The word “archaeology” is sure to conjure up images of leather hats, bull whips, lost treasure, booby traps, and daring adventures to save the free world. However, the life of an archaeologist is not the high-stakes escapades of Indiana Jones. Archaeology studies the material culture left behind by historic and prehistoric human populations. As a subdiscipline of anthropology—the study of all things related to the human species—archaeology jobs operate under established rules and procedures, and you rarely find the next Holy Grail. However, as our resident archaeologists on campus illustrate, there is a lot of adventure to be had in archaeology.
As a fan of and proponent of archaeology, I jumped at the opportunity to join Abby Baka, a PhD candidate in archaeological anthropology, in the field on two occasions. Baka’s research takes her across the diverse landscapes of Utah, from arid desert flats to deep, rocky canyons. She often collaborates with Jerry Spangler, an archaeologist with the Colorado Plateau Archaeological Alliance, a non-profit organization. The group works on projects, some initiated by private landowners, focusing on ecology, conservation, and Indigenous history, and their expeditions cater well to a novice camper and adventurer like me.
Archaeological adventures typically consist of two main components: survey and camping sites, each of which can vary widely. Survey sites can be found along riverbeds, open fields, or scree rock slopes. They can be prehistoric pit-house foundations, rock art panels, 19th-century rancher cabins, stone granaries, or scatters of detritus from stone tool production. Another archaeology graduate student explained, “Survey in archaeology is known as pedestrian survey, or walking transects across a designated area with surveyors (archaeologists) evenly spaced out to identify artifacts and archaeological sites.” Transect surveys are used to find artifacts and archaeological sites, which must be properly recorded. The intensity of surveys can also vary and depend on the environment where sites are found. For survey camps, how it looks depends greatly on the people you’re with. For Jerry Spangler, his camps are relaxed and inviting, with great food and songs around the fire. Regardless of the intensity of the surveys, Spangler and Baka ensure that volunteers can proceed at their own pace and bring plenty of water and extra gear for the newbies. They keep surveys lowkey and still manage to meet their survey objectives. With a colorful mix of undergraduates and spirited retirees, the slower days turn into a delightful tapestry of memories. The environment is perfect for any budding archaeologist or outdoor enthusiast looking to delve deeper into the science of studying ancient cultures…