LA-4062
April 23-27, 2012
Must commit to entire session
The Drake's Salt Works Complex (16WN30) is located near the town of Goldonna. The site consists of multiple activity areas of various sizes within the natural surface areas of salt deposits, locally referred to as "licks." The salt works were in use by human populations from the prehistoric period (ca. 8000-6000 B.C.) through the time of U.S. Civil War. By 1890 the area was largely abandoned. Through an internship with Northwestern State University (NSU) and the help of terrific PIT volunteers, a great deal of archaeological research has been completed, and we head into the lab this year to extend that research to focus on Drake's recovered cultural assemblages.
During the fall of 2011, we centered our exploration on various unique features left behind by the Complex's past occupants. The extreme draught conditions in Louisiana offered us a unique opportunity to map and explore landforms that are typically under water. Through our testing of one particular landform a myriad of artifacts were recovered. Our wonderful volunteers and field technicians set up a field laboratory to wash and process all these items, and now is the perfect time to really study the materials. Participants will examine and classify artifacts, and will learn the processes of archaeological laboratory investigation and classification and how to prepare artifacts for long-term curation. Our efforts this year will allow us to update and expand the archaeological record for this unique site. We hope you'll join us this spring for further exploration into the Drake Salt Works' past!
Number of openings: 15
Special skills: Patience, perseverance, and practicality are must; previous archaeological laboratory, sketching, and/or artifact identification experience helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: Developed tent and RV camping at no charge at Gum Springs; water, restrooms, some hook-ups (limited availability and subject to fees); Winnfield is a full-service community with motels, restaurants, and a range of other amenities; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment/lodging, food, and transportation
Nearest town: Winnfield, 7 miles; Clarence, 15 miles; Goldonna, 10 miles
Applications due: February 27, 2012