Osages invited to participate in excavation in Arkansas

The Osage Nation Historic Preservation Office, in conjunction with the Quapaw, Caddo, and the Arkansas Archaeological Survey, is participating in the excavation of a significant archaeological site in western Arkansas. Excavations will be conducted during the weeks of April 4 through 8 and April 18 through 22.

This opportunity is open to any Osage Nation tribal member capable of strenuous physical labor in potentially humid, warm weather. All expenses will be paid. You are welcome to sign up for one week or both!

The following description of the project was provided by Dr. Sabo III of the Arkansas Archaeological Survey:

“Excavations in the Carden Bottoms during April (4-8 and 18-22) will concentrate on uncovering more house features like the one shown in the accompanying figure, excavated in December. We are also excavating trash pits associated with each house, which contain abundant artifacts (ceramics, stone and bone tools) along with well preserved animal and plant remains. The house and pit features were identified by gradiometery and electrical resistivity surveys conducted at the site during May, 2010.

“Project participants lodge in motels in Russellville, Arkansas, from which we commute to the site via a half-hour drive. We eat breakfast and dinner in Russellville, and take sack lunches out to the site. Drinking water is provided and we have an on-site [port-a-john].”

This is an extremely rare opportunity to explore your history first hand. Please contact Dr. Andrea A. Hunter at (918) 287-5328 or ahunter@osagetribe.org now to secure a spot on the crew.