Extensive quarries were left behind when novaculite was obtained from outcrops in the Ouachita Mountains.  Over 120 novaculite quarry sites have been recorded in west-central Arkansas.  The volume of bedrock mining makes these some of the largest archeological sites in North America.  Dating the use of these sites is difficult, but they were used especially during the Late Archaic period.  

We are looking at these questions with a research project that combines novaculite sourcing studies with new excavations at a site on the Ouachita River that has extensive evidence for Archaic period novaculite tool production.  One aspect of the research -- currently being undertaken by UA-Fayetteville graduate student Kristin Scarr -- uses neutron activation analysis to differentiate novaculite from various quarries in the Ouachita Mountains.  The second part of the project involves site excavations to test ideas about Archaic period sedentism, craft specialization, and novaculite exchange. 

In June 2008 we will expand excavations of a Middle Archaic period (circa 6000 years ago) deposit uncovered at 3HS28 in 2007 that had quantities of novaculite, magnitite, and igneous rock.  During the previous field season we uncovered cultural features -- most scatters or clusters of rock -- that are likely left from cooking food using indirect heat (earth overs and stone boiling).  From features and constructions we can reconstruct the activities done here during the Middle Archaic, including tool-making and food preparation.  We can also infer the season(s) of use of the site during this time.  We want to understand whether people living far from the Ouachita Mountains obtained their toolstone directly or through trade with locals living at the Ouachita River.  Our work will involve participants in the 2008 Arkansas Archeological Society Training Program, as well as students enrolled in the 2008 University of Arkansas / Henderson State University Archeological Field School.    

    Find out more about the 2008
 Arkansas Archeological Society Training Program          

2008 University of Arkansas/ Henderson State University Archeological Field School

          Ouachita Archeological Project
          June 2-July 3, 2008
          Director, Dr. Mary Beth Trubitt

The summer archeological field school is an intensive off-campus opportunity for students to learn archeology and work closely with a professor on a research project while earning university credit.  Students receive training in all aspects of archeological field methods including mapping a site, techniques for archeological excavation and recording, soil description, and artifact identification.  The field school is kept small in size to ensure individualized instruction and positive team work.  No previous field experience is required, but students should apply to the instructor prior to registration. 

The field school is open to current and visiting or guest students.  Students can enroll through University of Arkansas (6 credit hours, Summer 5 term, Division of Continuing Education) in Anthropology 4256 (undergraduate, $184 per credit hour) “Archeological Field Session” or Anthropology 561V (graduate, $305 per credit hour), “Field Research in Archeology,” or through Henderson State University (6 credit hours, Summer Session I) in Anthropology 3096 (undergraduate, $154 per credit hour) “Archeological Field School.”  The summer field school will run from June 2 to July 3, 2008, with work at the site or field lab on Mondays through Fridays.    Students will be able to arrange for housing on the HSU campus, and daily transportation to and from the site will be provided. 

Novaculite from the Ouachita Mountains was a key resource for making stone tools used locally and even outside the immediate region.  This summer, our research project will investigate Archaic period sedentism, craft specialization, and novaculite tool production and exchange using excavations at a site near Hot Springs in southwest Arkansas.  This archeological site on the Ouachita River has cultural material left behind by thousands of years of Indian habitation.  Our work will focus on the deep Middle Archaic period deposits to understand whether people living far from the Ouachita Mountains quarries obtained their toolstone directly or through trade. 

Application deadline is May 16, 2008.  For further information and application, please contact:

     Dr. Mary Beth Trubitt
     Arkansas Archeological Survey
     Henderson State University, Box H-7841
     Arkadelphia, AR   71999-0001
     trubitm@hsu.edu   
     (870) 230-5510