iowaarchaeology

[iowaarchaeology]

Thanks for an incredible 2019!! 🎉 We can't wait to see whats in store for archaeology in Iowa in #2020! #topnine #archaeology #iowa #thisisiowa (at Iowa Archaeology) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6vjWJvnwQb/?igshid=4f7tnzk1h6gy

#2020 #topnine #archaeology #iowa #thisisiowa

[iowaarchaeology]

Help us celebrate our 60th anniversary! Let us know--How has OSA impacted you or your community? OSA truly wouldn't be what it is today without the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, volunteers, partners, and participants. For that, we express a whole-hearted THANK YOU! We're crowd-sourcing testimonials from our current and former employees, students, volunteers, statewide and community partners, anyone who's been to an outreach event or engaged with our social media, and any other collaborators! We'd love to hear about when, who, and what made an impression on you in the past 60 years since the founding of the OSA. Was it a personal connection? A first time field project? An interesting community lecture? A long-time collaboration? Please let us know! With your permission, we'll feature quotes and photos on social media and during our anniversary open house on October 4.

#Iowa #iowa history #archaeology #historic preservation #history #culture #survey #impact

[iowaarchaeology]

It's a beautiful day to be at Effigy Mounds National Monument! Cherie and Elizabeth are participating in a recommendations workshop for EFMO's long range interpretative planning process. Last summer and autumn, we joined NPS staff, community stakeholders, and Tribal partners to help develop themes and goals. Now we're discussing, what are the best tools for the tasks? We're learning tons! #iowa #thisisiowa #findyourpark #nps #driftlessarea #driftlessadventures (at Effigy Mounds National Monument) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvPOQNHlZTV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1935rx4r1a2jx

#iowa #thisisiowa #findyourpark #nps #driftlessarea #driftlessadventures

[iowaarchaeology]

Attention archaeology & cultural heritage professionals! Do you manage social media accounts for your organization, company, University or your your own professional brand? We need insight on how we're using it & with what resources. Survey at the link, please share with those who do this kind of work! Looking for those who use social media in a professional capacity, whether for work or personal, paid or volunteer. No personal info is being collected & response data will be available upon request. This will help us to get a baseline understanding of what archaeologists & cultural heritage professional are doing & if they're being supported. We say that this is an important outreach tool, but are we putting in what we want to get out of it? The data will give us insights! We'll be sharing what we learn at the SAA 2019 forum on social media as public archaeology. See you in Albuquerque!  

#archaeology #archeology #cultural heritage #social media #museums #cultural resources management

[iowaarchaeology]

We hit a pretty big milestone late last Friday afternoon - we now have 30,000 recorded archaeological sites in Iowa! Our site files are submitted not only by professional archaeologists working in the state, but by YOU! We wouldn't have the robust database we have without the assistance of farmers, landowners, archaeology enthusiasts, and avocational archaeologists. Thank you for working with us! #iowa #archaeology #archaeologists #archaeologicalsites #siterecords #iowahistory https://www.instagram.com/p/BtML6kGBXpC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7wm8xwj3qqio

#iowa #archaeology #archaeologists #archaeologicalsites #siterecords #iowahistory

[iowaarchaeology]

With great sadness, we say goodbye to long-time Iowa archaeologist and friend, Toby Morrow. Condolences to Toby's family, his co-workers at Wapsi Valley Archaeology in Anamosa, and his friends and colleagues near and far. There will be a memorial for Toby at the spring meeting of the Iowa Archeological Society next year - details forthcoming. Toby received his BA and MA from the University of Iowa, and passed his qualifying exams and completed coursework for a PhD at the University of Wisconsin. He worked as a project archaeologist for the General Contracts Program (GCP) of the University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist from 1992 to 1999, working first for Fred Finney and then John Doershuk. Toby successfully completed many CRM archaeology projects large and small as well as several important research projects. Toby’s largest GCP project was the data recovery excavation of 13WD88, the Cowan site, located just outside of Sioux City, Iowa. Cowan is a Great Oasis culture site dating to ca A.D. 1000 which yielded dozens of storage and refuse pits including one Toby excavated that he found contained a remarkable accumulation of carbonized corn kernels. This evidence helped establish that Great Oasis people were active corn farmers. Toby managed the field crew at Cowan, leading 24 archaeologists in a 3 month campaign and then transitioned to the lab and developing the technical report which ultimately was published in the OSA Report series. Toby left the OSA to move to Arkansas and pursue archaeological work there. Not to be overlooked is Toby's talent for archaeological illustration. His illustrations can be found in publications and exhibits across the country - mostly uncredited. #iowa #archaeology https://www.instagram.com/p/BqFeixzBt1t/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=10i68df6yppzk

#iowa #archaeology

[iowaarchaeology]

It's the last official week of Iowa Archaeology Month! There are still plenty of events happening, and it looks like the weather is finally clearing up a bit for people to enjoy sites and parks! We're still looking for some competitors to visit and hashtag Iowa archaeological sites and exhibits across Iowa for a chance to win an apparel and accessories package, so don't forget to let us know if you're playing!

Because the Iowa Archaeology Month theme is "Archaeology in Our Backyard," we thought we would re-share our "Do's and Don'ts of Artifact Collecting." This information is available on our website and occasionally as bookmarks/hand-outs at events. Because Iowa is primarily private land, we rely on our partnerships with collectors to keep our sites records updated. Context is the storyteller!

#iowa #archaeology #pubarch #artifacts #artifact collecting #collectors

[iowaarchaeology]

Woah, this auction is heating up! 10 more days! There’s a bidding war going on for the replica catlinite pipes, but plenty of items with no bids yet! We cover shipping!

#archaeology #iowa #natural history #fossils #auction #fundraiser

[iowaarchaeology]

#Research shows that environmental professionals and those who practice environmentally responsible behavior as adults had sometimes only ONE influential significant life experience as a child. I argue the same could be true for #archaeologists and those who act as stewards of archaeological and cultural sites. So... Take on interns! Mentor high school students! Don't be afraid of kids! If you only reach just one, IT'S WORTH IT! 👨‍👧‍👦👩‍👧‍👦 #iowa #uiowa #archaeology #historicpreservation #interns #mentorship #pubarch #archaeologyeducation (at University of Iowa) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoOygIlhGz7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=121ynnabsw3u8

#research #archaeologists #iowa #uiowa #archaeology #historicpreservation #interns #mentorship #pubarch #archaeologyeducation

[iowaarchaeology]

Are you in high school, a parent of high schoolers, or someone interested in going back to college? Since our Iowa Archaeology Month theme is "Archaeology in Our Backyard," we wanted to highlight some places in Iowa where you can study archaeology! Archaeology is a sub-field of Anthropology, so we typically find archaeology as a concentration within an Anthropology program. Some colleges will also do an individualized track if they don't have a departmental focus -- which is great, because archaeology is so multi-disciplinary!

#iowa #archaeology #archeology #highered #higher education #undergraduate #where to study #where to study archaeology #anthropology

[iowaarchaeology]

This has been in development a loooong time, but we now officially have a mobile driving tour audio guide to accompany The Archaeological Guide to Iowa!! 68 stops! Over 1650 miles! Do the whole tour at once, or visit a stop here and there! This tour breaks down each chapter into much smaller summaries that you can either read or listen to on the app. Geotourist will act as your navigator, so you don't have to, you just have to download a free app!

Bring the book along to give you more information about each stop. Many of these sites are accessible, but some are on private land. In those cases, the book and app direct you to exhibits with associated artifacts from the sites, or similar landscapes/environs.

When you visit these sites, take a picture, tag us, and use the hashtag #iowaarchaeology, on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram. We've got one more Iowa archaeology map in the works on a different platform that we'll launch soon, as well as a contest to win some of our new apparel!

#iowa #explore iowa #travel iowa #archaeology #public archaeology #archaeological guide to iowa #get outdoors #heritage preservation

[iowaarchaeology]

We’ve also launched some print-to-order archaeology swag! Whether you’re an Iowa or do archaeology across the world, there’s something for everyone! Support the Iowa Archeological Society with some IAS gear, show off some love for the Office of the State Archaeologist, display your love of projectile points, let people know you believe that Heritage Matters, and show your sense of humor with our "Archaeology Fun" collection. With a print-to-order shop, you can get exactly the color, style, and material you like, with an amazing return policy if you're not happy with your purchase. Much of the gear is Iowa-focused, but there is plenty for non-Iowans too! You get some cool gear and the sales support IAS and OSA outreach activities -- win win! We'll be making some of our classic posters available as wall art soon: Iowa's Archaeological Timeline, Ice Age Iowa, Projectile Points of Iowa, and more, perfect for displays at home or in schools, libraries, and museums. Stay tuned!

#archaeology #archeology #archaeologist #archaeology fun #archaeology humor #iowa #iowa archaeology #flint knapping #projectile points #lithics #archaeology gear #science

[iowaarchaeology]

Exciting news! It’s Iowa Archaeology Month, and we’re celebrating with an online auction! 

Replicas! Books! Posters! Archaeology apparel! Geode jewelry! We’re covering shipping, so you don’t have to! This auction was inspired by the donation of several archaeology and natural-history related items from the family of the late Doug Jones. All proceeds will support the Doug W. Jones Research fund, managed by the Iowa Archeological Society. Several IAS members donated items to this auction as well, and more are being added! There are wonderful books, framed posters, artistic replicas, fossils, and more. These items are great for anyone who collects archaeology, history, and natural history items, educators, and Iowa history enthusiasts! Bidding is open now and closes on International Archaeology Day, October 20. You must sign up for a free Bidding Owl account to bid. Happy bidding! From the homepage link, click the down arrow on the green “View Items” button and select “All Items” to see the entire selection so far. We made a category specifically for Doug’s items, too! Happy bidding!

#iowa #archaeology #archeology #iowa archaeology #iowa archaeology month #midwest archaeology #scholarship #fundraiser #archaeology research #online auction

[iowaarchaeology]

With all of our summer travel, it's been hard to find time to create new weekly artifact features - for that we apologize! The office is also busy analyzing artifact from the Dixon site (Woodbury County) excavations. Cherie Haury-Artz is analyzing the faunal remains and artifacts, and came across this amazing shell bead!

This large shell bead was recovered from a trash-filled pit feature at the Dixon site during the 2017 excavations. It is an elongated oval shape, 2.5 cm long and 1.16 cm wide, and has a thin line incised around the perimeter at each end (top image). The pearly luster of the shell must have made it a lovely ornament. As sad as the owner may have been when it broke in half, the resulting cross-section provides archaeologists clues about how it was made. It was made from a thick, solid piece of a freshwater mussel shell, probably obtained locally. The circular marks of a drill are visible on the interior surface near both openings (bottom image). The hour-glass shape of the interior channel indicates that it was drilled from both ends.

#iowa #archaeology #art #jewelry #beads #indigenous art #shell artifacts #faunal analysis

[iowaarchaeology]

We've just finished setting up at the Meskwaki Powwow! Find us in the exhibit tent with our friends from the Meskwaki Tribal Museum. As always, they've got some wonderful displays! They're set up through Sunday and we will be here all day today and tomorrow. Look below in the comments for the link to the Powwow live stream. #iowa #thisisiowa #exploreIowa #historicpreservation #powwow #meskwaki #archaeology #museum (at Meskwaki Powwow)

#iowa #thisisiowa #exploreiowa #historicpreservation #powwow #meskwaki #archaeology #museum

[iowaarchaeology]

Did you know that the OSA does drone survey and photography? Our Director of Research Technology, Mary De La Garza, got to hang out with her pal Herky at the beach at Lake Macbride yesterday! Mary was flying her drone to capture some footage for a future University of Iowa commercial! OSA has three FAA licensed drone pilots in the office, all ready to help out with capturing imagery (for archaeology and beyond!), gathering footage for digital models, or assisting with archaeological survey!

#iowa #archaeology #university of iowa #lake macbride #herky #herky the hawk #drones #drone photography

[iowaarchaeology]

Featured today is a squash knife from a Glenwood culture earthlodge site in Mills County! This bone knife made from the scapula (shoulder blade) of a bison. The edge of the naturally thin scapula can be easily sharpened with an abrading stone. Scapula knives were used to cut soft materials such as squash, pumpkins, and other vegetables. Bison scapulae were prized for use as hoes and may have been transported to the Glenwood locality over long distances when returning from hunting trips on the Plains. When the hoes were worn out or broken fragments were often reshaped and sharpened for use as knives and other tools.

#iowa #archaeology #artifacts #vegetables #bone #squash #bison #bone tools #faunal remains #faunal analysis #Indigenous Innovation