C. Costa, Claude Pirmez, Alena Iñighez, Ana Carolina Vicente, Carlos M. Morel, Luiz Fernando Ferreira

Karl Reinhard Publications

Paleoparasitology is the study of parasites found in archaeological material. The development of this field of research began with histological identification of helminth eggs in mummy tissues, analysis of coprolites, and recently through molecular biology. An approach to the history of paleoparasitology is reviewed in this paper, with special reference to the studies of ancient DNA identified in archaeological material.

Paleoparasitologia: perspectivas com novas técnicas
Paleoparasitologia é o estudo de parasitos encontrados em material arqueológico. O desenvolvimento deste campo da pesquisa teve início com a identificação de ovos de helmintos em tecidos mumificados, análise de coprólitos e, recentemente, através da …

Enterobius Vermicularis Ancient Dna In Pre-Columbian Human Populations, Alena Mayo Iniguez, Karl J. Reinhard, Luiz Fernando Ferreira, Adauto Araujo, Ana Carolina, Paulo Vincente

Karl Reinhard Publications

In prehistoric populations the paleoparasitological findings show an Enterobius vennicularis homogeneous distribution among North American hunter-gatherers intensified with the advent of agriculture. The same occurred in the transition from nomad hunter-gatherers to sedentary farmers in South America, although E. vermicularis infection encompasses only the ancient Andean peoples. Since molecular techniques are sensitive in detecting ancient DNA (aDNA), in this work we have performed a molecular paleoparasitological study of E. vermicularis. aDNA was recovered from North and South American coprolites (4110 BC-AD 900). Human (cox 2 and HVR) and pinworm (5S rRNA spacer) sequences were determined. The sequence analysis confirmed E. …

X-Ray Fluorescence And Neutron Activation Analysis Of Obsidian From The Red Sea Coast Of Eritrea, Michael D. Glascock, Amanuel Beyin, Magen E. Coleman

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

The strategic location of Eritrea along the Red Sea coast and the Horn of Africa makes it an important place to study human prehistory over a long span of time. However, recurrent political instability and the environmental adversity in the region have hindered comprehensive archaeological investigation. Paleolithic research in Eritrea began after the country obtained independence from Ethiopia in 1991. Geological survey in the Abdur area, along the Gulf of Zula coast (Figure 1), identified Paleolithic artifacts embedded in reef limestone dating to ~ 125 Ka BP (Walter et al., 2000). Based on this evidence, human coastal adaptation during the …

Structural Bone Density Of Pacific Cod (Gadus Macrocephalus) And Halibut (Hippoglossus Stenolepis): Taphonomic And Archaeological Implications, Ross E. Smith

Dissertations and Theses

Describing prehistoric human subsistence strategies and mobility patterns using archaeofaunal assemblages requires archaeologists to differentiate the effects of human behavior from natural taphonomic processes. Previous studies demonstrate that differences in bone density both within and between taxa contribute to variation in element representation in archaeofaunal assemblages. Measurements of contemporary Pacific Cod (Gadus macrocephalus) and Pacific Halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) skeletal elements using Dual Energy Absorptiometry (DEXA) and hydrostatic weighing revealed differences in bone volume density between elements and taxa.

Density values were highest in Pacific cod and halibut jaw elements; the lowest bone volume densities were measured in Pacific cod and …

Shinarump Red Ware And Other Red Ware Pottery North And West Of The Colorado River, James R. Allison

Faculty Publications

In November 2007, the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) hosted a conference to discuss, clarify, and where necessary revise the standard typology used for prehistoric Puebloan pottery found in northwestern Arizona, southwestern Utah, and southeastern Nevada. The multi-state nature of the area covered makes precise geographical description awkward, but the conference was titled Prehistoric Puebloan Pottery North and West of the Colorado River. Margaret Lyneis and Kelley Hays-Gilpin organized the conference, and they have provided a general discussion of the conference and its conclusions in an earlier edition of Pottery Southwest (Lyneis and Hays-Gilpin 2008). Participants continue to work on …

Ceramic Variability And Cultural Diversity In The Northern San Juan Region, Janet Hagopian, James R. Allison

Faculty Publications

The Northern San Juan region during the Pueblo I period has been subdivided into eastern and western groups based on differences in site structure and organization. Ceramic assemblages from across the Northern San Juan region also vary significantly. This poster uses both stylistic and technological traits to examine ceramic variability between Animas- La Plata sites and contemporary sites from the surrounding Northern San Juan region. The ceramics suggest at least three regionalized traditions, implying a greater degree of cultural diversity than previously suspected.

Abajo Red-On-Orange And Early Pueblo I Cultural Diversity In The Northern San Juan Region, James R. Allison

Faculty Publications

During the early Pueblo I period, between A.D. 750 and 800, the first aggregated villages formed in what are now southeastern Utah and southwestern Colorado. At the same time, a new ceramic type, Abajo Red-on-orange, appeared and became the predominant decorated ceramic type at some early villages. Both the technology and the highly variable designs of Abajo Red-on-orange were unprecedented in local ceramics, suggesting the involvement of immigrant potters, a period of unusual innovation, or both. This paper documents the technology, distribution, and designs of Abajo Red-on-orange and what they suggest about early Pueblo I cultural diversity.

Laptops In The Sand: Using Rugged Computers In The Field, Michael T. Searcy, Scott Ure

Faculty Publications

Computers have been used in the archaeology for decades to perform various tasks including statistical modeling, database management, geospatial analysis and other processes ranging from the relatively simple to the incredibly complex. Traditionally, computers are used in relatively “clean” environments such as indoor offices or laboratories. However, when subjected to harsh outdoor conditions with extreme temperatures, precipitation, dust, and debris, failure in some degree, ranging from the irritating to the catastrophic, is highly likely and often quite predictable. Sandy and dusty regions, as well as wet and humid areas, are particularly hostile to the delicate and environmentally sensitive processors, circuit …

Archaeological Inventory, Site Assessment, And Data Management, Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Lmnra) And Parashant National Monument (Para): Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending December 31, 2007, Margaret N. Rees

Archaeology

• Completed subsurface test excavations at Site 26Ck4943. Field work included the excavation of 11 test units and 10 shovel probes, and the recovery of 52 artifacts and 6.0 gallons of feature fill.

• Inventoried 435 acres, documented 13 new sites and conducted condition assessments on 12 other sites.

• Completed a review of all 1,932 ASMIS site records, of which 857 are sites located within LMNRA or PARA, while 1,075 are “Local Resource Types.”

• Gave five presentations on Task Agreement projects at the Three Corners Conference at UNLV.

Re-Evaluation Of The Main Ridge Site And Adjacent Areas: Quarterly Progress Report, October 1 - December 31, 2007, Margaret N. Rees

Archaeology

• Visited the National Administration of Records and Archives in College Park, Maryland to collect additional archival data for the Finder’s Guide.

• Visited the National Museum of the American Indian to collect additional photographs for the Finder’s Guide.

• Submitted Finder’s Guide documenting the results of the archival study.

• Completed an analysis of the variation in Tusayan White Ware ceramics from Main Ridge.

• Attended the Virgin Anasazi Pottery Conference at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

Southern Nevada Agency Partnership Cultural Site Stewardship Program – Program Expansion And Steward Retention: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending December 31, 2007, Margaret N. Rees

Cultural Site Stewardship Program

• An ATV safety class was conducted to certify Clark County site stewards.

• Stewards reported ten major cultural site impacts and nine lesser impacts.

• Technical design for the new CSSP database is 80% complete.

Lost And Found: (Re)-Placing Say Ka In The La Milpa Suburban Settlement Pattern, Jon B. Hageman, Brett A. Houk

Anthropology Faculty Publications

The site of Say Ka, less than 4 km from the major center of La Milpa, has generated a large degree of interest among researchers in northwestern Belize in part because of its elusiveness. After being recorded by archaeologists in 1990, Say Ka was "lost"; attempts to relocate it failed for nearly a decade (Figure I). It was fortuitously rediscovered in 1999, and three seasons of excavation began in 2004. This paper considers the history of Say Ka, its rediscovery, the results of initial excavations, and the possible implications of this minor center for studying the La Milpa suburban zone.

Historical Assessment And Archeological Survey Of 4.9 Miles Of Fm 2092 From Menard To Fivemile Crossing, Menard County, Texas, Jennifer K. Mcwilliams, Douglas K. Boyd, Celine Finney

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

This preliminary report describes historical research and an intensive archeological survey conducted for a 4.9-mile-long stretch of FM 2092 in Menard County by Prewitt and Associates, Inc. The work was performed for the Texas Department of Transportation in conjunction with a road improvement project beginning at the eastern Menard city limit and extending eastward to just beyond Fivemile Crossing. Crossing over Pleistocene and Holocene alluvial terraces of the San Saba River, the project area is located in a high-probability area for buried prehistoric sites and has a dynamic history of intensive use since Spanish colonial times. Investigations included geoarcheological mapping, …

Assessment Of Human Trabecular Architecture In The Pubis By Three Radiographic Modalities, Andrew D. Wade, Andrew J. Nelson, Gregory J. Garvin, David W. Holdsworth

Anthropology Presentations

This poster discusses technical aspects of an investigation into the use of non-destructive radiological analyses of pubic cancellous bone structure to estimate age-at-death from human skeletal remains. This study stems from findings, in X-ray plain films, of increased rarification and orientation of trabeculae with age [1]; likely in concert with the macroscopic remodelling of the symphyseal surface currently used in estimation of age-at-death.

The study uses three non-destructive X-ray imaging modalities: plain film radiography, computed tomography (CT), and micro-CT (μCT). Plain film radiography has greater spatial resolution than CT [2] and is relatively inexpensive, widely available, and, with portable X-ray …

Group Works To Raise Historic Indian's Head Rock From River, Steven Shaffer

Indian Head Rock Project

Article published in the Huntington Herald-Dispatch on the removal of Indian Head Rock from October 2, 2007.

Atua Of The Aga: A Comparison Of Ancestor Worship In The Highlands Of Bali And Polynesia, Jamison Liang

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The purpose of this study is to understand the practice of ancestor worship among the Bali Aga village of Sukawana and its relation to how its inhabitants trace their origins. When did their ancestors arrive in Sukawana and where did they come from? Did any of their descendents continue to migrate across Indonesia? And how do the Bali Aga practice ancestor reverence through the use of shrines and temples—tangible evidence—in their villages? The responses to these questions provided a platform for comparison to current anthropological, linguistic, and archaeological theories in order to understand how locally constructed truth in Sukawana related …

Issue 51, Autumn 2007, Society Of Bead Researchers

The Bead Forum: Newsletter of the Society of Bead Researchers

Glass Trade Beads: An Assemblage Found on a Shipwreck off the Coast of West Africa, by Lisa Hopwood.

Re-Evaluation Of The Main Ridge Site And Adjacent Areas: Quarterly Progress Report, July 1, 2007-September 30, 2007, Margaret N. Rees

Archaeology

• Finalized the report on the fieldwork conducted during the Fall 2006.

• Finalized the Finder’s Guide documenting the results of the archival study.

• Received reports from (a) Dr. Mary Malainey, on the results of the residue study of the Main Ridge pottery, (b) Dr. Linda Scott Cummings, containing the results of the pollen and macrobotanical analyses of samples recovered during the Fall 2006 fieldwork, (c) Sharlyn Anderson, on the results of the ceramic analyses, and (d) Dr. James Watson, on the results of the faunal analyses.

• Visited the National Museum of the American Indian to (a) collect …

Archaeological Inventory, Site Assessment, And Data Management, Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Lame) And Parashant National Monument (Para), Annual Report For 2007, Public Lands Institute

Archaeology

This cooperative task agreement was awarded to the Public Lands Institute (PLI) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) on October 1, 2006, with the term ending on September 30, 2008. The following information constitutes an annual report for all of the major activities performed during the first year of this agreement, as stipulated. A brief summary of all work performed for each project in the agreement between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007 is presented. Other important tasks or activities associated with this agreement, but not identified under any specific project, also are summarized.

Executive Summary

• …

Southern Nevada Agency Partnership Cultural Site Stewardship Program – Program Expansion And Steward Retention: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Covering July 1 – September 30, 2007, Margaret N. Rees

Cultural Site Stewardship Program

• Stewards have been assigned sites in the Desert National Wildlife Range for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

• The CSSP has expanded into the Laughlin area, the southernmost region of Nevada, the last stage of five designated stewardship areas in Clark County.

• Two basic training classes were conducted, adding 33 new site stewards.

• Stewards reported a total of 63 significant site impacts for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, as opposed to 51 significant impacts for the same period last year.

• Creation of a CSSP relational database is underway.

• Annual reports are being …