Carpals and tarsals of mule deer, black bear and human: an osteology guide for the archaeologist »

cennoreth:

Existing osteological literature often lacks descriptions and illustrations of the smaller elements, such as hand and foot bones, of animals commonly found in the archaeological record. Black bear (Ursus americanus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are both cosmopolitan species and important resources for indigenous peoples, resulting in their widespread presence in faunal assemblages. Additionally, the carpal and tarsal elements of these two mammalian taxa can be difficult to distinguish from human elements because of their similarities in size and shape. Proper identification of faunal and human remains is paramount to responsible cultural resource management (CRM). This thesis presents a textual and photographic osteological guide of black bear and mule deer carpals and tarsals and provides the means for distinguishing these elements from their human counterparts.

Tamela S. Smart, M.A. Thesis, Western Washington University

gwebarchaeology: arconnection: These carvings are from ivory and have been dated to between 30,000 - 36,000 years old, making them the oldest artworks in Europe. Photo by H. Jensen.  Copyright: University of Tübingen. http://science.psu.edu/news-and-events/2010-news/Shipman7-2010

gwebarchaeology:

arconnection:

These carvings are from ivory and have been dated to between 30,000 - 36,000 years old, making them the oldest artworks in Europe. Photo by H. Jensen.  Copyright: University of Tübingen.

http://science.psu.edu/news-and-events/2010-news/Shipman7-2010

gardant:

Seated Buddha
1st to mid-2nd century
Gandhara
Metropolitan Museum of Art

This small bronze Buddha is probably one of the earliest iconic representations of Shakyamuni from Gandhara. He sits in a yogic posture holding his right hand in abhaya mudra (a gesture of approachability); his unusual halo has serrations that indicate radiating light. His hairstyle, the form of his robes, and the treatment of the figure reflect stylistic contacts with the classical traditions of the West. This Buddha shows closer affinities to Roman sculpture than any other surviving Gandharan bronze.

openaccessarchaeology: Addressing the wild yam question: how Baka hunter-gatherers acted and lived during two controlled foraging trips in the tropical rainforest of southeastern Cameroon (Article is Open Access) http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ase/advpub/0/advpub_1201250125/_article

openaccessarchaeology:

Addressing the wild yam question: how Baka hunter-gatherers acted and lived during two controlled foraging trips in the tropical rainforest of southeastern Cameroon (Article is Open Access)

http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ase/advpub/0/advpub_1201250125/_article

mirificemirandus: What’s in an Archaeologist’s Bag? (by stinkkatze) Says the photographer: “Lucy,” my archaeology field kit. At the end of every summer, my tools undergo a ritual cleaning to clear off the field season’s dirt and grime. It also gives me a chance to replace broken or lost tools. My papers and notebooks are usually kept in a separate bag to protect them from dirt and water.

mirificemirandus:

What’s in an Archaeologist’s Bag? (by stinkkatze)

Says the photographer:

“Lucy,” my archaeology field kit.

At the end of every summer, my tools undergo a ritual cleaning to clear off the field season’s dirt and grime. It also gives me a chance to replace broken or lost tools. My papers and notebooks are usually kept in a separate bag to protect them from dirt and water.

Carpals and tarsals of mule deer, black bear and human: an osteology guide for the archaeologist »

cennoreth:

Existing osteological literature often lacks descriptions and illustrations of the smaller elements, such as hand and foot bones, of animals commonly found in the archaeological record. Black bear (Ursus americanus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are both cosmopolitan species and important resources for indigenous peoples, resulting in their widespread presence in faunal assemblages. Additionally, the carpal and tarsal elements of these two mammalian taxa can be difficult to distinguish from human elements because of their similarities in size and shape. Proper identification of faunal and human remains is paramount to responsible cultural resource management (CRM). This thesis presents a textual and photographic osteological guide of black bear and mule deer carpals and tarsals and provides the means for distinguishing these elements from their human counterparts.

Tamela S. Smart, M.A. Thesis, Western Washington University

Archaeological News: Archaeologist Says Rockart Found at Local Paleoindian Site »

archaeologicalnews:

The site of a possible Paleo-Indian solstice site recently discovered in Clarke County, Virginia gained new interest among members and guests who attended the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Archeological Society of Virginia (NVCASV) during its monthly meeting in January. Lead archaeologist…

gwebarchaeology:

museumsandstuff:

Amazing photographs of a recently excavated German trench from WWI, described as “Pompei-like”. Click here for more photographs and the full article (bear in mind it’s the Daily Mail… best avoid the comments section). 

oldowan: The making of a Levallois point.

oldowan:

The making of a Levallois point.