The Department of Geography & Anthropology offers a unique and exciting opportunity for students to participate in the field investigations of the Caylán Archaeological Project, and learn about present and past Peruvian culture. The project, directed by Dr. David Chicoine, explores the development of Formative Period (1800-200 BC) societies in Nepeña as viewed through investigations at the archaeological complex of Caylán. Students are invited to join the field crew and gain first-hand experience in Andean archaeology.

Course Description

The field school (ANTH 2016, Field Methods in Archaeology) is a hands-on introduction to field techniques and methods in Andean archaeology. Students will actively participate in the various stages of a field archaeology project. Among other things, they will be embedded in problem-oriented test units and area excavations, mapping operations, and laboratory cataloguing procedures. The course is also designed to introduce students to contemporary Peruvian culture and its rich cultural heritage. This a course held in a remote location of the Peruvian north-central coast that emphasizes the development of the students’ capacities to work as a team, and learn about foreign cultural practices.

Prerequisites and Requirements

Students are required to have successfully completed an introductory course on archaeology (ANTH 2015, Introduction to Archaeology or equivalent). It is strongly recommended that students complete an introductory course on South American or Andean archaeology (ANTH 4022, Ancient Civilizations of South America or equivalent) prior to participating in the field school. In order to maximize their experience, it is highly suggested that students gain basic communication skills in Spanish. Students should be in excellent physical condition and demonstrate a marked interest in the archaeological research process.

The field school will run six days a week and it is required that students meet every scheduled day. The work areas are located in a desert environment where the sun, wind, sand and other extreme factors all contribute to render the day-to-day excavation activities even more demanding. Archaeology is a rigorous process and the dedication of all the field participants is instrumental in the success of any project. It is expected that students act as crew members which will contribute to a unique and rewarding experience.

Accommodation

Crew members and students will be housed in the town of Nepeña. The house rented by the project acts as a base camp for living and conducting laboratory activities. Although rudimentary, the project’s house is equipped with all the necessary facilities including electrical power, running water, hot showers and shared dormitories. Participants are expected to bring sleeping bags.

Schedule

TBA

Costs

TBA