LA-3898
April 26-30, 2010
Must commit to full session
Site 16VN1016 (the Horse Head site) is situated on a small and slightly elevated stream terrace north of Gum Branch, which flows into the West Fork of Sixmile Creek. The site is the only one in the area that contains materials dating to the Early Marksville period (ca. 100 B.C. - A.D. 400), and is therefore crucial to our understanding of local prehistory. Testing has shown that the site may retain intact deposits, representing at least two occupations. To date, lithic, ground stone, and ceramic materials dominate the cultural assemblage, though possible architectural materials (mud daub fragments) have also been recovered. With such variation in types of materials and presumed densities, the site has been determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, and is protected from ground-disturbing activity. Unfortunately, there is evidence that vandalism has occurred at the site for nearly two decades. Forest Service archaeologists have documented four instances of illegal digging since 2004.
This will be our second year working at the site. Last year's project focused on excavation and associated field research, as well as documenting the vandalism and stabilizing the site. In total, volunteers worked through over 58 meters of sediment, and recovered over 9000 artifacts! This spring, join us in analyzing these artifacts. Artifacts we recovered last year were cleaned and processed in the field lab. This year we get down to business and do the real work: analysis and curation of that material culture! With your help, this research will be used to more fully define the temporal and cultural past of the site.
Number of openings:10
Special skills: Previous archaeological laboratory and/or curation experience helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 10 years old, under 18 with a responsible adult
Facilities: Developed tent, RV, and pop-up trailer camping available at no charge at Kincaid Lake; full hook-ups, water, shower/bath facilities, beach access; Alexandria is a full-service community with hotels/motels, restaurants, and a full range of other amenities; limited amenities in Woodworth; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment, food, and transportation to and from designated meeting area each day if opting to stay in Alexandria
Nearest town: Project will be in Gardner; Woodworth, 10 miles; Alexandria, 20 miles
Applications due: February 22, 2010