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Experimental Archaeology at Homolovi!
Archaeologists can learn a great deal about
ancient technologies through experimentation.
The last few years have seen major tests
taking place at Homolovi Ruins State Park
ancient technologies through experimentation.
The last few years have seen major tests
taking place at Homolovi Ruins State Park
Test Burn of a Model Masonry Pueblo
Earthwatch volunteers and teenagers from the Student Challenge Awards Program assisted
archaeologists in constructing a model pueblo. The structure was then burned to study how fire
acts in a prehistoric structure.
During June and July of 2005/2006, archaeologists excavated at Chevelon Ruin, located southeast
of Homolovi and considered associated with the Homolovi sites as a trading outpost. One puzzle
they have discovered was a series of burned rooms which did not appear to be associated with
violence. This seems to have involved an orderly removal of items from the rooms and intentional
burning.
During this experiment, archaeologist A.J. Vonars collected data on the different ways a fire acts
within a stone and adobe structure. She is also studying the difference between an accidental fire,
such as the spreading of a kitchen fire, and a fire set intentionally.
Reproduction artifacts were placed within the structure and will be studied for better identifying
fire damage in prehistoric artifacts.
In 2006 a second room was added to the recreated pueblo. During the summer of 2007, one room
was filled with 20 bushels of dried corn and we set fire to the corn to measure the heat of such a
fire and the manner in which it moves between rooms.
Earthwatch volunteers and teenagers from the Student Challenge Awards Program assisted
archaeologists in constructing a model pueblo. The structure was then burned to study how fire
acts in a prehistoric structure.
During June and July of 2005/2006, archaeologists excavated at Chevelon Ruin, located southeast
of Homolovi and considered associated with the Homolovi sites as a trading outpost. One puzzle
they have discovered was a series of burned rooms which did not appear to be associated with
violence. This seems to have involved an orderly removal of items from the rooms and intentional
burning.
During this experiment, archaeologist A.J. Vonars collected data on the different ways a fire acts
within a stone and adobe structure. She is also studying the difference between an accidental fire,
such as the spreading of a kitchen fire, and a fire set intentionally.
Reproduction artifacts were placed within the structure and will be studied for better identifying
fire damage in prehistoric artifacts.
In 2006 a second room was added to the recreated pueblo. During the summer of 2007, one room
was filled with 20 bushels of dried corn and we set fire to the corn to measure the heat of such a
fire and the manner in which it moves between rooms.
The experiment was documented
with photographs and video
with photographs and video
Petroglyphs, Chevelon
Canyon near the iron bridge.
Canyon near the iron bridge.
Leuppe Kiln Conference
View photos of this 2005 experience in traditional pottery firing!
View photos of this 2005 experience in traditional pottery firing!
The experiment showed that there
was actually LESS damage when
the ventilator hole was open.
was actually LESS damage when
the ventilator hole was open.
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