June 16 - July 17, 2008
American Bar Site
Lower Salmon River Canyon, Idaho
Excavation on Youtube
Research Questions
The 2008 OSU Archaeology Field School will conduct excavations at the American Bar Site in the lower Salmon River canyon of western Idaho to address several research question:
- Does the culture history model developed by Davis (2001)* adequately reflect the archaeological record in all parts of the lower Salmon River Canyon?
This question will be answered by collecting archaeological information about the nature of cultural patterns through time in the canyon. Specifically, we will use excavation techniques that emphasize the recovery of information about cultural changes across long periods of time.
- How did hunter-gatherers use canyon environments through time?
To answer this question, we will look to various categories of archaeological information recovered during our excavations. For example, information about human use of resources can be seen in the plant and animal remains recovered at different levels in a site. Evidence for the particular techniques employed to acquire, handle, process, and preserve various resources is recorded in the artifacts and features encountered in sites. These information sources will ultimately tell us about the sorts of decisions past people made to use the canyon environment as well as providing indications of natural resources available for use. We can also look at the geologic record of a site, which reflects indicators of local environmental conditions and their changes through time (for example see Davis & Schweger 2004). By considering the material expressions of human activities reflected in artifacts, ecofacts, and features along with their corresponding environmental context we can develop informed interpretations about the reasons behind human use of the canyon through time.
- Where are sites of different ages located in the canyon landscape?
Generating answers to this question requires the use of special approaches that are part of the subfield of geoarchaeology. Just as investigations of past environmental conditions help us understand the context in which hunter-gatherers made their living, understanding the history of how canyon landscapes have changed through time will enable us to predict where archaeological sites of different ages will be preserved. As part of our work, we will evaluate the archaeological contents of different parts of the canyon landscape to build a model of site preservation and distribution. This model will help federal archaeologists manage cultural resources in the canyon, particularly in areas that may receive ground disturbance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring?
- Mainly, you will need to bring your own tent and personal camping gear.
- Equipment list
Another list will be posted as we get closer to leaving. Keep watching the website.
Should I be doing anything extra in preparation?
A list of suggested reading will be posted soon. Keep watching this site.
How will we get there & can I bring my own car?
Project vehicles will provide transportation to and from the field school. Our field camp is located in a section of the canyon, down a rough road. Travel on this road requires high-clearance vehicles with good tires.
What will our living conditions be like?
We will be living in a field camp with tents, a field kitchen, shower facilities, and vault/portable toilets.
Will we be isolated?
Our field camp is located in a remote setting. We will go into town once a week for supplies. Cell phone use and internet access is extremely limited.
What is the weather like?
Summers can be very hot, with daily temperatures well above 100 degrees. Sometimes the summers will have rain, so prepare for all kinds of weather.
Stratigraphic Examples
Lower Salmon River, Western Idaho
