NM-4064
May 14-18, 2012
Must commit to full session
Located at the northern margins of the known Southwestern cultural area, the Tusas Mountains of north-central New Mexico are not as intensively studied as most other archaeological regions of the Southwest. However, this little-explored part of the country boasts a wealth of cultural phenomena. This year's PIT project has two goals: to establish a common, baseline date on archaeological sites in the area, and to expose participants to the area's rich archaeological record.
Participants will be tasked with learning and using field survey techniques in order to locate, identify, and record a variety of archaeological sites in the Tusas range. Archaeological materials typically encountered range from the late Archaic period (4,500 - 200 B.P.) to the recent historic period (railroad logging era, ca. 1880s - WWI). The survey and site locations we visit will include a variety of environmental settings and will range between 6,500 feet and 10,500 feet in elevation. This is rugged but beautiful country, and there is a great deal to learn about the region. We hope you'll join us in May for another adventure in the New Mexico high country!
Number of openings: 10
Special skills: Must be physically capable of hiking for long periods each day in a variety of weather conditions and terrain types; previous archaeological survey, mapping, and/or artifact identification experience helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: Dorm rooms available in El Rito at Northern New Mexico College (selected volunteers interested in booking should contact the project leader); Tent and RV camping also available in area; facilities vary, fees may apply; Abiquiu, Ojo Caliente, and Española are full-service communities with motels, RV parks (full hook-ups), restaurants, and a range of other amenities; volunteers responsible for own lodging/personal camping equipment, food, water, and transportation to designated meeting site each day
Nearest towns: Project based out of El Rito; Abiquiu and Ojo Caliente, 10 miles; Española, 25 miles
Applications due: March 12, 2012