Field Work || Part 6 – Visiting Sites and Conclusion

Posted on September 15, 2022February 12, 2023 by Theo Chiang

Another way in which we were able to explore beyond the scope of our fieldwork was by visiting Cahokia where we trekked an elaborate mound ten stories high. While hiking, we saw different physical levels of the mound and holes where ancient structures were once rooted to the ground, allowing us to imagine the complex planning and infrastructure that Mississippian peoples once created. Through this visit, I gained enhanced awe and engagement with the culture I was studying and felt that I was able to witness a vast culture’s tangible legacy. Along with searching a nearby creek for chert pieces with buddies, this visit was certainly one of the most enjoyable moments of my field experience.

The Center for American Archaeology Field school impressed me with its great emphasis on community learning, apprenticeship, and the archaeological process from a perspective far more concrete than my prior online experiences. From the genuine personalities of the people I worked with to the physical archaeological work that made my readings more meaningful, I feel that I've truly gained a greater grasp of the field. After missing so many opportunities to work in person due to Covid-19, I am glad to have finally found an opportunity to pursue fieldwork. I look forward to continuing to contribute to and explore the field of archaeology physically.

Across my previous experiences studying and working in archaeology, it has become clear that there is a scarcity of outreach opportunity in archaeology that inhibits public image of archaeology and allocation of resources to the field. Further, many Americans are uneducated about archaeology, causing them to devalue their heritage and for millions of years of […]

Feb

The fields of Native American history and archaeology are intriguing, yet undersubscribed, partially due to its novelty as a field. Exploring the rich history and culture of American Indigenous peoples allows us to understand economic and political systems that form today’s society, as well as bolster modern science and technology with Indigenous practice. To access […]

Jan

I had the opportunity to contribute to archaeological projects at the Presidio in San Francisco, California. Being able to work locally was significant because it allowed me to better imagine what events have taken place in my home region. Also, having spoken to several archaeologists who had worked in the area, I had high hopes […]