Texas Archeology Month looks little different than usual this year, since our in-person events are cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But, that won’t stop us from bringing you tons of new and exciting Texas archeology updates and activities! Here’s one new way to connect with us:
TARL is now in Instagram!
Follow @ut_tarl for great photos, activities, and contests.
We also thought we’d introduce TARL to anyone who isn’t familiar with us! Former TARL staffer Lauren Bussiere (ahem, that’s me) sat down with Associate Director Jonathan Jarvis and Head of Collections Marybeth Tomka to talk about what’s new at TARL. Check out the video below!
Many thanks to Jonathan, Marybeth, and Annie, as well as to Tom Williams of the Prehistory Research Project, who recorded and edited this video.
Throughout this October for Texas Archeology Month, we’ll be releasing new coloring pages featuring some of the amazing artifacts in the TARL collections. This is a fun way for kids and adults alike to learn about prehistoric life and the archeology of Texas.
Our first featured site and collection is Ceremonial Cave! This cave site in West Texas was a special place where people left offerings over the course of more than 1,000 years. The deposits left in the cave were badly damaged by looters in the early 20th century, prompting archeologists to excavate the remaining areas of the cave. What they found remain some of the most incredible artifacts ever recorded in Texas.
Exotic materials like the turquoise in this bracelet, obsidian and abalone shell found in the cave show that some of the objects traveled a great distance before they were left as offerings. It is likely that people traveled to the cave from parts of what is now New Mexico and northern Mexico as well as from nearby villages.
Thank you to everyone who came out to this year’s Texas Archeology Month Fair this past weekend!
What an event it was– 68 volunteers representing at least 18 local agencies and groups led activities for more than 400 visitors! The beautiful weather made it a perfect day to get outside and learn about archeology from the experts.
We are so grateful to all our volunteers, to the donors who helped make this event possible, and to our community for being so supportive of this kind of outreach! Thank you to all who shared your expertise and your love of archeology to help inspire the next generation of archeologists.
Here are some of our favorite photos from this year’s Fair. See y’all next year!
TxDOT’s Scott demonstrates how to do archeological survey and find features.
Texas State’s Forensic Anthropology team shows these young researchers how to document their finds.
Ranger Jack demonstrated fire drilling.
The Texas Historical Commission’s Marine Archeology Division showed how to make boats float.
Visitors made pinch pots just like prehistoric Texans.
AmaTerra Environmental unveiled their Headwaters of the Comal project, an archeological investigation in New Braunfels with a public component.
TARL’s Jean and Rosario help visitors make beaded jewelry.
These two are ready for the field!
This little researcher enjoyed processing local food plants.
Future archeologists dug carefully to find artifacts!
Robin explains how to throw a dart using atlatls.
UT’s eAnthro Projects’ 3D imaging and prints were a big hit.
Marie talks about all the ways families can get involved with archeology and the Texas Archeological Society.
These guys were surprised to see how sharp a stone tool can be!
Robert and Chris demonstrate flintknapping, or stone tool production.
