Category: Original Post

Field Work || Part 1 – Introduction

Posted on by Theo Chiang

The German site in Kampsville, Illinois is a remarkable archaeological site within the Lower Illinois Valley. It belongs to a series of Late Woodland (Jersey Bluff) and Mississippian sites that are vital to Midwestern archaeological studies. Within a week of working in the Center of American Archaeology Highschool Field School, I gained an immense appreciation for the many methods through which archaeologists can retrieve valuable history from the ground.

Field school accommodations are pretty accommodating. The Center for American Archaeology Field School ran for four weeks, during which 15 - 25 students would be split into rooms with 2 to three students. Men and Women had respective dorms and bathroom facilities which had showers and multiple toilets. One of my favorite features of the dorm was the fact that it contained the laboratory. Every day during downtime students could go and explore for themselves many artifacts that were on display such as massive spear points and old ceramics. During downtime, students could play cards (there were nearly unlimited board games), grab a book from the shelves containing archaeological literature, or watch a movie. The dorm was located in a sizable meadow and a small creek where students could explore. There was also a barn that acted as a storage unit.

There was also a nice, shaded walking trail that meandered into the forest, but this was off limits. Breakfast and dinner were usually eaten at a local restaurant called The Landing where we would have unique breakfast and buffet options everyday. For lunch in the field, there would be a cooler available with different food options. I usually had several ham and cheese sandwiches.

The week’s schedule was uncertain due to environmental conditions, but we were still able to participate extensively in the field. We worked on a variety of tasks to gain a working knowledge of how artifacts are classified and transported from ground units to archaeologists, as well as what archaeologists then go on to do to study those objects. On Monday, Thursday, and Friday, we studied the procedures and logistics archaeologists follow to excavate the site itself to produce artifacts and flote bags. On Tuesday, my assigned group studied floating, the process in which bags of soil collected from the site are sifted through for artifacts and organized for bagging. On Monday and Thursday, I participated in organizing the products of flotation into neat bags. For the whole week, I helped with tabbing, where the bagged artifacts are manually classified into distinct categories (ie flakes, burnt bones, cultural shatter, etc) and then placed into containers ready for analysis. On Wednesday, we visited the massive mounds of Cahokia and listened to a lecture by Jason King where we gained an understanding of the analysis that takes place with those artifacts we so carefully prepared. All elements of this process required meticulous recording to ensure the preservation of original contexts. For instance, after each excavation session, students were required to tarp all units to prevent any environmental interference and submit a notebook containing all the actions taken in the unit. We later learned that the artifacts themselves hold less importance than their historical background. Once the origin and background of a specimen are lost, then the artifact is deemed “out of context” and removed from the archaeological process, even if the artifact itself is intact.

Next blog, we will discuss excavation in the CAA Field School

Discussing Early Humans with Nicolas Zwyns PT 3: Biological advantages of modern humans

Posted on by Theo Chiang

Because of the invention of language and written thought, humans have been able to experience a generally linear (or exponential) trend of technological development. This is generally not consistent with other human species such as neanderthals who often backtracked and were volatile to external factors. This may have been one reason we outlasted them. Neanderthals had the same size brain as us, yet still disappeared (or perhaps interbred into our lineage). According to Dr. Zwyns, neanderthal’s technological development was not at its peak towards the end, but instead during a previous spike. It largely depended on their environment and optimum climate at the time. Dr. Zwyns mentioned that environmental pressure also plays a large role in innovation trends.

The adaptation of a more nutritious diet also allowed for humans to develop their greatest weapon — their brain. The addition of more meats, bone marrow, and other high fat + protein foods greatly developed the human brain, allowing for rapid innovation. A downside, however, to this new advantage was the vast amount of blood and nutrients needed. When provided with the necessary fat and proteins, the brain would provide great cognitive ability. However, this massive dietary need was also a huge burden. For instance, during pregnancies, the baby and its brain would require massive amounts of nutrients to power. Because of inadequate healthcare, the placenta of the baby would often break. Any break would be fatal due to the high pressure of blood flowing within.

Dr. Zwyns ends by explaining that the glorious brain, along with humans’ powerful, bipedal legs, were our greatest biological innovations, which sparked further evolution. Our need for more meat also caused us to have to compete with other carnivores, forcing us to develop further technology to hunt.

Discussing Early Humans with Dr. Nicolas Zwyns || Part 2 – How Early Humans Gained an Advantage Over The Rest of the Animal Kingdom

Posted on by Theo Chiang

Dr. Zwyns first clarifies that the topic of intelligence is subjective. There are many different components of intelligence to look at. Some organisms may have a higher cognitive capacity or quicker thought but have other limitations. In Early humans, intelligence is often looked at through technological innovation such as lithic technologies or complex diets. 

Human species have been constructing tools for millions of years, far before the advent of homo sapiens (modern humans). Denisovans, from the previous blog, are associated directly with stone tools. Stone tools were very prominent on the archeological record. Oftentimes, remnants of lithic objects were found even without accompanying human fossils.

As human social groups increased in population, intelligence also increased as a consequence. With more people, came specialization of tasks, which allowed for all to contribute and advance in a single task to help maintain their civilization. This allowed for all to have more expendable time as well, allowing for the pursuit of new innovations and activities such as philosophy. With more diverse demographics, there was also a higher incidence of abnormally smart people, and thus a higher incidence of technological revolutions. Lastly, a greater population would mean more stability, and a lower chance of the whole population suddenly dying off. 

The development of language also contributed to accumulation of smarts and knowledge. The evolution of linguistics allowed for humans to effectively transfer complex thought, and the invention of writing allowed for this meaning to be more permanently recorded. This is why there is a drastic shift in historical knowledge between recorded and pre-recorded history; the efficacy of writing is this significant.

Despite similarities between the Denisovans and Homo Sapiens, we still outlasted them. The brain and hand sizes of Denisovans were very similar to ours, suggesting that they had similar intelligence, technology, and tool-making abilities. Like early homo sapiens, they took major hits in population many times. This is seen in the archeological record as many dips and rises. When they finally disappeared from history, they were still on a population rebound. Dr. Zwyns stated that it was possible that they fully bred into our lineage.

Discussing Early Humans with Dr. Nicolas Zwyns || Part 1 – An introduction to Denisovans and their Phylogenetic history

Posted on by Theo Chiang

Dr. Nicolas Zwyns is an archeologist at the University of UC Davis. He wrote his thesis on the dispersal of species 50000 years ago. He specializes in ancient human species in Asia — especially Denisovans. He specializes with the specific time range when modern humans come in and when older hominids began going extinct. 

The name “Denisovan” implies that this group of hominids is just one population or species. In reality, Denisovans were more of what Dr. Zwyns referred to as a “metapopulation”. Early Denisovans existed nearly half a million years ago, and subsisted for quite some time after encountering modern humans. They are believed to have existed from the Middle East down to Southeast Asia. The Denisova Cave, the site from which Denisovans were originally discovered, is in the Altai Mountains in Siberia, Russia. During their time coexisting with modern humans, Denisovans are theorized to have interbred with Homo Sapiens. Some archeologists attribute modern tibetans’ ability to survive at high altitudes to Denisovan genetics.

The name “Denisovan” implies that this group of hominids is just one population or species. In reality, Denisovans were more of what Dr. Zwyns referred to as a “metapopulation”. 

Image from international journal "Nature"

Early Denisovans existed nearly half a million years ago, and subsisted for quite some time after encountering modern humans. They are believed to have existed from the Middle East down to Southeast Asia. The Denisova Cave, the site from which Denisovans were originally discovered, is in the Altai Mountains in Siberia, Russia. During their time coexisting with modern humans, Denisovans are theorized to have interbred with Homo Sapiens. Some archeologists attribute modern tibetans’ ability to survive at high altitudes to Denisovan genetics.

The biological similarities and phylogenetic relationships between the Denisovans and humans are slightly complicated. The definition of two distinct species is that they are reproductively separate, caused by some sort of isolation — probably geographic in the case of modern humans. So how could many groups of humans (within the genus homo) breed? Nicolas Zwyns conveyed that the defining boundaries between human species were very obscure — even the definitions of reproductive isolation are not concrete. It takes a long interval of time for this separation to occur. So, despite Homo Sapiens and Denisovans being detached long enough for some diversity to occur, they were still biologically similar enough to mate. In this way, Denisovans were similar to neanderthals, who also interbred with humans. 

Dr. Zwyns mentioned that the classification of biological organisms today into phylogenetic relationships is different than with ancient organisms. For old specimens, archeologists and paleontologists can only use bone structures and other phenotypic features from fossils which give less details than tissue samples. This causes some complexity in the classification of hominids. For instance, for just Homo Sapiens, or modern humans, there is great diversity in physical (phenotypic) features. People all around the world may look drastically different. However, among all these people, the real biological and phylogenetic (genotypic) difference is minimal. So, depending on physical characteristics may be unreliable. 



CAD and Photogrammetry

Posted on by Theo Chiang

Being able to accurately model archeological artifacts is significant to the field for a multitude of benefits. It allows for a more durable preservation of historically relevant artifacts, It allows for the widespread sharing of unique artifacts, and it allows for historians to use computational analyses. While having pictures of historically significant objects is useful for disseminating information, 3d models allow for a more complex depiction of artifacts. Last year, I spent some time last year exploring CAD (Computer Aided Design) by trying to recreate historical artifacts digitally. I began with the least sophisticated method of modeling to the most complex. I used these techniques to model a Viking Era ship called the Gokstad Ship.

The least efficient method of modeling I found was using an online 3d graphing calculator called Geogebra. It is unlikely that any field besides mathematics would genuinely use this as a functional means of creating a model as it is very inefficient. I used mathematical equations to create lines in a 3d environment that resembled the general skeleton of the Gokstad ship. This was a very painstaking process due to each line of the model requiring a specific pair of equations. A cross section of the Gokstad ship resembles two mirrored tangent functions. I used a 2D calculator, Desmos, to manipulate two tangent graphs a bit to resemble the ship more. Transformations applied included a translation and a horizontal expansion. The result was then translated to Geogebra where I attempted to sculpt the whole hull of the ship. I was not able to achieve this however, due to issues with the software.

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Early in the winter, I began to experiment with a CAD software called Fusion 360. This software is more commonly used in mechanical engineering to digitally plan projects; However, it can be applied to certain parts of archeology such as experimental archeology. With CAD, I was Able to construct the hull as well as the keel, or the bottom piece of the ship. A comparison of the real Gokstad ship and my creation are shown below. The software itself requires very specific measurements and definitions in order to create a working model without errors. Although this was beneficial for this project because it compelled me to get a better grasp of the structural traits of the ship, this trait would be less useful for depicting artifacts since it would require the user to build the artifact from scratch. Using photogrammetry solved this issue.

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Fusion 360 was moderately intuitive to learn; It took only a couple of hours to grasp a basic understanding of its mechanics. In my opinion, although this software is less present in the field of archeology, it is a relatively useful software for organizing and visualizing ideas. Although the interface is complex at first, it doesn’t take long to learn required functions either online. Fusion 360 also supports a search bar command accessible by tapping the “s” key. Overall, it took around 10 hours to produce the work shown in the accompanying images. The only real issue I encountered was the level of specificity each design required to be legitimate. Each element of the design required a specific length and angle measurement to be “defined”. Other than this, Fusion 360 is a solid software. 

The last mode of 3d modeling I explored was photogrammetry, in which a general digital figure is assembled from a collection of hundreds of pictures. Using a software called Agisoft Metashape which was recommended to me by Stanford Professor, John Rick, I was able to create a number of different replicas easily. Although I did not purchase the full software, a demo version was sufficient to create the models. For the models, I gathered random objects available to me with wide cultural or historical significance. Modeled objects included a wooden carving of a giraffe, a collection of heirloom porcelain vases, a faberge egg replica, and a wooden sculpture of a monk, all of which yielded successful models. The giraffe was a souvenir picked up two decades ago in Southern Africa. The faberge egg was a gift picked up on a trip to Russia. The vases have been in my maternal family for a century and exhibit an old style of pottery. The monk statue belongs to my paternal grandfather. This diverse collection allowed for thorough experimentation with Agisoft Metashape as they all sported unique shapes, colors, sizes, and textures. 

The software was relatively easy to learn. To create accurate models, Agisoft Metashape undergoes three processes: creating alignment, generating a 3d polygonal mesh, and generating an orthomosaic model. In alignment, the pictures inputted into Agisoft Metashape are aligned in a virtual environment and similar points from each image are organized virtually. After this stage, stray points should be cropped out of the design. The 3d mesh created provides an actual object from the points that at least provides a solid object from the images. 

From here, the orthomosaic model incorporates textures and specific details into the model. Each process takes potentially hours to undergo in exchange for astounding precision. After the final model is created, further functions are available such as point certainty which reveals where the software is most and least confident about the outputted predictions. A more specific explanation is provided in the Agisoft Metashape User Manual – Professional Edition. This result is extremely accurate when the provided images cover all angles and have good quality. When creating a model, consistent, quality lighting should also be used. The images to the right demonstrate the development of models by Agisoft Metashape. 

The one downside of the program is that building the model takes a lot of time to process, which is expected. Overall, all three methods of 3d modeling have their merits in different fields, and could be used in different settings. I would encourage anyone willing to experiment with them all, especially the second two. 

Confidence Model
Confidence Model
Close up of the Monk Statue
Close up of the Monk Statue
Texture Model of the Vase
Texture Model of the Vase
Final of the Vase
Final of the Vase
Buddhist Bell
Buddhist Bell

Petroglyphs || Bishop, California

Posted on by Theo Chiang

The petroglyphs reside in a 371200 acre area of a series of Volcanic ash flows from the eruption of California’s long valley volcanoes 8,000 centuries prior in Owen’s valley – the expanse that spans from Southern Oregon to Death Valley. Several sources also attribute these intense geologic activities to a number of slip earthquakes. The Tablelands are visible from the Glyph route in the far distance to the North as a vast area of brown rolling hills and plateaus with little to no vegetation as seen in the photo to the right. The surrounding Mountain ranges reach up to 14000 feet in elevation and also contain some curious areas such as Mount Whitney and the Bristlecone forest which contains some of the world’s oldest trees. If you’d like to read more about them, you can find articles in the research section of the EN website. 

On the opposite side of Route 6 from the Glyph trail, there is a short strip of green wetlands with a good amount of vegetation. Considering the fact that this location is essentially a vast expanse of dry desert, there is a considerable amount of culture here. The glyphs are traced into dark volcanic rocks and include many intricate designs. According to The Sierra Web, the local descendants of these people – The Shoshone – have declined to release too much information regarding the meaning and location of the glyphs, but images of the glyphs are available online.

As you visit the sites, you may also notice many glyphs being repeated; Some common ones include: A circle with a cross in the middle, a grid, and webs of circles connected by lines. We have also provided a map in the hopes that more people may appreciate the sites, but please keep in mind that any act of vandalism or destructive action is a felony and is punishable by way of fines or prison time. If you are a member of the local tribe and would like this information to be taken down, please contact us through our website.

In these sites, the Glyphs aren’t the only evidence of the presence of people. Within the sites there are also small indents carved within rocks which are referred to as kitchen holes. According to local visitor centers, these holes were used as mortars to grind different substances and can be seen throughout the sites. Most of them are found in sheltered areas or under rock overhangs. There are many small cavernous spaces that can be found throughout which may contain kitchen holes. They are also usually found in small clusters as seen in the above image.

Guide to the Glyphs:

There are three notable areas in the Owens Valley Petroglyph route; There is the Fish slough, the Chicado Canyon sight, and the Red rock Canyon site. The order of the sites varies depending on which end of the trail you enter. For further information, hotels, and food, you can visit any of the visitor centers in Bishop. Google searches and advisors may be helpful but the visitor centers will be more so. The brochure provided on this site is the most important piece of information you’ll need. You can also refer to our photo gallery that we provide to learn different landmarks or just admire the landscape. Please note that the site is at least one thousand times more magnificent in person. The actual sites are discernable by wooden fences that mark the general location of the petroglyphs as seen on the left. Some petroglyphs are not visible right away, so some exploration is necessary.

If you find the correct trail, you will see that it is not smooth at all or paved. Despite this, you will not need a vehicle with four wheel drive to access it. Along the path, there may be some wildlife such as deer, birds, and hares. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to capture any photos of wildlife, but we did notice an abundance of rabbits. Be sure to take in the grandeur of the desert, which is especially brilliant during the evening or the morning. Their beauty is definitely not captured in my photos; It’s definitely a sight you would have to experience firsthand to fully appreciate. The petroglyphs aren’t the only attractions that people can enjoy!

You may have read about a site known as the “Yellow Jacket Site” online near Mono Lake a little ways outside of The Bishop area. Consider this a warning: This trail is very inaccessible and dangerous to access. It is very easy to get caught in the roads as they mainly consist of only gravel. The site was also closed during the Covid-19 Crisis.

Note: Be Mindful! Don’t touch, just view them, most glyphs aren’t visible unless you look for them, make sure prepared, the road is bumpy. Bring lots of water. Remember #1 rule of archeology

 

Bibliography + Good Resources to see:

  • Also a great guide to the glyphs: 

https://thesierraweb.com/generalinfo/petroglyphs.cfm

  • Info On Owen’s Valley

https://geonames.usgs.gov/apex/f?p=GNISPQ:3:::NO::P3_FID:272823

  • Owen’s valley Wikipedia: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owens_Valley

  • Bureau of land management

https://www.blm.gov/visit/fish-slough-petroglyphs