Elizabeth M Lynch | Eastern New Mexico University (original) (raw)

Papers by Elizabeth M Lynch

The 86th Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology, 2021

Prehistoric peoples of the Southern Plains created bedrock ground stone surfaces in rockshelters ... more Prehistoric peoples of the Southern Plains created bedrock ground stone surfaces in rockshelters along upper canyon rims on exposed Dakota Sandstone. These bedrock milling features became centers for the reproduction of food and other resources but also developed into anchored places that facilitated the reproduction of socio-cultural values and norms. The socialization of the Southern Plains prehistoric landscape is most visible in the material culture remains of bedrock milling features that are ubiquitous in the canyon systems of the Purgatoire watershed in southeastern Colorado. Analysis of the milling surface morphology, differences in their organization on bedrock features, and their distribution across the landscape suggest that site activities vary from quotidian and seasonal group milling of local food resources (pinon, oak, juniper and other berries and grasses) to specialized grinding for ceremonial or ritual events. Bedrock milling surfaces were divided into sub-features based on surface proximity and abrasion between ground stone surfaces on each boulder feature. This paper uses 3D modeling called close range photogrammetry to test whether the recognition of group milling activities, through the sub-division of bedrock milling features into sub-features, is a viable method to understand how prehistoric peoples organized and socialized their milling material culture. Paper presented at Society of American Archaeology, San Francisco, April 2015

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2017

Bedrock ground stone features, found throughout the world, are particularly concentrated in the c... more Bedrock ground stone features, found throughout the world, are particularly concentrated in the canyons of the Southern Plains of North America. Morphological analysis offers powerful tools for developing descriptions of bedrock ground stone (BGS) which can be used to discuss how prehistoric landscapes were inhabited. Metric representations of morphological variation can be used to test hypotheses about the nature of BGS features, which are often difficult to investigate and analyze. This paper presents a morphological approach to describe and analyze BGS surfaces in a side canyon of southeastern Colorado which can be applied by researchers to datasets in other regions. Results indicate that while variation exists, the BGS design (as determined by shape and size) are similar across the side canyon supporting the hypothesis that the canyon was occupied by a group of closely related people through time; although not all sites were used in the same manner.

Plains Anthropologist, 2017

In southeastern Colorado, bedrock ground stone (BGS) features, also called bedrock metates or mor... more In southeastern Colorado, bedrock ground stone (BGS) features, also called bedrock metates or mortars, are a well-recognized part of the archaeological record. Although sometimes documented or recorded, they are rarely studied. However, elsewhere BGS are considered an important aspect of subsistence strategies, landscape adaptation, and symbolic ideology. A critical examination of any aspect of material culture begins with an unbiased description, and subsequent development of methods to scientifically examine the phenomena. This paper offers a methodology for recording BGS features to encourage reporting in the region. Results underscore the importance of developing accurate feature planviews, but also illustrate that minimal metric data (length, width, and depth) offer insight into how the landscape was inhabited by ancient peoples.

Quaternary International, 2017

Bedrock ground stone features are ubiquitous along the canyons of the Chaquaqua Plateau in southe... more Bedrock ground stone features are ubiquitous along the canyons of the Chaquaqua Plateau in southeastern Colorado, U.S.A, however, we know very little about their distribution, function or relationship to the regional archaeology. While some argue that prehistoric inhabitants of southeastern Colorado constructed permanent milling spaces to process local food resources, others think they may have processed corn. Most assume they were used by groups of women to process food resources together. Recent research suggests that the bedrock ground stone features differ depending on where they occur on the landscape, but may also vary because of socio-cultural ideals, as yet unknown. Sub-features are used as heuristic categories to discuss ways in which bedrock ground stone features are indicative of social processes such as group work or social reproduction of knowledge through collective labor. In this paper, we use close-range photogrammetry to examine the use of the sub-feature category as a means to refine the archaeology of bedrock ground stone surfaces in the region. Results illustrate that CRP offers an objective means to critically analyze the relationship of ground stone surfaces on bedrock features.

: Between July 25 and November 11, 2000, archaeological investigations were conducted at three si... more : Between July 25 and November 11, 2000, archaeological investigations were conducted at three sites located on the United States Army Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site in southeastern Colorado. The goals of the research were to assess the impact of military traffic on the extant archaeological record of each site and to characterize the subsurface context of archaeological materials within the affected areas. The field research included the excavation of 130 test units, the interpretation of test unit stratigraphic profiles, and the collection of data on surface artifact distribution, temporal/cultural context, and site integrity. Impact from mechanized maneuvers was assessed through surface observation, subsurface context, and soil compaction analysis.

Society for American Archaeology Annual Meeting, 2021

Interpretation of how prehistoric hunter-gatherers may have charted the landscape they inhabited ... more Interpretation of how prehistoric hunter-gatherers may have charted the landscape they inhabited is often based on the physical materials left behind. The potential exists to interpret
Jicarilla narratives as providing mental templates for movement through and perception of their environments. Personal narratives may have facilitated remembering significant paths and passing this knowledge on to others. These narratives are rich resources that inform our
understanding of how the Jicarilla, and perhaps prehistoric plains people before them, may have perceived and travelled through the complex eco-corridors that buffered the Pueblos, extending onto the plains of northern New Mexico and southeastern Colorado. This chapter examines whether specific Jicarilla Apache narratives encoded navigation patterns within oral tradition. Personal hunting narratives are examined as pathfinding mechanisms. Creation stories and
ceremonial landmarks mentioned in the text are treated as points of significance on the landscape. Cognitive maps were developed that reveal a series of patterned movements which may prove insightful in interpreting prehistoric movement and spatial construction.

The canyons and tributaries of the Purgatoire River in Southeastern Colorado reveal evidence of c... more The canyons and tributaries of the Purgatoire River in Southeastern Colorado
reveal evidence of continuous and seasonal occupation of Indigenous peoples for thousands of
years. Evidence abounds for habitation by plains hunter gatherers, horticulturalists and
possibly ancestral woodland culture groups. A unique feature of this regional system is the
presence of numerous types of bedrock metates occurring at varying elevations and site
assemblages. This paper addresses a critical and understudied problem: how prehistoric
peoples in this region incorporated bedrock grinding features within their socio-cultural view
of the landscape. Photogrammetry and GIS are used to develop and explore a regional spatial
distribution of these features at the intra-site and inter-site level.

Conference Presentations by Elizabeth M Lynch

Plains Anthropological Association Annual Meeting, 2022

Hell Gap site is a National Historic Landmark (NHL), recognized for its high degree of integrity.... more Hell Gap site is a National Historic Landmark (NHL), recognized for its high degree of integrity. The collections of excavated material and associated records are presently under analysis at the University of Wyoming (UW) archaeology labs. Numerous dangers threaten the collections (e.g., fire, potential loss, prior lack of curation, potential flooding, poor paper for records). The project creates digital images of site records and artifacts recovered from the Hell Gap Paleoindian site to serve them on an open access web portal.

American Anthropological Association Annual Meeting, 2022

Digital social ecology is an emerging part of building community through various social media or ... more Digital social ecology is an emerging part of building community through various social media or online venues, creating new networks for learning and becoming. Citizen science, the practice of developing sustainable communities of scientific discovery for avocational and professional scientists, is one of the more useful ways of engaging in sustainable recovery projects that must occur in post-disaster scenarios. Our work considers the dynamic landscape of citizen science projects as communities of practice incorporating individuals from affected communities, local communities or governing bodies, and scientists engaged in recovering damaged resources. We consider how various participants create or develop social capital through the use of digital social ecology using Facebook and social information to recruit, educate and build sustainable citizen science communities. How are resilient recovery communities reinforced through the citizen science model? How are transparent data sets useful for recovery or developing resilience in the light of devastating storms? How are third spaces colonized in these ongoing recovery processes?

American Anthropological Association Annual Meeting, 2022

Space, geographer Edward Soja (2010) reminds us, is not a neutral background to the “real” events... more Space, geographer Edward Soja (2010) reminds us, is not a neutral background to the “real” events of social and cultural life. Rather, it “is always filled with politics, ideology, and other forces shaping our lives.” The struggle for justice is not only historical and social but spatial as well. Geographies are consequential. What does that mean for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, an archipelago of some 3,000 islands, cays, and rocks scattered over 225,000 square miles of the Atlantic? A nation attempting to overcome its past of genocide and enslavement, colonial rule, and post-colonial exploitation, The Bahamas today continues to be disproportionately affected by forces beyond its control: climate change, tourism, and inequality. Its low-lying islands are threatened by sea-level rise as well as hurricanes of increasing intensity and frequency. What does spatial justice look like in such an environment? How does it emerge in the wake of disaster? Where does resilience lie?

Our symposium brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers at all levels of their careers, who are engaged with post-Hurricane Dorian recovery processes. Hurricane Dorian was a severe category 5 storm, one of the strongest on record, that devastated much of the human and natural landscapes on Grand Bahama and Abaco. The increased intensity of storms makes The Bahamas one of the more vulnerable nations in the world. Recovery efforts often focus on the land resources with little emphasis on the impact of these efforts on the local populations who suffer significant economic loss. While there is an obvious need to restore forests and understand groundwater threats to already vulnerable environments, there is an equal urgency to evaluate community perspectives on recovery projects and the social impacts of the storm. In an ongoing project, we are collecting information about residents’ experiences with scientists, scientific processes embedded in recovery efforts, and other biocultural intersections so that we can understand how the recovery projects might be reinforcing existing spatial injustices.

Our symposium contributes to the general “unsettling” of the climate change discussion by asking about resilience and recovery for whom? It is more than two years since the storm yet social distress still exists in many affected areas. Residents have applied for existing relief programs, but many are still waiting to receive financial support to rebuild their homes and businesses. It is common for members of the community to use radio programs to voice their discontent with the efforts that are being made to assist them financially while there appear to be greater amounts of resources channeled into environmental projects.

For this reason, we position the range of voices in the recovery projects under the banner of spatial justice. Our work enlists scientists (social scientists, plant scientists, groundwater scientists) and community-engaged citizens to understand resilience and the discourse that still hinders inclusive and just recovery efforts.

Plains Anthropological Society Annual Meeting, Bloomington, Indiana, 2019

Hell Gap Paleoindian Archaeological Site near Guernsey, Wyoming plays a prominent role in our und... more Hell Gap Paleoindian Archaeological Site near Guernsey, Wyoming plays a prominent role in our understanding of North American prehistory. In 2016, it became a National Historical Landmark, recognizing its importance not only to North American but to world prehistory. In order to preserve and promote this valuable cultural heritage site, we developed a virtual reality (VR) model that can be used as a research, education, and outreach tool. We used an Insta360 Pro 2 camera to capture landscape images, key localities, and archaeological excavations. The images were then merged, using Unity, into a virtual reality experience. We tested the user experience by revisiting the excavations and interviewing current field school personnel and the excavation field director. Our results indicate the user experience is “beyond cool” but also has the potential to support scientific research and problem-solvig.

Plains Anthropological Society Annual Meeting, Bloomington, Indiana, 2019

An important step in the evaluation process for listing a property in the National Register of Hi... more An important step in the evaluation process for listing a property in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) requires an assessment of the integrity of a property. Seven aspects of integrity (location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association) must be evaluated, often requiring at least one site visit to do so. In this paper, we propose that virtual reality experiences would be valuable for assessing site integrity and for monitoring the long-term condition of rock art sites in Wyoming. Therefore, we created VR experiences at the Tolar and Gateway petroglyph sites using an Insta360 Pro 2 camera and Unity gaming software. We brought the VR models to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for testing. While some concerns arose over making the VR models available to the general public and maintaining the data sets, the results indicate that the models will be useful during the NRHP nomination process and have potential for monitoring site conditions.

Plains Anthropological Society Annual Meeting, Bloomington, Indiana , 2019

Authors: Clare Bowen-O’Connor, Kody Rolle, Sashuan Armbrister the University of The Bahamas; Kyle... more Authors: Clare Bowen-O’Connor, Kody Rolle, Sashuan Armbrister the University of The Bahamas; Kyle Summerfield, Mark Wittstock, Emma Jane Alexander Shell 3D Visualization Center, UW; and Elizabeth Lynch Anthropology Department, University of Wyoming

Abstract: The University of The Bahamas (UB) campus like most tertiary level institutions is a blend of concrete structures for teaching, open green space with trees, shrubs and grasses, and training fields. This landscape mixture provides a learning opportunity for all students within the institution. Right plant, right place is a landscaping concept. Plant selection is based on a combination of intended purpose and the existing features identified, which may include soil moisture, slope of the land, shade, ground cover, soil texture and nutrient composition. During the Fall 2018, the Shell 3D Visualization Center, at the University of Wyoming, supported the development of a virtual tour which served as a recruitment and research tool for UB staff, students, and faculty as well as for the local communities and the global community at large. We demonstrate the importance of global, multidisciplinary application of digital technologies to create engaged learning experiences that solve real world problems.

Plains Anthropological Society Annual Meeting, Bloomington, Indiana, 2019

Authors: Elizabeth Lynch, Anthropology Department, University of Wyoming; Andrea Colón, Trio-Upwa... more Authors: Elizabeth Lynch, Anthropology Department, University of Wyoming; Andrea Colón, Trio-Upward Bound Program; Kyle Summerfeld, Mark Wittstock, Emma Jane Alexander, Shell 3D Visualization Center, University of Wyoming

Abstract: The TRIO-Upward Bound (TRIO-UB) Summer 2019 program visited two important Wyoming cultural heritage sites, Hell Gap and Tolar Petroglyphs, as part of the Digital Archaeology Mentorship. The objective was to provide a hands-on experience for the digital data collection processes while providing an overview of current methods in digital archaeology. The eight students, aged 14 to 17, were from schools throughout Wyoming. While some were familiar with video games, none had any experience with archaeology or with developing digital projects. This poster describes the goals of the Digital Archaeology Mentorship within the context of the TRIO-UB summer program with a focus on the fieldwork, to present a model for teaching digital archaeology methods to the public.

Plains Anthropological Society Annual Meetiong, Bloomington, Indiana, 2019

Three-dimensional models developed using photogrammetry, from terrestrial or drone photo capture... more Three-dimensional models developed using photogrammetry, from terrestrial or drone photo captures, are increasingly employed to understand and document archaeological features. They provide a means of preserving the cultural resources, while strengthening public outreach and education. Although, traditional methods of recording tipi rings are adequate for describing the features as well as answering many research questions, 3D models allow us to refine our research while hedging against observer bias when recording the features and, due to the high level of accuracy, provide a means of efficient replication of experiments by multiple researchers with access to the same data sets. However, many problems exist with modeling these types of features such as vegetation interference. To test the possibility of developing 3D models for tipi rings, we used photogrammetry to capture data of one structure at the Hell Gap Archaeological Site. Results highlight the potential for 3D modeling to augment existing data sets.

The 86th Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology, 2021

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2017

Plains Anthropologist, 2017

Quaternary International, 2017

Society for American Archaeology Annual Meeting, 2021

Plains Anthropological Association Annual Meeting, 2022

American Anthropological Association Annual Meeting, 2022

Plains Anthropological Society Annual Meeting, Bloomington, Indiana, 2019

Plains Anthropological Society Annual Meeting, Bloomington, Indiana , 2019

Plains Anthropological Society Annual Meeting, Bloomington, Indiana, 2019

Plains Anthropological Society Annual Meetiong, Bloomington, Indiana, 2019

Documentation of in-situ artifacts at the stratified Paleoindian Hell Gap site in southeast Wyomi... more Documentation of in-situ artifacts at the stratified Paleoindian Hell Gap site in southeast Wyoming is highly accurate. However, once the cultural items are removed from their context much of the visual matrix is lost. During the 2015 field season we took stereo-overlapping photographs of a bison bone bed in 5 cm levels until the entire bone bed was uncovered. Resulting images were used to build 3-D models of the excavation and document bone articulations and variation in sediments. The photographs were used to build virtual excavation units for future laboratory analysis. In this presentation we show the methods used for creating the models. We also show how additional research could be carried out using the current images and aid in lab analysis of the bison bone.

Paper presented at Society of American Archaeology, San Francisco, April 2015

The canyon landscape of southeastern Colorado houses a complex distribution of grinding surfaces ... more The canyon landscape of southeastern Colorado houses a complex distribution of grinding surfaces (metates) created between 2500 to 600 years ago on exposed sandstone boulders in rockshelters and along canyon rims. These work spaces enhance our understanding of how prehistoric peoples socialized their landscape and represent an important, yet under-studied, aspect of the archaeological record in this region. Archaeologists who document these features record the length (longest axis), width (widest axis) and basin depth as standard measurements of volume. Since level of training and experience recording ground stone differs among archaeologists, we hypothesize that there will be error between measurements of individual recorders thereby rending existing data problematic for in comparative studies. Our paper presents the results of a test of this hypothesis and provides suggestions about how to best accommodate inter-observer error and incorporate data recorded by other investigators into a long term study of bedrock ground surfaces.

Society of American Archaeology Annual Meeting Memphis, Tennessee 2012

Prehistoric peoples created milling surfaces on exposed bedrock outcrops in the canyon landscape ... more Prehistoric peoples created milling surfaces on exposed bedrock outcrops in the canyon landscape of southeastern Colorado. The bedrock milling cultural phenomena is wide spread from south of the Arkansas River to the Cimarron in Northeastern New Mexico. The duration and scope of this regional cultural expression is poorly understood at this time, but the ubiquitous use of stationary grinding implements in the bordering southwest suggests the features may have been used in a similar manner - perhaps, as hypothesized, for grinding corn grown in the Chacuaco floodplain or to process a variety of wild foods (e.g. acorn and locally harvested nuts. With meager direct evidence as to the time of use or the resources being processed, there is little to suggest whether wild foods or domesticated foods were milled. Localized woodrat middens at 5LA11455 were sampled to test our assumptions about the use and environment of ground bedrock surfaces in the Chacuaco drainage. Pollen from basin sediments and a surface wash were tested to determine the difference between local vegetation at the time of occupation and the post abandonment environment. This paper presents the results of pollen tests and materials recovered from wood rat middens that overlaid the prehistoric grinding surfaces at 5LA11455.

Wyoming Archaeological Society Annual Conference Laramie, Wyoming. 2013.

Prehistoric peoples along the Purgatoire River developed complex tool kits specialized for the ca... more Prehistoric peoples along the Purgatoire River developed complex tool kits specialized for the canyon systems in Southeastern Colorado. These groups have been defined in terms of lithic technology, architecture, and rock art traditions. Groundstone technology is the least studied cultural feature of this region. Even less understood is why and how bedrock grinding surfaces fit into regional cultural development and adaptation. We examine one site with a preserved groundstone surface using 3-D imaging, pollen analysis and FTIR to determine the materials ground on them. Analysis of this information may better define the relationship between bedrock grinding technology and adjacent petroglyphs
Paper presented at the Plains Conferences, Laramie October 2008

Course Syllabus, 2022

Introduction to Biological Anthropology covers the basic concepts relating to the human species' ... more Introduction to Biological Anthropology covers the basic concepts relating to the human species' origin, evolution, and biological nature. During the semester, we will examine the foundation principles of the evolution of the human species through time and space and the biological adaptations of Homo sapiens. We use evolutionary theory to understand the world around us. We explore genetics and the diversity of modern human populations, similarities in behaviors and physical traits between humans and other primates, and the fossil record of human physical evolution.

Course Syllabus, 2022

Ethnographic methods are a set of skills useful in many fields, but it is the central pillar of c... more Ethnographic methods are a set of skills useful in many fields, but it is the central pillar of cultural anthropology. The main skill set involves observation, interviewing (which means listening), and qualitative analysis. In this course, we will explore and develop these skills through intensive in-class training, developing a participant observation field research project (which will be carried out over the semester), analyzing the results of fieldwork in a collaborative class environment, and participating in classroom discussions on current debates in anthropology, ethics of doing human subjects research and other current topics of interests. The classroom environment will have some lectures, however, as you can see from the course outline and from WyoCourses, these class sessions will be a chance for students to bring their fieldwork, analysis, and writing into a collaborative workspace where peer-review and discussions will help improve student skills quickly over the semester. While this course has been developed for Anthropology majors, it is open to students in related fields where such skills are needed to succeed. This course meets the COM3 (WB) USP requirements.

Course Description: Humanity is an enigma. Our modern world is sometimes a confusing place to inh... more Course Description: Humanity is an enigma. Our modern world is sometimes a confusing place to inhabit. Our relationships extend beyond our family, friends, and community into cyber and media worlds which add to, and complicate, our understanding of who we are and how we should navigate these complex networks. We value teamwork and cooperation, yet we often neglect others out of our own self-interest. We seek peace and stability yet many times we engage in violent and destructive past times such as video games and violent T.V. dramas. Over the course of the semester we will consider this complexity through the lens of human societies across the world.

Digital Archaeology Syllabus

Syllabus - Primate Behavior & Ecology

Biological Anthropology Syllabus

Office hours: TBA. I have an open-door policy so if you come by my office and if I'm there (even ... more Office hours: TBA. I have an open-door policy so if you come by my office and if I'm there (even if it's not my official office hours) please come in.

Introduction to Archaeology Syllabus

This course provides an introduction to the field of anthropology for beginning students at the U... more This course provides an introduction to the field of anthropology for beginning students at the University of Wyoming. The overarching objective is to orient students to the major in Anthropology at UW including faculty members, laboratories, and other facilities. Students will also experience a taste of each major research area as we explore problems and controversies facing anthropologists today. The University of Wyoming Anthropology program is a four field program with specializations in Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology, Biological Anthropology and Linguistic Anthropology. During this course students will examine some key problems and research questions from each of the fields. Students will have the opportunity to visit with faculty members from each of the subfields and learn more about their on-going research. Students will have the opportunity to practice some of the research approaches used by anthropologists to answer intriguing questions. Finally students will learn about career possibilities for budding anthropologists.

Class Meets: 1:35 to 4:25 M-F; ENG 1044 Monday then we move to ANTH 220, unless otherwise noted.

Anthropology can be defined as the study of human behavior, specifically social behavior, through... more Anthropology can be defined as the study of human behavior, specifically social behavior, through the deep past to the present. Anthropologists are interested in studying nonhuman primates in order to understand how humans evolved into the complex social beings we are now. We hope to refine our understanding of early human social behavior and culture by studying and comparing the complexity of primate social systems, behavior an ecological niches. One of the objectives of this course is to develop and refine your understanding of the diversity of species, communities, and social behavior in living primates. We will do this by exploring how socioecological methods and theory are used to study and model non-human primate biology and social behavior.

Wherever a student begins their journey to post-secondary education and regardless of where they ... more Wherever a student begins their journey to post-secondary education and regardless of where they intend to go (job market, graduate education, etc.) my goal is to build upon the foundations of anthropologic discipline to develop critical thinking skills. My classes are designed to promote an engaged learning environment through quality resources, hands-on practice with anthropological methods, collaborative dialogue, and reflective writing.

Plains Anthropological Society Annual Meeting, Bloomington, Indiana, 2019

Author: AnnMarie Harrison (Advisor: Elizabeth Lynch) Abstract: An ongoing concern during and aft... more Author: AnnMarie Harrison (Advisor: Elizabeth Lynch)

Abstract: An ongoing concern during and after the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) nomination process is managing site integrity, particularly erosional processes that might affect the design and materials. The four most important elements of site integrity for archaeological sites being nominated under Criterion D include location, design, materials, and association. The Tolar Petroglyph site (listed on the NRHP in 2014), which displays a high degree of integrity for these aspects, is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and has a site steward. We proposed that photogrammetric models would aid the BLM in the monitoring the condition of the petroglyphs. We captured stereo-overlapping photos using two different Canon DSLR cameras on three occasions. The resulting models were brought to the BLM for consultation. This poster presents the process of creating 3D models, and the results of consultation. We propose methods for future research into the assessment of petroglyph integrity using photogrammetry.

Plains Anthropological Society, Annual Meeting, Bloomington, Indiana, 2019

Author: Jacob Lewis (Elizabeth Lynch advisor) Artifact digitization has become an increasingly p... more Author: Jacob Lewis (Elizabeth Lynch advisor)

Artifact digitization has become an increasingly popular means of preservation for the anthropological community. The most popular methodologies involve the use of GIS software, RTI software, and photogrammetric processes. Photogrammetry is particularly useful for analyzing cultural materials at the submillimeter level. By using these methodologies, it is possible to examine rock art panels and determine both the presence of carvings that display continuous, stylistic integrity and their relative ages based upon the Law of Superposition. This study was conducted on a set of photos taken at the Gateway Rock Art site in Wyoming, in July of 2019. It is vital to study this set of panels, as they have been nominated for inclusion to the National Register of Historic Places and are the only known example of the Uncompahgre style in Wyoming. Our models show the presence of Archaic, pecked patterns, over which newer, Seedskadee style carvings have been superimposed.

Website developed by students and faculty in ANTH 4020-03 - Digital Archaeology Seminar.

Authors: David Kuehn and Elizabeth Lynch Abstract: Between July 25 and November 11, 2000, archae... more Authors: David Kuehn and Elizabeth Lynch

Abstract: Between July 25 and November 11, 2000, archaeological investigations were conducted at three sites located on the United States Army Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site in southeastern Colorado. The goals of the research were to assess the impact of military traffic
on the extant archaeological record of each site and to characterize the subsurface context of archaeological materials within the
affected areas. The field research included the excavation of 130 test units, the interpretation of test unit stratigraphic profiles, and
the collection of data on surface artifact distribution, temporal/cultural context, and site integrity. Impact from mechanized
maneuvers was assessed through surface observation, subsurface context, and soil compaction analysis.

In Ground in Stone: Landscape, Social Identity, and Ritual Space on the High Plains, Elizabeth Ly... more In Ground in Stone: Landscape, Social Identity, and Ritual Space on the High Plains, Elizabeth Lynch examines the insights and challenges of bedrock ground stone research in archaeological inquiry. Ground in Stone includes analyses of case studies to illustrate field data collection techniques as well as the rich social lives of ground in stone on the Chaquaqua Plateau. Lynch argues that the bedrock features in southeastern Colorado offer valuable insight into the archaeology of the High Plains because they are spaces where people gathered to craft important products—food, tools, and art. In doing so, these places anchored human movement to the landscape and became integral to story-telling and cultural lifeways.

Crow Canyon Discover Archaeology Webinar Series, 2023

Ground stone tool research, particularly those instruments used to process food resources, has mo... more Ground stone tool research, particularly those instruments used to process food resources, has moved closer to the foreground of archaeological research over the past two decades. Part of the growing interest in the science of ground stone tool analysis stems from the emergence of newer forms of scientific visualization, particularly 3D modeling and virtual reality. Developments in field recording methods have led to breakthrough analysis and paved the way for building larger, comparative data sets. Recent analyses seek ways to better understand tool morphology and design related to past human behavioral processes. Alongside these research agendas, is the analyses of tool use and environmental assessment from residue studies (from pollen, phytoliths, lipids, for example) that are occurring throughout the world. My talk addresses the materiality and social aspects of a specific type of ground stone tool known as bedrock ground stone (BGS) features that are found in the canyons of southeastern Colorado. The region is a dynamic cultural landscape that witnessed interaction between Southwest, Plains and Eastern precontact societies. Due to their inaccessibility, physically and methodologically, BGS features have remained hidden from the archaeological gaze, at the corner of the kitchen hearth, awaiting notice and inclusion in the way we construct our knowledge of the past.