In the last week of excavation, we removed two more layers of soil, clearly exposing the walls that delineate Room 26 and 53 with the surrounding buildings (fig. 1, 2)

We also revealed the wall that divides the initial Area 26 in to two smaller areas – 26 and 53 (fig. 3). The wall has a strong inclination to both the north and south sides because of the earthquake and the pressures exerted by the adverse weather conditions during winter months. We also exposed an opening at the west part of this wall, indicating that Rooms 26 and 53 were communicating with each other. It is very interesting that at this opening, we unearthed three fruit stands, which may be related to some kind of rituals. In one of those, a few knuckle bones were revealed (fig. 4, 5). One of the most important finds revealed at the south side of the wall that divides the area is a bronze cup with a handle that bears three rivets and three incisions on its handle (fig. 6)

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Areas 19, 28, 49, 54, 55

During the last week of excavation, at the south part of Area 19 (fig. 1), after the removal of a thin reddish-black layer with clay soil and charcoal, we revealed the paved floor consisting of schist and limestone. This layer was also exposed in most parts of Areas 19, 28 and 49, indicating the fallen floor of the upper storey, which was made of beaten earth, beams and reeds. At the level of the floor, we found several conical cups as well as a rectangular structure (bench?) (fig. 1) in contact with the south wall (Wall Γ), the foundation of which is below the paved floor. At the northwest part of the area, we also revealed part of the paved floor, we investigated the role of the two walls at the west part (Wall K and Wall Λ), as well as we revealed the extents in depth of Wall I, under which we might have a system for water runoff (fig. 2). Area 19 seems to be roofed by employing four draughts at its north and south part. At its northeast part, Corridor 16, probably with a few steps was leading to the upper floor. It does not seem to have an opening at the ground floor. The north part of Area 19, will be investigated in the next field season, by removing the stone-mound.

In Area 28, we revealed the paved floor (fig. 3), at the central and east part. After a test trench, this seems to continue at the west part, and at least Areas 54 and 55. It is not at the same level because of the destruction in some areas. The most important finds have fallen from the upper storey, which seems to be a place of some kind of worship, in contrast to the ground floor which seems to be used for everyday activities.

At the central and east part of Areas 49 (fig. 4), after removing the reddish-black thin layer of soil, we revealed in its greatest part a white layer of ash with several burned stones and without a paved floor. Only at the west part we exposed the paved floor, along with a great accumulation of carbonised wood, both on the surface of the floor and in it. At the northeast part we also investigated an opening, which seems to be a destructed part of the east Wall ΣΤ an was opened at a later date. Lastly, at the central and west part of Area 49, we investigated a low diagonal wall which was revealed last year. Along with a similar one, which both form a triangle, they are part of an unidentified structure. Inside this structure (fig. 5), we unearthed several vessels , animal bones and small pieces of carbonised wood. This structure might be a deposit.

Also, we continued investigating the interior of Areas 54 and 55 (fig. 6) by removing the fill, without however revealing either a paved floor or the foundation of the walls.  Most probably, there are storage areas of everyday use. In parallel to the excavation, we did some mounting works for the WallE (fig.7) which divides Areas 54 and 55, as well as the WallΘ, between Areas 55 and 17.

From the all these areas we revealed a large quantity of characteristic Late Minoan IA pottery, such as conical cups, jugs and juglets, as well as fragments of cooking pots and pithoid jars.

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Corridor 10

The last week of excavation concluded with the removal of two more layers of soil in which the picture we get is relatively the same with the overlying layers. We continue unearthing large quantities of carbonised wood, especially at the north and central part of the trench. Of particular importance is a big piece of carbon that seem to come from a large wooden element of the building, possibly a wooden framework (fig. 1), as well as small cylindrical pieces which most probably belong to reeds and straws used for the roof and/or the floor of the upper storey (fig. 2). In the removal of those two layers, the sherds revealed are quite fragmented because of the clayish soil and the humidity of the soil. There is a chance however, that the fragmentation of the sherds is intentional, since it is a common practice to use pottery fragments either in the joints of the walls, or most probably, at the composition of the beaten earth used for covering the floors. Among the finds, there is a fragment of a communion cup, as well as several other quite fragmented vessels, mainly cups (fig. 3). We also unearthed two milk jugs, one of which is intact (fig. 4, 5). We also realized that the pithos revealed last week is not intact and it seems not to continue in the lower layers (fig. 6). Therefore, it was removed. It should be also mentioned that at the south part of the trench, where the clayish soil and the pieces of clay were revealed in the overlying layers, we sporadically revealed lepidha earth (hard-packed gray clay), which most probably belongs to the structure of the floor of the upper storey. Under one of those areas with lepidha earth, we also revealed white plaster (fig. 7) probably indicating that both those elements were used for the floors (white plaster might have been used for the joints of the schist slabs of the floor or most probably to augment and seal the wooden beams and reeds employed in the construction of the floor). Lastly, the mounting works at the east and west walls of the corridor were also completed (fig. 8, 9). The excavation concluded with the removal of 12 layers in total, reaching about 30cm above the floor level as it has been revealed in the excavation of the north part of the corridor (fig. 10). This means that for next year we should move downwards, to the so-called floor level, which is the layer that usually gives large quantities of finds, mainly pottery, fallen from the upper storey and the neighboring buildings.

See videos:

• Revealing two conical cups in Corridor 10
• Unearthing an accumulation of pottery in Corridor 10

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Room 9

During the last week of excavation, we removed one more layer in Room 9, reaching about 1,45 m. from the surface of the trench (fig. 1). Because of the great quantity of colored frescoes revealed, we continued downwards rather carefully. Last week, we mentioned that the frescoes are mainly concentrated at the southwest and the central part of the room. This week, we continued exposing more pieces, covering the whole surface of the trench, being in several cases quite dense (fig. 2).  Among those pieces, there are several that bear red and black colors. There are also some pieces which are more sophisticated in contrast to the rest. For example, there is one with a red band which is divided with a string by a white band (fig. 3), a white band on a string’s impression that divides a black from a red surface (fig. 4). As well, a piece decorated with a black band between a white and a light blue surface (fig. 5). One of the most interesting pieces is a part probably coming from the finial of a wall, also bearing decoration with a curved black line on white background, which could be part of a pictorial theme (fig. 6)

The excavation concludes in Room 9 for the current field season. Across the south wall of the room, we left in situ some more fragments of frescoes, as well as part of a pithoid jar at the southwest corner (fig. 7), which will be removed in the next year. We should also mention that after cleaning the soil from the interior of the rectangular structure at the northeast corner (fig. 8), we identified that its south side reaches the east wall of the room.

See video: Exposing the frescoes in Room 9

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Rooms 7-8

The excavation goes on at the Southeast corner of the room where the slabs have been removed. There were 6 layers of soil completely removed (fig.1). As well, several pieces of plaster were removed, many of which bear black, blue, red, οrange and yellow colors (fig.2). Of particular notice is a piece of white plaster with black dots on it (fig. 3). In addition, two conical cups were unearthed and removed (fig.4, 5).

The excavation continues at the central part of the room with northwest direction, in which several pieces of plaster bearing black, red (fig.6) and orange colors were also removed. Furthermore, the window on the north wall was cleared of the rubble (fig.7). During the removal of the last layer, traces of fire are attested together with some animal bones and pieces of a semi-conical cup at. The layer was removed except from a small part at the northeast corner (fig.8).

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The excavation goes on at the southeast corner of the room where the slabs have been removed. Several pieces of plaster were removed. Many of them bear red, black, οrange and blue colors (fig.1). The pithos rim that was found last week was also removed (fig.2). As well, the slab that might have been part of a staircase was further unearthed (fig.3).

The excavation was completed along the south wall of the room (fig.4). All the plaster that has been completely unearthed and was possible to be detached was removed. The excavation was also resumed at the central part of the room (fig.5).

Room 9

During the fourth week, we continued moving in depth, working on the removal of the 6th and the 7th layer, almost 1.5m from the surface of the trench (fig. 1). Because of the large quantity of the fallen plasters, which are rather dense at the southwestern and the central parts of the room, we move rather slowly. These are gradually removed after they have been carefully cleaned and mounted by specialized conservators. It is worth mentioning that many of the pieces bear colors, such as red, orange and black. In some cases, band of different colors alternate with each other (fig. 2-3).

With the removal of the 7th layer we also revealed two very interesting architectural elements. the first one is the window sill at the north wall. Its surface however, is not very well preserved especially at its southeast part (fig. 4). The other architectural element is a rectangular stone structure which encloses the northeast corner of the room (fig. 5).

Also, we made extensive mounting works at the west wall of the room, which present a strong inclination to the west, because of the seismic activity that destroyed the building. During this work, we also managed to recognize and clean an opening which was built to facilitate the access to the room from Corridor 10. This opening was blocked with small and irregular stones at a later phase of use of those areas (fig. 6)

Corridor 10

During the 4th week of excavation we continued investigating Corridor 10 in depth (fig. 1). The picture we have is quite similar to the overlying layers. In general, we could say that large quantities of carbonised wood dominate the trench, especially at its north and central part. It is also worth mentioning that some of the carbons revealed are cylindrical, most of which quite thin, 1-2cm., and also some larger, indicating that they belong either to thin straws and/or wooden beams used to make/support the second storey or the roof. We should also mention two important aspects: the clay soil revealed at the south side of the trench, might belong either to a clay feature, or most probably was used to seal the storey or/and the roof. Also, at the area where we unearthed the large quantities of carbon we found some traces of plaster indicating that it comes from the walls of the upper storey and/or the junctions of the schist slabs used for the floor of the storey.

Regarding the artifacts, we revealed large quantities of small sherds and no intact vessels. This is because of the large stones that have fallen from the superstructure of the building, crashing the objects underneath. It is worth however mentioning that at the south part of the trench we started revealing the base of an inverted pithos (fig. 2), which seems similar to the pithoi that have been found in the past in other areas of Zominthos Central Building.

Areas 26 and 53

In the fourth week, we continued investigating Area 26, for which we realized that is divided into two areas: 26 and the newly numbered 53. Area 53 is an oblong Room, probably a corridor, that links the Area 19/28 with the upper floor through the staircase in Area 20 and the storage rooms 11 and 12. From both those areas, 26 and 53, we continued removing large limestone slabs, some of which exceeded 1m. in length most probably belonging to the upper storey and wall of the neighboring buildings (fig. 1, 2).

Lastly, we collected several sherds, some of which are burnt and a few pieces of carbonised wood.

See video: General View of the Dig in Area 26

Areas 19, 28, 49, 54

During the fourth week of excavation we removed three out of four areas of clay, (fig. 1), black  and white soil (ashy – indicating the level of fire in this area), which were revealed in 2011 at the northwest and the southeast part of Area 19. While removing the first area at the northwest part, we revealed a new wall (Wall I), with a direction East-West, which exist at a lower level in comparison to Areas 19, 28 and 49. On its surface we identified traces of ash, as well as a small grinder at its south side. We will continue investigating the lower level of Wall I (fig. 1), as well as the area at the southeast corner of Area 19 (fig. 2).

In addition, we continued removing the deposit  at the southeast corner of Area 19, which is a stone-mound fallen from the upper storey (fig. 2). At the upper levels of the deposit, we found several intact and fragmented conical cups, part of a juglet, clay discs (fig. 3, 5) and part of a barrel-shaped jar. Also, we found part of a horn (fig. 4), probably from a wild goat, as well as a big tooth from a boar. At the lower levels of the deposit we identified the scaffolding of the East Wall.

At the east past of Area 28, we completely unearthed the paved floor (fig. 6), consisting of large and medium limestone and schist slabs, on which exist the foundations of WallΓ, WallB and the East Wall. At the southeast corner of Area 28, in between the two openings, on the paved floor, we unearthed a clay cover of a timber frame made of clay soil and sand. Also, at the northeastern side of the trench, on the paved floor, we found the bigger part of a clay disc which bears traces of fire and clay soil all around it. At the lower layer of the floor we also collected a few, mainly intact conical cups as well as a small grinder.

At the west part of Area 28, we continued the removal of the deposit at the ex-part a (New Area 54) (fig. 7), without revealing a paved floor or the foundation of its two walls Z’ and E. A limestone slab of a quite significant size , on which Wall B is founded, is probably related to the opening at the southwest corner of Area 54 (lintel?). At the south side of Area 54, we found several fallen cups and part of big coarse pottery and a grinder.

Lastly, we started the excavation at the west part of Area 29. After removing the layer of fire consisting of black and reddish soil, we revealed the paved floor (fig. 8) which is related to the big lintel that was revealed at the northwest part of Area 49. The large quantities of burnt wood, which were found in between and on the slabs of the floor indicate the level of fire.

Each unit is identified by a provenience number that is used to locate and differentiate the 2 meter² units that each group is excavating. The numbers consist of positional coordinates representing how far away they are from a given datum point, which are reference plaques placed into the ground at specific intervals throughout the site.
Many common artifacts are recovered every day, including brick, flint, bones, glass shards, and nails. However, occasionally well-preserved or significant pieces are found and specially recorded as field specimens (F S.). In this post, each group will discuss the field specimens that they have uncovered and discuss the background and importance of the specimens.

Group A (Paul, Amanda H, Elizabeth—N244E148, N242E148, N240E148)

Several of the field specimens found in Unit A have been related to prisoner clothing. Of those specimens, two of the more interesting ones have been buttons—a blue glass gaitor style button and a hard rubber button. The gaitor glass button was a relatively unusual find, given the material and design of the button which indicate that it was possibly from a woman’s article of clothing. It was most likely used in prisoner costumes for plays or as a token to a prisoner from a loved one. Conversely, the hard rubber button, made from a moldable and durable form of rubber, was extremely common for the time and was found in almost perfect condition. The back of the button depicts the company’s name, “Novelty Rubber Co.,” and “Goodyear,” which indicates the name of the American who patented hard rubber in 1851.

Other field specimens from the unit included fragments of two redware pipes, a type of ceramic common to the nineteenth century. Additionally, part of a metallic suspender clasp and metallic belt buckle were found as well. These artifacts give insight into day-to-day prisoner life and fashion in the absence of materials such as cloth, which is not as easily preserved in the ground.

Group B (Allison, Heidi, and Adrian—N244E146, N242E146 N240E146)

We have been working for over a week and have been finding a few field specimens a day, including the first one of our field school which was the portion of a rim from a glass bottle. On our third day, Heidi made her first find in the form of a broken green glass bottle on the edge of the N244E146 provenience. Dr. Bush informed us this was an interesting find because it was a green wine bottle. We are currently excited about another piece of glass that has yet to be fully excavated and lies on the edge of N242E146 and N242E144, Group C’s unit. The piece is a green bottle with a square base and, from what we can see so far, it seems intact.

Allison’s most exciting find has been a beautiful piece of translucent orange chert. Chert is a form of flint that, when struck correctly, was used by Native Americans to make objects such as knives and projectile points.  The piece Allison found has flaking on both sides to make the sides sharp and was most likely used for a projectile point or something similar by the Native Americans that inhabited the area in the centuries preceding the Civil War. The piece is the base of the projectile point with the top portion being lost.  The orange chert is relatively rare and we are currently attempting to locate its origin.

Group C (Brandon, DC—N244E144, N242E144, N240E144

During the Civil War smoking was an everyday practice, particularly in the South where tobacco was grown widely on plantations. Though the prison on Johnson’s Island was originally intended to house both officers and enlisted men, within a week after its opening it was decided that the prison would hold only officers of the Confederate Army. The officers leading the Southern forces were most often gentlemen from well-to-do families who owned large estates and possessed both power and vast reserves of money. Prisoners could therefore draw on large sums of cash to purchase both tobacco and pipes while incarcerated, purchased from the sutler (a civilian trader) in the prison. Still more could receive gifts of the same from loved ones back home through the mail, which was delivered daily at 10:00 AM. Clay pipes were the most common form of these as clay was abundant, cheap, and easy to produce, and pipes were in high demand. Most were made of redware clay and unfinished, but some pipes were glazed with a brown color to conceal tobacco and ash. Hard rubber, a vulcanized form of soft rubber similar to modern plastic was highly popular at the time but was less common in the prison than clay. Some prisoners used hard rubber as a craft product to while away the long hours and would carve everything from jewelry to picture frames, and perhaps even pipes. Group C found several pieces of pipe including the bowls of two redware pipes, one of which shows the brown glaze sometimes applied. The other bowl is a base and shows the connection between the pipe stem and the bowl itself. Furthermore, in close association with the pipe bowl base a kaolin pipe stem fragment was found, though it is not likely part of the same pipe. These were found in units North 244 East 144 and North 242 East 144. Also in unit North 242 East 144 Group C found a fragment of a hard rubber tube which may be from the manufacture of hard rubber jewelry, or perhaps a crude pipe stem. All of these indicate an attempt by the officers to replicate genteel Southern life within the confines of the prison walls.

Pipe Stem Fragment (Kaolin Stem)

Pipe Bowl Fragment (Redware)

Pipe Bowl Fragment (Redware)

Hard Rubber Ring Fragment

Group D (Kitty, Amanda L, Dave—N244E146, N242E146, N240E146)

In this past week Group D has come across two interesting field specimens. In unit N244 E142 we found a white porcelain inkwell-shaped prosser button. This item was of particular interest to us because it was a reasonably common item for the Civil War time period. It is a symbol of everyday life in the prison and we felt proud to add it to the collection of other prossers that had already been built up. This gave Dr. Bush a great opportunity to teach us more about the different kind of prosser buttons from that period. It can be seen that the button was created out of a mold because of the orange peel-like quality it has on the bottom.

Ink Well Style Prosser Button

This button has four holes like most prosser buttons. This artifact was found inside the unit when digging. It was noticed quickly because of the brightness of the color in contrast to the color of the soil. It was identified as an inkwell-style button because its shape is similar to that of an inkwell.

Our next field specimen came from unit N244 E142 as well. This artifact was particularly fascinating because unlike the prosser button, it is a bit of a mystery. It is a silver plated copper spring object of unknown use. The shape is out of the ordinary because there are two pieces of metal that come together and form two loops at one end. There is also a metal spring that attaches the two pieces together. The two pieces extend on each side and look similar to arms. The very ends of each piece are bent inward. When looking at it closely under the magnifying glass one can see the silver plating coming off and revealing the copper metal underneath.

Who knows what this belongs to?

By David R. Bush, Ph. D., Heidelberg University

This year the archaeological study of the Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison site continues with the exploration of Block 8. There are two areas of Block 8 under investigation. This is the third year for excavation of the actual location of the block, and the second year unearthing the northern half of a latrine form 1862-1863. In 2010 we explored the outside extension of the block that was used as a mess (food preparation). Last year we were able to explore the southern end of the block. This year we continue with the exposure of Block 8.

The design of Block 8 was significantly differently than Block 4. Block 8 had three large rooms per floor to house captured enlisted soldiers. Block 4 had 11 small rooms per floor to accommodate captured officers. It is our hypothesis the design of the different blocks will manifest through different numbers of cultural materials deposited in the soils below the block. This is only our second year excavating within the actual block area, and we will need at least two more after this year to complete enough of the excavation for comparison to Block 4. Excavation of Block 4 required five years. As can be seen from this discussion, this type of research requires a very long-term commitment. However, after this year we will begin to look at the differences present between these two blocks.

We are also excavating Feature 124, a latrine associated with Block 8. Excavation of this latrine started in 2010. Excavation of the southern half of the latrine took place in 2010. Last year we were only able to explore the top 10 centimeters of the northern half. We are looking forward to completing the excavation of the northern half this year. The photograph shows the exposure of Level 1 of this latrine this year. A vertebrae is exposed in this level. As we proceed with this excavation, more will be presented of our findings.

The next interactive dig entry will introduce the members of the Heidelberg University Archaeological Field School.

More than 700 locals attended the conference

The idea was conceived inside the outreach program held by our project, and we were joined and supported by Dr. Annick Daneels from the Instituto de Investigaciones Antropológicas de la UNAM.

The colloquium was a joint effort of the Ejido Authorities from El Carrizal, Municipal Government of Emiliano Zapata, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Universidad Veracruzana, Consejo Veracruzano de Ciencia y Tecnología (COVECyT), local schools, and Cementos Moctezuma.

We also received important, active collaboration from the Heritage Stewards group, 27 young students who graduated from a workshop designed to promote local commitment to heritage preservation.

Part of the Heritage Stewards Group

During the event, 14 different papers were presented, all focusing on the pre-Hispanic Ballgame, a traditional Mesoamerican practice which had social, political, and religious implications. National and international researchers participated from various countries such as the US, Belgium, Argentina, Japan, and France. We also had the honor of having Dr. Eric Taladoire from University Paris I, Sorbonne, as a special presenter.

The opening

In addition, the Asociación Estatal de Juegos y Deportes Autóctonos, A.C., held a live exhibition of the mesoamerican ballgame for local elementary and middle school students.

More than 700 people (students, researchers, and tenants) attended the colloquium at the Casa del Campesino of Carrizal, Veracruz.

The presenters

This event at El Carrizal was only a first step toward a comprehensive education and outreach program for the preservation of our archaeological, historical, cultural, and environmental heritage.

The local folk dance group also participated.

El día viernes 18 de Noviembre de 2011 la comunidad de Villa Emiliano Zapata, Ver. (antes El Carrizal) fue protagonista de un evento cultural inédito en la historia de la Arqueología veracruzana: la realización de un coloquio académico organizado por y para los habitantes de las localidades de la región; con la meta principal de difundir y socializar los conocimientos adquiridos por las diferentes investigaciones arqueológicas de la región.

Lo anterior surgió como parte de los programas de divulgación llevados a cabo por el Proyecto Arqueológico El Carrizal, Ver. (PAC-UNAM,UV,COVECyT), dirigido por los arqueólogos Natalia R. Donner y Jonathan Hernández Arana; así como por el apoyo del Instituto de Investigaciones Antropológicas de la UNAM, a través de la Dra. Annick Daneels.

El Coloquio consistió en un esfuerzo conjunto de la Comisaría Ejidal de Carrizal, el H. Ayuntamiento de Emiliano Zapata, el H. Ayuntamiento de Puente Nacional, la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, la Universidad Veracruzana, el Consejo Veracruzano de Ciencia y Tecnología, las escuelas primarias, secundarias y bachilleratos de la región; así como se contó con el apoyo de la compañía Cementos Moctezuma.

Es importante destacar la participación de los “Guías-custodios del patrimonio”, un grupo de jóvenes estudiantes quienes fueron capacitados por el PAC durante 2010 por medio de un curso-taller diseñado para fomentar la protección y responsabilidad hacia el patrimonio cultural de la región.

Durante el coloquio, se presentaron 14 diferentes ponencias enfocadas en el Juego de Pelota prehispánico, una práctica tradicional de las culturas mesoamericanas que tuvo implicaciones sociales, políticas y religiosas. Participaron investigadores nacionales e internacionales (Estados Unidos, Bélgica, Argentina, Japón, Francia, entre otros); además se contó con la conferencia magistral del Dr. Eric Taladoire, de la Universidad Paris I, Sorbona; así como la distinguida asistencia del Dr. Francois Gendron, del Museo del Hombre (París, Francia)

Por otra parte, tuvo lugar una exhibición y puesta en escena del juego de pelota; a cargo de la Asociación Estatal de Juegos y Deportes Autóctonos, A.C.; misma que estuvo dirigida a los alumnos de las escuelas primarias y secundarias de la región.

La sede del evento fue la Casa del Campesino de Carrizal, Ver.; donde asistieron más de 700 personas entre estudiantes locales y foráneos, investigadores, ejidatarios, amas de casa y representantes de todos los sectores sociales.

La participación comunitaria y el impacto cultural de este evento, así como de las investigaciones científicas llevadas a cabo en el área con el apoyo de Gobierno del Estado, se ven reflejados de manera directa en una mejora de la calidad de vida; lograda a través de la creación de espacios de esparcimiento cultural y fomento a la educación de nuestros jóvenes.

La experiencia vivida en Carrizal es solamente un primer paso dentro de los programas de educación social para la puesta en valor de nuestro patrimonio integral, mismo que incluye los aspectos ambientales, culturales, históricos y arqueológicos de nuestras riquezas nacionales

Cesar Viveros Miranda is a local student from Carrizal who enrolled in the History program at Universidad Veracruzana. His thesis is titled “Land Ownership: El Carrizal’s Ejido Formation: 1918-1921.”

César Viveros Miranda’s presentation

The Ejidos were social organizations based on communal land property. Created after the Mexican Revolution, they satisfied popular demands of those who lived in poverty and slaves who had worked for the Haciendas. The Ejidos were implemented in Mexico as a way to decrease poverty levels, allowing each family to produce their own food through agriculture.

Arqlga. Natalia Donner, Dra. Julieta Argos, Mtra. Olivia Domínguez, and César Viveros Miranda

From 1918 to 1921, Veracruz’ political and social conditions were optimal for the equal distribution of the land. Back then, Veracruz State governors Candido Aguilar and Adalberto Tejeda, influenced by leftist ideas, were interested in dismantling the Haciendas, large properties promoted by Porfirio Diaz’s Government.

Cesar’s work consisted in recovering historical documents from many government archives, as well as oral stories told by old Ejidatarios. Through this work, we are now able to know the complete process involved in the formation of El Carrizal Ejido.

César’s friends and family

For example, Cesar found the tenants’ application letter, written on March 6, 1918, in which the people of Carrizal asked for land from the Governor. A positive verdict was announced a month later on April 5, 1918, and it specified that 600 Ha would be distributed among the 117 Carrizal families. However, Carrizaleños had to wait until 1921 in order to be able to work those pieces of land without fearing a vendetta from the Hacendado.

It is important to mention that, among all the people who contributed in Cesar’s thesis, the late Don Maximino Viveros played an important role. During his life, Don Maximino recorded all the main events of Carrizal, such as the  arrival of the telegraph and radio, as well as the train station construction. His personal file contains a lot of information about daily life in Carrizal from its foundation (1893) to the 1980s.

Cesar’s received an A on his professional exam, and his thesis received a special recommendation for publication as a book.

His work represents a link between the archaeological studies of past societies and the present ones. Through this example, El Carrizal’s Archaeological Project tries to show a multi-disciplinary investigation, taking into account the settlement patterns of the region during different periods of time.

Congratulations to Cesar and his whole family for the effort. Central Veracruz History is thankful for his work.

César Viveros & his grandparents: Don Delfín Miranda y Don Gil Viveros, both Carrizal ejidatarios

César Viveros Miranda es originario de Carrizal y fue estudiante de la Facultad de Historia de la Universidad Veracruzana. La tesis que realizó abarcó la formación del Ejido en Carrizal, específicamente durante los años 1918-1921.

Presentación de César Viveros Miranda

Los ejidos son organizaciones sociales, basadas en la tenencia comunal de las tierras, creadas después de la Revolución Mexicana como respuesta a las demandas especificas de la población rural que vivía en un estado de miseria y esclavitud laboral por parte de los Hacendados. Los ejidos son dotaciones de tierra para que los campesinos del México post-revolucionario tuvieran las parcelas necesarias para la manutención de sus familias.

Arqlga. Natalia Donner, Dra. Julieta Argos, Mtra. Olivia Domínguez y César Viveros Miranda en su examen profesional

En Veracruz, fue durante este periodo de tiempo (1918-1921) que ocurrieron las condiciones políticas y sociales necesarias para realizar el reparto agrario prometido por la Revolución Mexicana mediante consignas como “Tierra y Libertad” y “La tierra es de quien la trabaja”. En ese entonces, los Gobernadores de Veracruz Cándido Aguilar y Adalberto Tejeda fueron los principales promotores para desmembrar los grandes latifundios consolidados durante el Porfiriato y otorgar tierras a los campesinos.

Familiares y amigos asistieron a la presentación

El trabajo de César es importante porque logró recabar toda la información que estaba dispersa en muchos lugares y personas -sobre todo los ejidatarios- quienes ofrecieron sus recuerdos y conocimientos para ampliar y enriquecer los detalles de su trabajo, mediante técnicas de historia oral. Entre las personas que colaboraron en el trabajo de César se encuentra Don Maximino Viveros (†) quien durante años escribió las memorias de su vida y cargos como representante de los ejidatarios. En su obra, Don Maximino, registró la llegada del telégrafo, del radio, las escuelas, así como de la construcción de otros puntos importantes para el pueblo.

Ejemplo de lo anterior es la solicitud escrita el 6 de Marzo de 1918 mediante la cual los campesinos de Carrizal solicitaron al Gobierno de Veracruz tierras para poder constituirse como Ejido. Y si bien, el 5 de Abril de 1918 sería aceptada la solicitud para dotar de 600 hectáreas a repartir entre las entonces 117 familias, sería hasta 1921 cuando en verdad pudieron hacer uso pleno de las tierras, sin el temor a las represalias del Hacendado.

El documento de César obtuvo una calificación de 10, con recomendación para publicación y se posiciona dentro del Proyecto Arqueológico El Carrizal como el enlace entre los estudios de las sociedades prehispánicas y las actuales. De esta manera, luego del despoblamiento de la región, a partir del siglo XVI con la llegada de los españoles, se dio un proceso de re-ocupación que tuvo como eje la Estación de Trenes de Carrizal.

Así podemos observar cómo El Proyecto intenta llevar a cabo una investigación multidisciplinaria que tenga en cuenta los patrones de asentamiento en la región en todos los periodos de ocupación.

Felicidades a César y a toda su familia por el esfuerzo invertido.

La Historia les agradece.

César Viveros con sus abuelos Don Delfín Miranda y Don Gil Viveros, ambos ejidatarios de Carrizal

“El Carrizal” Train Station (Cuevas, 1970)

El Carrizal’s history is deeply intertwined with the railways’ history. During Porfirio Diaz’ rulership (1876-1911), the area was known as Llano grande (wide plains) and was part of Hacienda Plan del Río, a latifundium owned by Mr. Angel Trigos. Back then, only a few houses existed and the rest of the land was used for pasture. But in 1890 a group of workers started the construction of the railway that connected the port of Veracruz with Mexico city, as well as a train station aimed to supply water to the vapor machines. The station started operating in 1893 and was named “El Carrizal.” From then on, the village started to grow through the arrival of people from neighboring areas who were seeking the safety provided by the armed forces that guarded the train station. The spot was active until 1997, when Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexican Railways) was dismantled. Afterwards, the American company Kansas City Southern of Mexico (KCSM) signed a leasing contract with the Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT) for the right of way that included both the railways and the station.

“El Carrizal” Train Station, present day (PAC Photo Archive)

Since its beginning, El Carrizal Archaeological Project (PAC) established an outreach program that involved all the communities around El Carrizal. This program includes workshops, lectures, as well as cultural activities to promote heritage preservation.

In accordance to this aim, in 2010 PAC, Emiliano Zapata’s Municipal Government and students from C.B.T.a. No. 277 made a proposal to KCSM to recover the old Train Station, which is registered as a historical building by INAH, and turn it into a Community and Regional Museum. Therefore, a meeting with KCSM took place in January 2010, where we were received by KCSM’s Avp Right of Way Protection and Corporate Affairs (Mexican branch), and we were given the criteria and requirements to achieve our goal.

Since that meeting, a team composed by archaeologists, architects, anthropologists, biologists, local students and many more, has worked very hard to complete each and every one of the requisites: INAH’s permit to perform building conservation, blueprints that include a protective fence surrounding the railroad (according to Alto Total program), an executive project, a museography and workshops aimed to prevent railway accidents. Apart from that, 27 young students from the communities of Palo Gacho, Chahuapan, Cerro Gordo, Carrizal, Tigrillos y La Balsa, graduated as the first heritage stewards, after a 40-hour course.

Another view of the station (PAC Photo Archive)

Many factors are damaging the building. This photo shows a tree growing through one of the walls. (PAC Photo Archive)

Some external spaces are used for firing. (PAC Photo Archive)

More than 18 months have passed since that first meeting, and 12 months since we sent all the required paperwork. However, El Carrizal’s people haven’t gotten any answer from Kansas City Southern of México; even though INAH recommended an immediate intervention of the building due to its precarious preservation status. We think there is no better tribute to our heritage than living it and re-signify it as a main core of the social dynamics.

Hence, we make this plea to the international community to help us recover the Train Station. We need to persuade KCSM to ask SCT to transfer the train station to the Municipal Government. If you want to help with our request to KCSM, we ask you to leave a comment on this page regarding the situation and send this link to your friends through Facebook, blogs, Twitter, or email, so they can sign too.

We will keep you posted about the situation.

Thanks to everyone for helping!

General status of building's interior (PAC Photo Archive)

External spaces are used as toilets. (PAC Photo Archive)

Antigua Estación paraje “El Carrizal” (Cuevas, 1970)

Las historias del ferrocarril mexicano y el pueblo de Carrizal están íntimamente enlazadas. Durante la dictadura de Porfirio Díaz (1876-1911), el área de Carrizal era conocida como la región del Llano Grande, misma que pertenecía a la Hacienda Plan del Río; propiedad del latifundista Ángel Trigos. Los terrenos eran utilizados como potreros, por lo que solamente existían unas pocas casas. Sin embargo, en 1890 se instaló en el área una cuadrilla de trabajadores con el objeto de tender la línea ferroviaria Veracruz-México y construir una estación de trenes; cuya función sería abastecer de agua a las máquinas de vapor. La estación comenzó a operar en 1893 y fue bautizada como paraje “El Carrizal”. Desde entonces, el pueblo empezó a crecer con la llegada de personas de las comunidades vecinas, quienes elegían Carrizal gracias a la seguridad que proporcionaba la estación y sus gendarmes a cargo de custodiarla. El paraje se mantuvo activo hasta el desmantelamiento de la empresa Estatal Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México en 1997. Posteriormente, la compañía norteamericana Kansas City Southern de México (KCSM) arrendó el inmueble a la Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT) como parte de su derecho de vía.

Antigua Estación paraje “El Carrizal” en la actualidad (Archivo del PAC)

Desde sus inicios, El Proyecto Arqueológico El Carrizal, estableció como uno de sus ejes rectores un programa difusión de los resultados de las investigaciones realizadas en el área, así como la participación activa de las comunidades en la puesta en valor de su patrimonio cultural.

Para ello, el PAC, en conjunto con alumnos del C.B.T.a. No. 277, y el H. Ayuntamiento de Emiliano Zapata, propuso recuperar la antigua estación de trenes de El Carrizal, patrimonio Histórico y Ferrocarrilero de México; con el fin de convertirla en un Museo Regional Comunitario (MURECO). Para ello, se realizó una junta con representantes de la Kansas City Southern de México en enero de 2010; en la que la compañía estableció los requisitos para lograr la obtención del inmueble por parte del Municipio. A partir de dicha reunión, el equipo del PAC se dedicó a cumplimentar todos y cada uno de los requerimientos: permisos de intervención arquitectónica por parte del INAH, planos que con una malla protectora en concordancia con el programa “Alto Total” de protección de las vías, proyecto ejecutivo, propuesta museográfica y la programación de talleres acerca de la prevención de accidentes ferroviarios. Además, 27 jóvenes de las comunidades de Palo Gacho, Chahuapan, Cerro Gordo, Carrizal, Tigrillos y La Balsa participaron en un curso de capacitación para convertirse en los futuros guías/custodios del Museo Regional Comunitario.

Vista Antigua Estación paraje “El Carrizal” (Archivo del PAC)

El crecimiento de una Higuera en una de sus paredes es preocupante. (Archivo del PAC)

Uso de los espacios exteriores de la Antigua Estación para realizar fogatas nocturnas. (Archivo del PAC)

Sin embargo, han pasado ya más de 18 meses y no hemos obtenido una respuesta favorable de la compañía Kansas City Southern de Mexico, a pesar del dictamen del INAH en el que se recomienda la intervención inmediata del inmueble debido a su estado de deterioro y abandono. No hay mejor tributo al patrimonio que vivirlo, re-significarlo como eje de la dinámica social.

Es debido a esto que solicitamos a la comunidad internacional nos ayude a recuperar este inmueble, persuadiendo a la Kansas City Southern de Mexico para que ceda los derechos de la estación de trenes que actualmente usa como bodega. Para ello, sólo les pedimos que dejen un comentario de apoyo en esta página, así como re-envíen el enlace de esta actualización a sus amigos a través del Facebook, blogs, twitter o mail.

Los mantendremos actualizados con la situación.

¡Muchas gracias a todos!

Deterioro interior de la Antigua Estación (Archivo del PAC)

Uso de cuartos exteriores como baños. (Archivo del PAC)

Luego de terminar nuestro análisis lítico de la última temporada de campo; nos comenzamos a preguntar acerca del origen de las piedras regularmente utilizadas para la manufactuar de cuchillos, raspadores, percutores, metates y todo tipo de artefactos.

Debido a que la formación geológica del Carrizal es muy similar a la del área Maya,  investigamos las formas de procuramiento y trabajo de las rocas entre estos pueblos. Si bien su región es rica en roca caliza (al igual que la nuestra); los mayas utilizaron las piedras que hallaban en sus ríos. Por lo anterior, decidimos visitar el Río Los Pescados, a tan sólo un kilómetro al Sur del área que estudiamos. Allí, nos sorprendimos al observar un vasto universo de rocas ígneas, sedimentarias y metamórficas. Estas rocas son idóneas tanto para producir lítica tallada como pulida; que son las dos industrias identificadas en el área. Los tipos de roca hallados incluyeron basalto (vesicular y no-vesicular), travertino, pedernal, andesita, lutita, entre otros.

Intentamos obtener algunos filos utilizando rocas de río como percutores. La tarea resultó bastanet dificultosa; sin embargo nos ayudó a comprender algunos aspectos de las tecnologías prehispánicas; así como a comprobar y descartar ciertas hipótesis que se habían formulado en laboratorio.

Por ejemplo, pensamos que los metates fueron producidos localmente, si bien contamos con algunos ejemplares de importanción. Los locales fueron manufacturados a partir de basalto hallado en el río. Probablemente, las pre-formas fueron trabajadas junto al río, mientras que la forma final era alcanzada probablemente en las unidades habitacionales. Con respecto a las manos, por otra parte, creemos que son todas locales y la mayoría fue reciclada como percutor de mano una vez que se agotaba su función para molienda.

Finalmente, los raspadores y cuchillos manufacturados en basalto fino fueron también producidos en forma local en las casas. Los bloques de roca de río fueron transportados y trabajados con el fin de obtener formas estandarizadas.

After finishing our lithics analysis, we started to wonder where ancient people got all those stones to make knifes, scrapers, hammers, metates (grinding stones), and all kinds of artifacts.

As Carrizal’s geological formation is very similar to the Maya area; we did our research on their ways of procuring and working stones. We found out that, although their region is full of limestone (as ours); they took advantage of pebbles and cobbles from their rivers. Hence, we decided to take a look at Rio Los Pescados, only one kilometer south of our study area. We were surprised to find a vast universe of igneous (volcanic), sedimentary and metamorphic stones. These rocks are just perfect for both the chipped and ground stone industries we have been able to identify in our study area. Basalt (both vesicular and non-vesicular), travertine, flint, andesite, lutite and many other useful rocks were found.

We tried to shape them using stone hammers and our strength. The task was extremely difficult; but we were able to start to understand some aspects of ancient technologies; as well as discard or prove some hypothesis previously formulated during lab work.

For example, we think metates were both produced locally and imported. The ones used locally, were manufactured from basalt found in the river. The pre-form was worked by the river, and the final shape was probably finished at home. Regarding manos, we reckon they are all local; and most of them were recycled as hammers once they weren’t useful for grinding anymore.

Finally, fine basalt scrapers and knives were also locally produced at homes. Pebbles were transported from the river and chipped in order to get standardized artifacts.

Before excavations begin, a unit must first be surveyed and located. This week, we opened two units above the location of one of the latrines associated with Block 8. We set up a total station (also known as a theodolite and an electronic distance measurer) which is used to map specific coordinates based on a predefined point, or datum. First, we aligned the station to the datum, and then we used the locations of last year’s units in the southern half of the latrine to establish the boundary points of our two units. Then, using the station, we projected a point two meters north of the older center point. From there, we generated two two-meter square units which we verified using the total station. These we then marked with fluorescent orange wooden stakes, and strung line between them. We labelled the stakes with their respective provenience numbers relative to the datum point. Chaining pins were then used to mark points and create balks, sections of earth that allow boards to be placed along the borders of each unit, and help mark excavated areas for future archaeologists.

After the units were marked, we removed the majority of plant life above the root from with the units, except from areas on top of the balks. Dislodging these roots would disturb soil strata, and potentially remove artifacts without our notice. We collected this plant refuse and put it in buckets, which we set aside to screen later. As with all excavated material, it is important to make sure the buckets from each unit remain separate. We did this by labelling each bucket with their unit’s provenience number.

Next, using a plumb bob (a weight suspended on string) and our trowels, we marked the “walls” of each unit with a shallow line cut into the soil. This was done by dropping the plumb bob perpendicular to each line at regular intervals, and cutting a line between each point. At each balk these lines were cut in line with each chaining pin to create a square. After each line was finished, we cut down approximately two centimeters in to the unit, and began to remove any extant root systems, and placed them into their respective buckets. After this stage, we continued downward in further two centimeter intervals, removing any roots and rocks as we went. After the wall at each side of the unit was sufficiently delineated, we further endeavored to bring each unit to a single level, removing any hills and undulations in the process. After these stages were completed, we screened any material removed from the unit, and catalogued any artifacts we found.

The latrine we are excavating, associated with Block 8, could seat several prisoners at once. It served not only as a privy, but as a dumping point for contraband refuse and similar garbage items. The vault of the latrine is contained roughly within the space of four of our two-by-two meter units. Many of the larger intact and best-preserved artifacts unearthed on the Island have been recovered from latrines. This is largely due to the great depth of the latrine vault and the less than savory nature of its former use.

The following was prepared by the students participating in the excavations at the Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison site this summer as part of the Heidelberg University Archaeological Field School.  Since they are excavating within the former location of Block 8, they have decided to present some historical information on life in the block during its time as a prison.  However, the pictures reflect the student’s experience recovering the archaeological evidence. 

Beginning the exposure of Feature 124, a Block 8 latrine

The basic day in Block 8 on Johnson’s Island went as follows. Prisoners woke up around six for breakfast consisting of coffee, bread, and beef (fried or boiled).  There was no leaving the quarters until the garrison raised the flag (which was a little after sunrise). This was followed by roll call and count was taken.  No Confederate ranks were recognized in roll call.

After breakfast, the ice man and milk man came into the prison and the sutler would sell (at fixed prices) vegetables, clothes, and newspapers like the Sandusky Register, days-old copies of the New York Herald, and the Cincinnati Enquirer (which was later banned because of secessionist attitudes).  Other items sold were fruits, butter, writing paper, tobacco, smoking pipes, shaving equipment, and other personal items.  Clothes, however, were very limited; the official limits on clothing were one suit of clothes, no boots and only shoes of poor quality, and in winter coats were available.  The sutler operations were halted several times in retaliation for how federal troops were treated in Southern prison camps.

Mail would arrive at ten A.M., with morning rations distributed at the same time. In April of 1864, rations included:

• 3/4lb Pork for each man twice a week
• 1 1/4lb Fresh beef 5 times a week
• 18oz Bread daily
• 15lbs Bean to every 100 men
• 10lbs Hominy or rice to every 100 men
• 4lbs Roasted coffee to every 100 men
• 1gal Vinegar to every 100 men
• 1lb Candles to every 100 men
• 2lbs Soap to every 100 men
• 2lbs Salt to every 100 men
• 30lbs Potatoes to every 100 men 2 times a week

Water could be gathered from either of the two pumps located in the camp. Otherwise, when the pumps were either broken or frozen in winter, it was gathered from the lake.  Early in the war, other services located in the camp were a bakery, lemonade, pastry shop, and even a brewery.  Also available were tailors, cobblers (shoemakers), laundry services (5cents a garment), artists, a circulating library begun in 1864, barbers, a minstrel show, and jewelers.

Firewood for cooking and heating was brought by wagon.  Dinner was served at noon, after which the men had the afternoon to themselves.  Afternoon activities consisted of walking the grounds, talking (the “grape vine” was the rumor mill), playing ball or cards, reading, and manufacturing furniture or trinkets.  Supper was then served right before sundown.  At sunset the flag was lowered, the drums beat evening retreat and all prisoners were required to remain in their quarters.  At 9-9:30pm it was “lights out.”

Lt. William Peel was one of the Confederate officers imprisoned at Johnson’s Island.  He kept a diary during his stay, and it was later published.  In his entries he wrote about his time in Block 8, where he stayed and slept.  Block 8 held many religious services and payer services for prisoners.  He also mentioned supplementing his meals with rats to help ease his suffering from hunger.  Along with meals and religion, Peel also described the addition of stoves and other changes among the various blocks. Block 8 was also “home” to the infamous Lt. Charles Pierce of the 7^th Louisiana, who made many escape attempts in his time on Johnson’s Island.  An attempt was made to tunnel from Block 8 to the wall, but escape endeavors were shifted to the more ideal location of Block 1.

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Corey and Felicia working in Block 8

This summer, our excavations are focused on Block 8 and a latrine used by prisoners there in 1862-1863.  Stay tuned for more updates!

Sadly, people from the community whom we cared for are now gone or missing, since security measurements weren’t taken, whereas bridges and roads weren’t prepared for such a disaster.

Our whole team supported the ones who lost loved ones and homes. We will upload a video of September 17 at the excavations, so that you can observe the situation at a place where, luckily, it didn’t affect much compared to communities such as El Mango, El Faisán, and El Salmoral.

As archaeologists, we had to continue with our surveys and excavations. But we couldn’t stop thinking about the implications of these kinds of natural events related to pre-Hispanic cultures. Is this the reason why early settlements aren’t found in primary contexts? We know that Early Formative societies preferred to settle at the river margins. We do find Early Formative material in our surveys, but it is completely out of context. Probably, other “Karls” have caused this distortion of the original contexts, an issue which we will have to work out in order to explain the complete history of settlement patterns throughout the study region.

Lamentablemente, para todos nosotros algunas personas que apreciábamos están desaparecidas o han fallecido; debido a que no se tomaron las medidas de seguridad necesarias en puentes o caminos que no estaban estructuralmente preparados para un desastre de esta magnitud.

La totalidad de nuestro equipo estuvo a la disposición de la comunidad en la búsqueda de sobrevivientes o cuerpos humanos en las márgenes de los ríos durante la semana posterior al evento. Subiremos un video tomado el 17 de Septiembre en las excavaciones para que puedan observar la situación en un lugar donde, afortunadamente, no hubo afectaciones en comparación con comunidades como El Mango, El Faisán y El Salmoral.

Como arqueólogos, tuvimos que continuar con nuestros recorridos de superficie y excavaciones. Desde entonces nos hemos estado preguntando acerca de las implicaciones que este tipo de eventos naturales tiene sobre los sitios prehispánicos. ¿Acaso esta es una de las razones por la cual no se hallan contextos primarios de asentamientos tempranos? Sabemos que las sociedades del Formativo Temprano prefirieron asentarse en las márgenes de los ríos. Nosotros hemos localizado materiales del Formativo Temprano pero completamente fuera de contexto. Debemos considerar y estudiar la posibilidad de que otros “Karls” hayan sido los causantes de esta distorsión en los contextos originales, para lograr así explicar la historia completa de los patrones de asentamiento en nuestra región de estudio.

Screening

By: Niki Schiefer, Miranda Hessick and Kendra Foos

 Screening by definition is a course sieve used for sifting out fine particles. So you can imagine what mental picture we had concocted for the whole screening process. The typical kinds of images popped into our heads, like what you see on movies or television. A big elaborate set up with all kinds of different buckets and sorting systems was what we imagined. When in reality what we found on site was quite different. The screening process we encountered can be broken down quite simply into about five basic steps.

 Step 1: The Set Up of the Screen

Screen set up at Johnson's Island

             This is the beginning step in your screening adventure. During this step you construct a tripod to which you attach your screening box. The screening box is simply that, a wooden box with screening for the bottom. The screening box is attached to the tripod by three ropes and a clasp to secure it to the top. The tripod is constructed in a selected location where the excavated remnants will be kept until the site’s excavation is completed and can be filled back in.

 Step 2: The Gathering of Excavated Material from Site into Buckets

           Excavating the material from the site is the most difficult step in this process, as we quickly discovered during this experience. It is done with a trowel and other small tool. You scrape away soil and other material from the selected site in even layers, being careful not to damage any artifacts you may be uncovering. The material that is scraped is collected with a scoop and placed into a bucket to be screened.

Step 3: Dumping the Excavated Material Bucket into the prepared Screen.

            Once you have filled your buckets with excavated material it is time to dump. Careful so not to spill your bucket, you dump your excavated material into the prepared screening tripod. It seems to work better if you have an extra set of hands to hold the screen while you dump your bucket. That way you are careful not to bump or dump your screen while you empty your excavated material.

Step 4: Shaking of the Screen

               This step can be completed individually or with a partner. You simply shake the screen box back and forth to remove any loose soil from your excavated material. The soil will fall into a pile under your screen. The soil will remain here till the site is completely excavated and will be used to refill your work space. After you screen in this location for a while you may have to shovel a work spot so that your screen is easily accessed.

 Step 5: Sorting of the Excavated Material

             At this point you will, with one gloved hand, sort through the contents of your screen. You should carefully remove any large rocks, tree branches or roots from your screen. With your gloved hand, easily swipe the material in the bottom of your screen sorting out artifact. Some of the artifacts that we found were brick, nails, flint, glass, and bone. Also keep your eyes peeled for other civil war articles like hard rubber bits, ceramic, metal and other personal materials. Other items like Native American pottery, prehistoric, 19^th century, geological and cultural pieces may be found in your screen as well. So patience is a virtue during this step in your screening process.

 During our week long experience on site we learned a lot of different information about what it takes to manage and maintain an excavation site. We have a new found appreciation for the archeologists who work every day to preserve our past history. So the next time you tour a history museum or view a display of artifacts take a moment to imagine what it took to excavate and locate those artifacts.

An Account of a Red ware Pipe Fragment

Ray Armstrong, Frances Cavotta, Pam Dreslinski, Jason Headman

             Redware pottery was first created by German immigrants settling in Pennsylvania in the late 17th century. It was the first pottery made in the American colonies. Redware was created from clays of different colors that burned to brick-red in kilns fueled by wood.  Redware pottery was used for purposes as eating, drinking and even into smoking pipes.  

             During the week at Johnson’s Island, our group found a piece of a redware smoking pipe (FS8433).  We were in Unit C in Block 8 and found the piece during the screening process. Pieces of redware smoking pipes have been found previous to us being there.  A redware smoking pipe, in its entirety, has also been found at this site on Johnson’s Island (see picture below).  These pieces were a darker red in color.      

              Tobacco smoking was very common during the nineteenth century.  President Zachary Taylor (1849-1850), and his wife Margaret Taylor were frequent pipe smokers.  However, Margaret Taylor became ill from smoking and her husband was then forced to only smoke his cigar with male companions.   There are documents and letters illustrating that while making a decision, General Taylor at the time, would puff “vigorously” at his short pipe.  Because of his continuous pipe smoking, the redware smoking pipe was made with “Rough and Ready” inscribed on it.  “Old Rough and Ready” was President Zachary Taylor’s nickname in which he received because of his of his willingness to share his troops’ hardships.        

Pondering Lt. W. H. Peel

byHank, Drew, Shelia & Stacey

 Lt. William H. Peel enlisted in the 11th Regiment Mississippi Infantry in August 1861 at the age of 23.  After being captured at Gettysburg, Peel arrived at Johnson’s Island in late September 1863.  Prior to his death at the prison on February 17, 1865, Peel spent time crafting items out of a hard rubber the prisoners called Gutta-percha.

 Hard rubber, patented in 1851, was used to make everyday items such as buttons, combs, and chart rulers.  Having access to these common items, Peel crafted new items by carving the hard rubber, fashioning rings and watch chains among other items.  He would then sell these new items to other prisoners or use them to barter for items such as clothing.

 The present-day search for hard rubber at Johnson’s Island is an exciting endeavor.  Even more so this year, as we excavate Block 8. This block was home to Peel while he was imprisoned on Johnson’s Island.  As we find hard rubber artifacts in Block 8, we cannot help but hypothesize.  Did Peel make this ring?  Was Peel the last one to touch this hard rubber artifact 145 years ago?  The search has not only revealed items from the past, but also our curiosity about the past.  FS8456 is a hard rubber chain link fragment recovered from Block 8.

The methodology of the process entails following steps:

1. definitions:
- define the area and the scope of the plan,
- define the objectives
- identify the stakeholders and decision makers

2. data on the current state:
- condition of the site today
- vision of the stakeholders (awareness, values attributed to the site)
- intentions for and/or affecting the site
- current and potential benefits from the site

3. evaluation of the data
- significance of the site
- risks and threats
- potential and opportunities

4. defining the objective

5. defining the policy

6. action plan
- define tasks/projects and their schedule
- appoint tasks/projects to relevant parties
- create and/or allocate funding
- schedule revision of the plan

During the 2008 and 2009 campaigns, the first steps (1,2) of the process was tackled. Main stakeholders/key players were contacted and brought together to understand their expectations, plans and the values they attribute to the site. Main and urgent problems to be tackled were defined and principles in devising solutions were agreed upon.

In 2009 together with the Museum of Burdur a ‘Community Archaeology’ programme was initiated with the aim of establishing a better public outreach and different means of dissemination of information to the local people. Interviews to understand their viewpoints, the values they want to preserve or benefit from were conducted. In 2010, this project will continue. Guided trips to the site and to its environs for the people of Aƒülasun will be organized. The community archaeology team will help with the running of the new local NGO that is being established currently in Aƒülasun for its promotion for the appropriate type of tourism.

Sagalassos Project also collaborates with the local Vocational high School. A local development project prepared together had been given a Development Marketplace award and a World Bank grant. The SAGALASUN project aims to ensure the involvement of the local people to the preservation of the site in the long run. The project targets the local youth and aims at creating awareness about the local natural and cultural resources at hand and their long-term sustainable use. Within this project, in collaboration with the Municipality of Ağlasun, a visitors centre was opened in the town of Ağlasun.

Exhibitions will be held in this small building throughout the excavation season, convincing tourists to spend time in Ağlasun to provide some income to the town.

All of the above mentioned research and activities will form the basis for a management plan to be prepared for the site of Sagalassos and its wider environment.

For more, see www.sagalassos.be/en/webreports/2010.

Macrobotanical remains, consisting of seeds, fruits and wood charcoal will be collected in the trenches and in the sieves, and will be identified.

Aims

The aim of the research is to reconstruct the former environment and to document the exploitation of that environment by the inhabitants of the site for food and as a source of wood.

Methodology

Careful collection of the botanical macroremains in the trench and through sieving with the sieving and flotation machine is followed by sorting and partial identification of the material. Enigmatic specimens are set aside for export and identification through comparison with the more extensive reference collections in Belgium.

For more, see www.sagalassos.be/en/webreports/2010.

Since 2002 the urban area of Sagalassos is surveyed with various geophysical techniques with excellent results. We would like to continue this research during the 2010 campaign in a selected number of areas.

Aims & Methodology

As a measure of preparation the application of geophysical techniques at the site may involve the clearance of surface vegetation in some areas. In addition, geophysical survey around the sites under excavation may help resolve specific research questions.

1. The research on the urban water network

The geophysical survey techniques applied at Sagalassos since 2002 proved to generate highly useful information for the reconstruction of the urban planning and the urban infrastructure (the water network and network of streets). For the reconstruction of this network, past research has proven it to be highly useful that built water channels, detected at the excavated sites, are investigated and further traced with geophysical techniques. We would therefore like to maintain the same approach during the 2010 campaign. This investigation also may involve the cleaning of sediments of some previously exavated water channels.

2. The eastern residential area and Potters’ Quarter

The eastern residential area and Potters’ Quarter of Sagalassos were investigated in the past with various geophysical techniques (magnetometry, GPR with 200 and 400 MHz antenna, etc.). As some research-specific questions remain, some additional profiles may be useful in these zones.

3. The study of the course of the late Roman (?) fortification wall

During the transition of the 4th to the 5th century AD, the town centre of Sagalassos was refortified. To verify the reconstructed circuit of this wall geophysical survey would be useful among others in the north eastern part of the walled circuit. This area should also be surveyed to trace other subterranean structures preserved in this zone.

4. The area south and east of the Upper Agora

In preparation of the visual enhancement of the area around the Upper Agora, it would be useful to survey the unexcavated zones to the east and south of the Agora. This will allow a better understanding of the structural remains buried here, which will assist in assessing the research potential and planning the excavations of this zone.

5. The area south and east of the Macellum

Within the framework of the architectural reconstruction of this building and to understand its position within the urban plan (a.o. its accessibility), it would be useful to investigate the unexplored areas east and south of this building with geophysical techniques.

6. The area south of the Lower Agora, adjacent to the north-south colonnaded street

Archaeological and architectural survey in the area to the south of the Lower Agora revealed a number of regularly planned structures oriented towards the monumental artery to the east and a parallel secondary street to the west. Especially also because of the suitable terrain conditions here, it would be highly useful to further explore the structural evidence in this area with geophysical techniques.

7. The areas north, south and east of the Roman Baths

Recent excavations within and south of this bathing complex offered valuable evidence concerning earlier building phases of this otherwise 2nd century A.D. building. To obtain more insight into the organization of the still unexcavated parts (especially the east wing, but also the areas to the south and north), it would be useful that these zones would be explored with geophysical techniques.

8. The area around the urban villa under excavation

The excavations since 1995 of the urban villa “Domestic Area” have demonstrated the exceptional dimensions of this mansion. Geophysical survey within and around the excavated area will allow a better understanding of the organization and boundaries of this villa. In addition, GPR survey within the building also will assist the study of the water network of this house.

9. The area west of the western necropolis

The monumental centre of Sagalassos expanded in Imperial times beyond the Hellenistic walled circuit. Hereby the necropoleis likely bounded the inhabited urban area. Geophysical survey on the highly suitable terrain to the west of the western necropolis should shed more light on the functional use of this zone – in comparison to the “urban core area” – and on the density and character of its occupation.

10. The southern half of the western domestic quarter and the area around the test sounding WDA

Since 2008 the surface architecture of the western residential area is mapped in addition to the geophysical survey carry out here. Despite of the rugged terrain conditions, this survey offered promising results, allowing a better understanding of the spatial organization of this housing area. The 2010 field work will therefore follow the same approach, whereby the results of the geophysical survey will greatly assist the interpretation of the results of small test soundings, which we would like to carry out in a selected area in the southern half of this western residential area. Simultaneously, geophysical survey around the area of the WDA test sounding, dug in 2009 in the northern part of this residential zone, will offer a better spatial framework to interpret the wall structures excavated in this trench.

Finally, for geophysical purposes, we would also like to plan drillings on the investigated terraces of the western residential area, and possibly some drillings also at eastern residential area and Potters’ Quarter. This approach should inform us on post-occupational soil formation processes or terracing activities and should instruct us on the formation of cultural horizons and the deposit stratification.

11. Tepe Duzen

At Tepe Duzen, a site partly contemporary with Sagalassos, 1.8km SW of Sagalassos geophysical research will be continued as well. Between 2006 and 2009 a large part of the plateau was surveyed with the magnetic method and/or GPR, with excellent results showing the possible layout of the settlement and with the potential to predict areas suitable for archaeological excavations. In 2010, the geophysical survey will be continued to the north and west of the previously surveyed area. Apart from those areas, geophysical survey may also be required to further investigate previously surveyed areas that will be subject to archaeological test soundings.

Lastly, for geophysical purposes, drillings are planned on different locations on the plateau and terraces in order to study the buried archaeological and geological layers and their possible influence on the results of geophysical survey. The exact location of these drillings will be determined after all the results of the 2009 campaign have been processed.

For more, see www.sagalassos.be/en/webreports/2010.

The geomorphological approach on the site of Sagalassos involves: 1) the study of the geomorphological characteristics of the different terrain units where the town is build and the different buildings are situated, and 2) the study of the impact of geomorphological processes on the site during and after the occupation.

Aims

The aim of the 2010 field campaign at Sagalassos will be to:
1. Add information on the N-S lineaments at the Potters’ Quarter with oblique aerial photographs
2. Take oblique aerial photographs at Tepe Duzen
3. Study profiles excavated by the archaeologists
4. To help the archaeologists with the evaluation of the characteristics of the deposits or possible biases induced by physical processes at the site (reworking by erosion, transportation, sedimentation and bioturbation processes).

Methodology

Geomorphological, ecological and landscape observations will be made during field walking using notebook, camera, drawing instruments, compass, and binocular. Sediment samples will be collected with an Eijkelkamp percussion drill, for compacted sediments, a Dachnowsky sampler for soft sediments and the Edelman corer for sediments with intermediate characteristics; samples will subsequently be collected in plastic bags or in 1 m long PVC-tubes. Surface soil samples and of around 5cc and “moss polsters” will be collected by hand and stored in plastic bags. The positions of all sampling sites will be measured using a GPS with differential correction (Trimble GeoXT). In order to correlate all sampling sites, the relative elevation of all coring sites in the valleys will be established by means of a level instrument. Electrical resistivity imaging techniques will be applied to complement the sediment corings in order to gain more insight into the sediment stratigraphy. This will be done with an ABEM 1000 Terrameter and Lund Imaging System. Openness of the local vegetation will be estimated by creating a 10×10 meter plot and estimating the amount of exposed soil within this plot. The plant species growing within the 10×10 meter plot will be determined and for each species the percentage of cover within this plot will be measured. Aerial photographs will be taken with a kite.

Plans per site

Agricultural activity at the Potters’ Quarter

Previous research showed that the N-S lineaments identified in the Quickbird satellite imagery probably correspond with agricultural activity and are perhaps the delineation of ancient field plots that can be dated posterior to the abandonment of the architectural remains. The former research was mainly based on image interpretation and corings. If time permits, we will try to georeference the aerial photographs taking during previous field campaigns using dGPS measurements as well as to take some additional photographs in order to extend the research on this topic.

Oblique aerial photographs at Tepe Duzen

The intention is to take oblique aerial photographs at Tepe Duzen to complement the remote sensing and archaeological information available for the site.

Study profiles

Profiles excavated by the archaeologists will be studied to document the significance of physical processes and their evaluation in space and time, to document the impact of earthquakes on catastrophic geomorphological events (e.g. landslides), and the use of the different morphosubstrates for the development of the urban infrastructure.

Introduction

A wide range of mineral resources was exploited at Sagalassos, including ores, clays and natural building stones.

Aims

The aim of the archaeometrical studies at Sagalassos is therefore to characterise artefacts produced by the different crafts, the identification of the raw materials used and the reconstruction of the production process as a whole next to the reconstruction of trade in the goods imported as raw material or half-finished product.

Methodology

Different material categories from the excavation contexts of the city are sampled, including metal slag and metal objects (iron and bronze), glass shards and chunks, ceramic fragments, mortars and stone, kiln materials and possible raw materials for craft production (clay and stone). These are then characterised mineralogically, petrographically and geochemically, to be able to identify possible chronological changes and to relate the raw materials to the final object.

For more, see www.sagalassos.be/en/webreports/2010.

Animal remains will be collected in the trenches and in the sieves, and will be identified to species.

Aims

The aim of the research is to document the food procurement strategies of the inhabitants of the site (importance of domestic stock keeping, of hunting and of fishing), and to reconstruct the former environment.

Methodology

Careful collection of the faunal remains in the trench and through sieving with the sieving and flotation machine is followed by identification of the bones. Enigmatic specimens are set aside for export and identification through comparison with the more extensive reference collections in Belgium.

For more, see www.sagalassos.be/en/webreports/2010.

In 2008 a new programme of intensive archaeological surveys in the outer reaches of the ancient territory of Sagalassos was initiated, with the aim of understanding how peripheral areas evolved through time, before, during and after they were annexed by regional centres. During the fieldwork seasons of 2008 and 2009 the Bereket Valley and the region near the villages of Kayƒ±s, Akyayla, Baƒüsaray, ?áeltik?ßi and Daƒüarcƒ±k have been investigated.

Aims

In 2010 the survey will study selected areas within the Burdur Valley near the villages of Yazik??y, Karik??y, D?ºger, Hacilar, Yassig?ºme and Akyaka, in order to sketch the evolution of settlement and land use in these areas, from prehistory until recent times. In this area, previous extensive surveys have attested the presence of several sites, ranging from prehistoric h??y?ºks to Ottoman houses. Although remains as early as the Aceramic Neolithic and as late as the Ottoman period have been found in this area, the majority of identified sites stems from the Imperial period. Types of sites discovered include settlements, necropoleis, forts, remains of ancient roads, boundary stones and milestones, etc. The aim of the present survey will be to get a better understanding of the spatial context of these sites and their relationship with the landscape.

For more, see www.sagalassos.be/en/webreports/2010.

The territorial survey campaigns, as well as the intensive suburban and urban survey work, and the excavation programmes at Sagalassos and D?ºzen Tepe, have resulted in the outline of ceramic production and use within the territory of ancient Sagalassos between the Iron Age and mid-Byzantine times. During the 2010 campaign, the general aim will be to increase our understanding of the many patterns of evolution represented by the wide variety of wares, mainly by implementing macroscopic fabric characterization, quantification of diagnostic sherds, chronological seriation and pattern distribution analysis.

Glass studies

The aim is to shed new light on the different typological versus chronological contexts in order to compile a typology and an internal chronological seriation of the glass, independent of other, already available chronological criteria, such as ceramic table wares and coins. Additionally, a special effort will be made to register the studied glass finds digitally.

During the 2010 campaign, the general aim will be to increase our understanding of the many patterns of evolution represented by the wide variety of glass, mainly by implementing the methodologies developed for the Imperial to Early Byzantine phases of glass production and use, to periods before and after these centuries. These methodologies imply the establishment of chronological sequences based on seriating assemblages, developing models of production organization based on main elemental and isotopic analysis of raw glass and approaching patterns of exchange based on the identification and potential identification of imported products.

Coin studies

As in previous years, coins from the ongoing surveys and excavations are subjected to a preliminary identification, after treatment by the conservation team. At the end of the season, moulds are made of each coin in order to reproduce plaster replicas in Belgium, which together with the digital photographs allow a more precise dating by our project numismatists.

Epigraphical studies

The study of the inscriptions of Sagalassos and its surroundings, old as well as newly discovered during the excavations, will continue. During this campaign paper squeezes of new inscriptions will be made.

Sculpture studies

As part of her doctoral dissertation, Semra M?§gele has made an inventory and study of all sculptural finds. Although this inventory is complete until the 2006 campaign, sculptural material discovered in 2006, as well as major discoveries that may turn up during the 2010 excavations, may still need to be studied and included in her dataset.

Stone studies: Wall and floor veneer

Aims

The primary aim of research on the marble wall and floor veneer of Sagalassos, remains to determine the provenance of the stone types. For the public buildings we concentrate our efforts on the Roman Baths and the Neon-Library. For the domestic context we will focus on the late antique urban villa.
During the coming campaign the study of wall and floor veneer will be finalized. Once again, the wall veneer, as well as the mosaic floors of all the above mentioned contexts will be studied. For wall veneer, flat wall revetment, sham architecture as well as opus sectile will be the object of research.

Methodology

For the Roman Baths we will mainly focus on the wall veneer from Caldarium I, Caldarium III (the former Kaisersaal) and Tepidarium I. As always the material will be identified macroscopically, sorted by stone type and weighed subsequently. As this is the last research campaign, samples for further archaeometric research will only be taken sporadically, e.g. in the case of a newly discovered unidentified stone type. Dimensions of slabs, such as thickness, width and length, will be taken into account in order to get a better idea of the total surface covered by the marble slabs as well as the degree of standardization.

During this campaign we also intend to study wall revetment in situ at the Roman Baths, in specific the wall veneer in the northern semicircular niche in Frigidarium 2 (Fig. 1) and the veneer in the bath tubs and on the walls of the apodyterium and Frigidarium 2 Also the parapets framing the natatio of Frigidarium 2 (Fig. 2) and the benches in the apodyterium bear particular interest.

For mosaic floors we will concentrate on the analysis of loose tesserae as well as floors in situ, this year more particular in the Neon-Library (Fig. 3) and the late antique urban villa.

For the hinterland of Sagalassos, the material obtained during the surveys conducted in the territory, will be studied as well.

For more, see www.sagalassos.be/en/webreports/2010.

Anthropobiology is based on the determination of the biological features of past and present human individuals/populations in order to reconstruct their origin, history and evolution.

Aims

The aims of the anthropo-biological work that will take place during the 2010 campaign in Sagalassos will be to analyze the biological features of the human remains, especially those excavated during 2009 and 2010 campaign, in order to bring new data related to three level of populations analysis:
1. the world of the death (funeral practices, burial site organization based on either biological – sex, age, kinship – or cultural elements)
2. the world of the living (paleopathology, paleo-epidemiology, paleo-demography, in other words, the diet, the health and social status of the deceased)
3. population history (eg. population continuity or replacement, and origin of the individual/populations).
The interpretation of the biological data will take place within a large interpretative framework including the data provide by the other field of research in Sagalassos.

Methodology

The methodology used will be based on the macroscopic analyses of the human remains. For each individual will be determined: age, sex, morphometric (84 metric data from skull and long bones) and non-metric features (71 discrete traits observed on the cranial and post-cranial skeleton), pathology (100 loci for the degenerative articular pathology, the dental wear and the dental pathology – caries, abscess, calculus, and periodontal disease – and stress indicators such as dental hypoplasia).

These analysis will be undertaken in very close collaboration with researches involving human handling and sampling, especially the ancient DNA research.

For more, see www.sagalassos.be/en/webreports/2010.

Ancient DNA research provides the possibility to study the environment and history of past human populations by the analysis of DNA from biological archaeological finds such as animal, human and botanical remains.

Aims

It is our aim to provide complementary data to the research performed by other disciplines in Sagalassos such as the pottery studies, residue analysis, botanical studies, archaeozoology and anthropology. By integrating ancient DNA data, we could provide insight and answers to the following questions:
- the origin and spread of domesticated and wild botanical and animal species
- family relationships among ancient human burials
- the demography of past human populations at Sagalassos
- human migration patterns and trade that have been taken place in history in this area
- the identification and origin of food (animal and botanical origin) that has been preserved in cooking wear

Finally, we want to explore the possibility of analyzing ancient biological material (animal and botanical origin) preserved in sediments in order to identify the species and to give a genetic “profile” of the paleoenvironment. These data should contribute to the historical reconstruction of the environment at Sagalassos. The study period covers the 3rd century BC until the 13th century AD.

Methodology

The main task at the site will be collecting material of biological remains (animal, botanical and human), pot shells and sediments together with recording the circumstances (location and environmental conditions) of the finds. Samples should be taken with the necessary precautions for avoiding contamination of contemporary (especially human) origin. Ancient DNA analysis will be carried out in a dedicated laboratory in Belgium. The analysis could be destructive for the samples which could mean that the collected material is completely used in the ancient DNA study.

For more, see www.sagalassos.be/en/webreports/2010.

We are excavating in front as others are mapping features on the site

Our group, that being group D, and all the others have been mapping all features and artifacts located in-situ in our units and the latrine.  The purpose of mapping both features and artifacts is to record the provenience and context within that unit.  Mapping requires the following tools: a tripod, total station, plumb bob, level, and a stadia rod with attached prism. 

To begin mapping you must first set up the tripod over a datum point.  A datum point is a known point of reference within the greater context of the site.  The datum points of Johnson’s Island are all referenced from several permanent datum points placed within the site.  Next one should hang a plumb bob from the hook located at the apex of the tripod and place the level on top of the apex.  Then you make the tripod and the plumb bob level over top the datum point.  At first this was difficult for our group.  Then you place the total station on top of the tripod and secure the total station in place.  Next you level the total station by turning the dials to level it out and check the eyepiece to make sure that the total station is directly above the datum point.  If this is not the case adjust total station or repeat the preceding steps.  Once the total station is correctly set up you can backsight.  To backsight you must sight in another known datum point and place the total stations crosshairs on the appropriate spot.  In our sites case this is typically at the base of a nail set in a stake representing various datum points.  Once the total station is sighted in you can turn on and enter data into the total station.  You first input the Northing and Easting of the datum point over which the total station is positioned.  Next you enter the Northing and Easting of the datum to which you are shooting to, and make sure the total station is set for meters. 

The intrusions and features in the subsoil are marked with colored push pins

What we map on our sight are features and artifacts.  Features are disturbances in the ground and changes in the soil.  These are mapped out to show their significance to the site. We use the total station to measure with the stadia rod to identify the exact location of the features that were previously mapped with pins. One person is in charge of positioning the stadia rod in a level position over the pin, while another person is operating the total station. A third person is recording the Northing and Easting numbers. 

With this recorded data, we can input the numbers and with a program that plots the location of the feature or artifact.

Artifacts exposed ready for mapping and recording

Cleaning a piece of ceramic using a simple tooth brush

            An essential component of any archaeological excavation is the processing of the artifacts. Once a week, our class meets in the archaeological lab at Heidelberg University to sort, clean, and label the materials we have excavated from our units. We begin with a bag of artifacts, carefully labeled with its unit of origin, and sort out the brick, flint, bone, glass, metal, and ceramic. Once the materials have all been separated, we gently scrub each piece of flint, bone, glass, and ceramic in water to remove the dirt. Brick is dry-brushed, and metal must be left untouched to prevent corrosion.

Writing the catalogue number onto a piece of bone

After every piece is clean and dry, they must be labeled with a number specific to its unit of origin. Metal and brick can’t be written on, but every piece of glass, flint, bone, and ceramic, no matter how tiny, must be appropriately labeled with a fine-tipped pen. This is a painstaking but surprisingly enjoyable process!

            Once the labeling is complete, the pieces of glass are sorted once more, as we attempt to determine if any of the shards might have come from the same bottle. Comparing contour, thickness, color, and similarities in their imperfections and the ways they broke, we can determine which pieces go together. Once we have assembled our likely matches, we take the glass to the refitting lab and piece adjacent fragments back together. Working from the bottom up or the top down, we slowly reconstruct bottles of all shapes and sizes, adhering the pieces together with PVC cement. Although it may take many hours to complete a bottle, finding the right pieces is very rewarding.

A small amount of B72-pva-is added to the edges of pieces that belong together

Some features contain many broken specimens that need refitting.

FS8340 discovered by Brandi Oswald, a Heidelberg University studentStudents working with the total station to map artifacts and features within the latrine.

One of the first artifacts to be located within level 1 of Feature 124 (a latrine used in late 1862 or early 1863) was this 12-sided bottle. The bottle is just over 10 centimeters in length and 5 centimeters in width.  We have yet to remove the bottle from the latrine, but expect to in the next day or two.  Prior to its removal, it is mapped and photographed.  As it is removed, the bottle will be bubble wrapped and boxed for transport to the Gilmor Archaeological Laboratory at Heidelberg University.  Once we have it cleaned we will post another picture of this unusual bottle.

It did take us several days to get the bottle out of the latrine.  The reason we leave the bottle in place (insitu) is to allow us to explore any materials that may be associated with it and to also document its depositional history.  This means we need to discover exactly at what level the bottle was added to the latrine, which will usually be at the bottom of the artifact.   Below is a picture of this 12-sided bottle once we got it to the laboratory.  We have rinsed off the soils on the outside, but have not thoroughly clea

FS8340

ned out the interior. 

Students working with the total station recording the locations of artifacts and other features within the latrine

Each layer excavated is photographed and mapped.

Field School Members Clearing The Land

The Block 8 Latrine is a perfect example of how a new archaeological site is begun. After the latrine was located through soil samples, the site was staked out within an existing grid system and we continued to investigate. Members of the excavation teams worked to clear away the foliage, branches and tree roots with scissors, root cutters and trowels. Once all the vegetation was cleared away, each team began to excavate their unit to a level determined by Dr. Bush’s excavation of a portion of the area.  The purpose was to remove the disturbed topsoil above the undisturbed latrine.

Excavating the Block 8 latrine.

The excavation and screening of the top layers of the plow zone was completed quickly. Only a minimal amount of artifacts were found. .We continued to work deeper, carefully measuring our depth using the robo laser. As we neared the pre-determined level, excavation slowed as we took greater care to avoid harming any artifacts. When the outlines of the feature began to appear, Dr. Bush decided to extend the two western units by one meter so that more of the latrine would be exposed for excavation. Once the latrine feature was exposed and the differences in the soil became more apparent, the feature was marked with colored pins. Dr. Bush photographed a floor plan of the feature, showing us the proper techniques.

Dr. Bush overseeing the excavations of Feature 124, the Block 8 latrine.

Following the photographing, each group has had the chance to excavate in the feature. It is a slow and careful process. While delicately excavating, smaller trowels and scoops are used. We carefully mark and leave in place any artifacts that appear as we excavate millimeter by millimeter. So far, a mirror shard, some bones, nails and burnt lime were found, which is very promising since we are only in level one. The latrine may extend down about five levels before reaching bedrock. We look forward to uncovering new and interesting artifacts as we continue deeper into the latrine.  Keep watching for updates on the most recent finds.