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!
TARL’s Jean and Rosario help visitors make beaded jewelry.
Ranger Jack demonstrated fire drilling.
UT’s eAnthro Projects’ 3D imaging and prints were a big hit.
Robin explains how to throw a dart using atlatls.
Future archeologists dug carefully to find artifacts!
These two are ready for the field!
This little researcher enjoyed processing local food plants.
AmaTerra Environmental unveiled their Headwaters of the Comal project, an archeological investigation in New Braunfels with a public component.
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.
The Texas Historical Commission’s Marine Archeology Division showed how to make boats float.
Visitors made pinch pots just like prehistoric Texans.
Marie talks about all the ways families can get involved with archeology and the Texas Archeological Society.
Robert and Chris demonstrate flintknapping, or stone tool production.
These guys were surprised to see how sharp a stone tool can be!
