Tarapaca Valley Archaeological Conservation Project
Chile
June 22 - July 26, 2008
Curriculum
Prerequisites: None
Description of Course and Activities
This intense summer course provides a unique opportunity of integrated teaching and training in archaeological conservation at a pre-program level. This course can provide an excellent opportunity for students aiming at applying to a conservation graduate school and for participants interested in principles and methods of archaeological conservation. The course will be divided into one week of classes and introduction to laboratory practices and four weeks in the field (and the field lab).
Please note that to receive graduate credit you must currently be a graduate student seeking either an MA or Ph.D. degree. If you are currently an undergraduate student, or holding a BA/BS degree, you may enroll in the graduate level course work with instructor consent. In addition to all other course requirements, students enrolled at the C259 level must submit a research paper in coordination with the project Faculty Director.
Format of classes
The Instruction is comprised of formal classes, seminars, site visits, supervised laboratory and field conservation work and individual research projects (based on the experience and interest of the student). Students will spend the first week in Iquique together with the students attending the archaeological field school, for five days of lectures, museum instructional tours, and laboratory introductory training. The last four weeks will be spent in the field working closely with archaeologists and other conservation professionals and scientists, learning the principles of archaeological conservation methods and practices.
Grading
Undergraduate grading will be based on one exam (33%) and fieldwork participation (67%). Graduate student grading will be based on one exam (33%), fieldwork participation (33%), and one 15- 20 page paper (34%) on archaeological field methods.
Schedule
All schedules, itineraries, and group activities are subject to change at
the discretion of the instructor. Classes generally do not meet on Saturdays and Sundays.
Week I: Introduction to Andean Archaeology and laboratory skills (Iquique):
Course Schedule for Week I:
Week I |
Morning |
Afternoon |
Monday |
Lecture: “Intro to Andean Archaeology I” |
Lecture: “Intro to Andean Archaeology II” |
Reading: Boytner 2005, Stanish 2001, 2005 |
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Tuesday |
Orientation to Iquique. Guided walking tour of town |
Lecture “Indigenous Cultures of the Tarapaca Region” |
Reading: Allende 2006, Oakland 1992 |
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Wednesday |
Lecture: “Archaeological Field Methods” |
Lab (1) |
Reading: Nunez 1986, Luis Briones 2006, Rivera 1991 |
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Thursday |
Independent Research Project |
Lab (2) |
|
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Friday |
Lecture: Tarapaca Valley Project |
Exam |
Reading: Hoshower 1995, Lozada and Buikstra 2005 |
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Week II-V: Principles, Theory and Praxis of Archaeological Conservation (Tarapaca Valley)
During these four weeks at the Tarapaca Valley, students will participate in the following activities:
- Archival digital imaging and documentation of cultural materials using diffuse and raking light, and digital diagnostic imaging including ultraviolet induced visible fluorescence imaging, ultraviolet reflectance; and infrared reflectance imaging.
- Use of Adobe Photoshop CS for color editing of images and for reconstructing false-color ultraviolet and infrared images.
- Development of Visual Glossaries and Material Educational Collections;
- Practice field conservation techniques: lifting, in situ documentation and safe transportation of archaeological materials to the field laboratory;
- Environmental monitoring (measuring relative humidity and temperature);
- Practical solutions for housing of a variety of different artifacts ( both organic and inorganic) using archival quality conservation materials;
- Ceramic reconstruction;
- Preventive conservation measures of human remains;
- Superficial cleaning of organic materials including basketry and textiles;
- Introduction to Scientific Investigations of Archaeological Materials;
- Independent conservation research project;
- Visit the museum of S. Miguel de Azapa, Arica.
- Development of risk assessments reports and conservation treatment proposals.
Course Readings
Course packs will be provided and copies of text book will be available without cost.