www.txarch.org

The Newsletter of the Texas Archeological Society

Volume 53, Number 4 Fall 2009

Continued on page 3

Come Early, Stay Late!Shumla and the City of Del Rio Welcome You to the TAS 80th Annual Meeting

Make your plans now!!! The 80th Annual Meeting of the Texas Archeological Society will be held in Del Rio, Texas, October 23–25, 2009. Come early and stay late!! Tours to sev-eral rock art sites are scheduled on both Thursday afternoon and Sunday morning. Be aware, access to these sites requires physical stamina and the ability to climb steep slopes. More on these trips later. Events will be held at both the Ramada Inn Del Rio and the Del Rio Civic Center two blocks from the hotel. There is plenty of parking available at the Civic Center for those who want to drive.

If the tours aren’t enough to entice you, Dr. Jean Clottes will be one of the participants in the Friday night Public Forum and is speaker for the Saturday night banquet. Jean Clottes, PhD (Doctorat d’Etat), Prehistory, has directed scien-tific research at some of the most important Paleolithic deco-rated caves (caves with prehistoric paintings or engravings) including Chauvet, which contains the oldest cave paintings known in the world. His scientific concerns are now mostly related to prehistoric rock art, in particular to its preservation and recording, dating problems, the study of its archaeologi-cal context, and the problems of epistemology and the search for meaning.

Professor Clottes held several positions prior to his retire-ment in July 1999 including Director of Prehistoric Antiqui-ties for Midi-Pyrénées, General Inspector for Archaeology at the Ministry of Culture, and then Scientific Advisor for prehistoric rock art. He has published or edited 24 books and more than 400 papers. Five of his books, along with numerous papers are published in English including: The Cave Beneath the Sea (Harry Abrams, 1996); The Shamans of Prehistory, with D. Lewis-Williams (Harry Abrams,1998); World Rock Art (Getty Foundation, 2002); Chauvet Cave: the art of earli-est times (ed.) (The University of Utah Press, 2003); and Cave Art (Phaidon, 2008). This is a rare opportunity to meet one of the world’s leading experts on rock art.

The other speaker during the Friday night Public Forum is Dr. Carolyn E. Boyd. Dr. Boyd is the Executive Director and co-founder of SHUMLA, an archeological research and educational nonprofit corporation formed to connect people of all ages with the land and their cultural heritage. She serves as an Adjunct Professor at Texas State University and as a Research Fellow at the Center for Arts and Symbolism of the Ancient Americas in San Marcos, Texas, and the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory in Austin.

Dr. Boyd received her doctorate in archeology from Texas A&M University based on her analysis of the 4,000 year-old rock art of the Lower Pecos River Region of southwest Texas and northern Mexico. Her background as an artist has provided her with a unique perspective to recognize these

Dr. Jean Clottes listens as Dr. Carolyn Boyd discusses the rock art panel in White Shaman Shelter.

2 ✦ Fall 2009

TEXAS ARCHEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

ETHICS • MembersofTASmustabidebyalltermsand

conditionsoftheTASbylawsandallFederalandStateantiquitieslawsorregulations.

• TASdoesnotcondonethepracticeofbuyingorsellingartifactsforcommercialpurposes.

• TASdoesnotcondonethedisregardofproperarcheologicalfieldtechniquesorthewillfuldestructionordistortionofarcheologicaldata.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE GrantHall,President JoeD.Rogers,President Elect LaurieMoseley,Immediate Past-President PaulaVastine-Norman,Secretary MarybethTomka,Treasurer TimothyK.Perttula,Publications Editor JonelleMiller-Chapman,Newsletter Editor

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: PamWheat-StranahanADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR: LauraBeavers

Sendallmembershipinquiries,changesofaddressandotherbusinesstotheTASBusinessOffice:

TexasArcheologicalSociety CenterforArchaeologicalResearch OneUTSACircle SanAntonio,Texas78249-0658 (210)458-4393 FAX(210)458-4870(callfirst) tasinquiries@txarch.org http://www.txarch.org

OfficehoursareTuesdayandThursdayfrom 9A.M.to2P.M.Duringotherhourspleaseleavea messageontheansweringmachine.

TEXAS ARCHEOLOGYQuarterlyNewsletteroftheTexasArcheologicalSocietyEditor: JonelleMiller-Chapman 11201PickfairDr. Austin,TX78750-2525 (512)257-0618 millerjo@austin.rr.com

Opinions,unlessotherwisestated,arethoseoftheeditorandcontributorsanddonotnecessarilyreflectthepoliciesoftheSociety.

COPYRIGHT©2009byTexasArcheologicalSocietyAllrightsreserved.ISSN0082-2949

Printed at Morgan Printing in Austin, Texas

InsideTAS Officer Nominations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

TAS Silent Auction & Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Bienvenidos a México . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Careers in Archeology Social. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Recent Investigations at a Late Prehistoric

Bison Hunting Encampment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Teacher Workshops at Field School . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Golden Opportunity Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Center for Big Bend Studies Conference. . . . . . . . . 12

Texas Archeology Academies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

20th Annual Texas Archeology Celebration . . . . . . 13

Texas Archeology Academy Registration . . . . . . . . 14

New Texas Beyond History Exhibits . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Ralph D. Vinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Elmer Kelton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Art & Archeology Exhibit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

TAS Membership Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Comanche Artifact Donation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Newsletter DeadlinesWinter, December 1

CalendarOctober 23-25—TAS Annual Meeting, Del RioJanuary 16—STAA Quarterly MeetingMarch 17-20—52nd Annual Caddo Conference, TylerMarch 26-29—ARARA Annual Conference, Del RioApril 14-18—SAA Annual Meeting, St. Louis

All members are welcome to attend TAS Board Meetings

Ellen Sue Turner and Thomas R. Hester give permission to the Texas Archeological Society to use a reproduced image of the Marshall point, p. 150, in A Field Guide to Stone Artifacts of Texas Indians, 2nd ed., as part of the TAS logo. Illustration by Kathy Roemer.

Texas archeology ✦ 3

Annual Meeting

Continued from page 1

paintings as planned compositions, not random accumulations of images over time. Her expanded dissertation, Rock Art of the Lower Pecos, was published in 2003 and is considered an important contribution on rock art interpretation.

Dr. Boyd teaches Field Methods in Rock Art, a three-week field school offered each May through Texas State University, gives numerous lectures around the country, serves on several graduate committees, and continues her rock art research in the Lower Pecos. You don’t want to miss the dis-cussion of her ongoing research in the region.

Following the Public Forum the annual artifact identifica-tion session will give folks the opportunity to have items they bring with them identified.

There’s more. A number of excellent symposia have been submitted for the program, and abstracts for fascinating indi-vidual papers and poster presentations have been received as well. In fact, so many papers have been submitted that there will be two concurrent sessions Friday afternoon from 2:00 until 5:20 p.m.

If all that isn’t enough, special items for the silent auc-tion and for a special door prize, have been made/donated by the generous citizens and businesses of Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña, Mexico. Both fascinating cities look forward to the TAS visiting the area to discover their unique cultures. There are interesting shops in both cities for your shopping pleasure. Remember, if there’s any chance you will cross into Mexico, BRING YOUR PASSPORT!! You will not be allowed to return to the United States without one. In addi-tion to border crossings, there are Border Patrol checkpoints on all roads leading out of Del Rio. Every car leaving Del Rio must eventually go through one of these posts. Please be courteous, these folks and the drug-sniffing dogs working with them are performing their jobs professionally, and help-ing keep our border safe.

While in the region, try to make time to take a self-guided tour of historic Del Rio or visit some of many local attractions such as the Whitehead Museum, Val Verde win-ery, Lake Amistad and Dam, Fate Bell Shelter in Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site, the Fort Clark Guard-house Museum in Brackettville (http://www.fortclark.com/fortclarksprings/index.htm) and the Judge Roy Bean Visitors Center in Langtry.

SHUMLA is hosting this meeting as an opportunity for the Society to encourage new membership in a region that has spectacular archeological sites but few TAS members! Take advantage of the occasion and, and if you are in good physical condition, visit Panther Cave, Satan Canyon, or White Shaman Shelter on one of the scheduled tours. The size

of each group is limited, so register early and reserve your space. When you check in at the registration desk you must sign release forms. Be prepared to leave Del Rio at least one hour before the stated tour time. This is the case whether you are traveling to either White Shaman Shelter or Panther Cave, or are part of the groups led to the departure site for the Big Satan Canyon tours.

Information about the tours with pictures of the climbs involved, are on the TAS Web site (http://www.txarch.org/Activities/AnnualMeeting/am2009/tours.php).

Here is the preliminary schedule for the meeting.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Registration: 12:00–7:00 p.m.; Ramada Inn Lobby

Tours: sign required release forms at registration desk; depart Del Rio at least one hour before scheduled tour time1:00 p.m. Panther Cave

2:00 p.m. Satan Canyon

3:00 p.m. Panther Cave

Friday, October 23, 2009

Registration: 12:00–7:00 p.m.; Ramada Inn Lobby

Book Sales & Exhibits room set-up: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Civic Center—Kennedy Room

Silent Auction room set-up: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Civic Center—Chamber Boardroom

Council of Texas Archeologists (CTA): 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Civic Center—Cottonwood Room

Texas Historical Commission’s Archeological Stewards: 1:00–2:00 p.m.; Civic Center—Red Oak Ballroom

TAS Executive Committee: 3:00–3:30 p.m.; Civic Center—Red Oak Ballroom

TAS Board Meeting: 3:30–4:30 p.m.; Civic Center—Red Oak Ballroom

Concurrent Sessions: 2:00–5:20 p.m.; Civic Center—Cottonwood and Mesquite Rooms

Public Forum: 7:00–8:45 p.m.; Civic Center—Red Oak Ballroom

Artifact Identification: 9:00–10:30 p.m.; Civic Center—Red Oak Lobby

CTA-sponsored Social: 9:00–11:00 p.m.; Civic Center—Red Oak Lobby

Continued on page 4

4 ✦ Fall 2009

TAS Officer NominationsThe TAS 2009 Nomination Committee wishes to submit the following names for consideration:

President-Elect Britt BousmanSecretary Paula Vastine-NormanTreasurer Marybeth TomkaPublications Editor Timothy K. PerttulaNominating Committee Chair Nick Morgan

Region II Director “Pinky” RobertsonRegion V Director Don KeyesRegion VII Director Trudy Williams

I want to thank the Committee, Dr. Stephen Black and Ms. Kerza Prewitt for their hard work.

Yours truly,Gladys Swanson, Nomination Committee Chairperson

Annual Meeting

Continued from page 3

Saturday, October 24, 2009Registration: 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; Civic Center—Red Oak

Lobby

Concurrent Sessions: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Civic Center—Cottonwood Room, Mesquite Room, Red Oak Ballroom

Luncheon/Business Meeting: 12:00–1:30 p.m.; Civic Center—Red Oak Ballroom

Book Sales and Exhibits: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Civic Center—Kennedy Room

Silent Auction: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Civic Center—Chamber Boardroom

Cash-bar Social and Banquet: 6:00–10:00 p.m.; Civic Center—Red Oak Ballroom

Sunday, October 25, 2009

TAS Executive Committee: 7:30–8:30 a.m.; Civic Center—Chamber Boardroom

TAS Board Meeting: 8:30–9:45 a.m.; Civic Center—Chamber Boardroom

Tours: sign required release forms at registration desk; depart Del Rio at least one hour before scheduled tour time

8:30 a.m. Panther Cave 9:00 a.m. Satan Canyon 9:00 a.m. White Shaman Shelter 10:30 a.m. Panther Cave 12:00 p.m. White Shaman Shelter

As indicated in the schedule above, there will be two events held by the Council of Texas Archeologists (CTA). Friday morning the CTA will hold its fall meeting from 9:00 a.m. until noon; and Friday evening, following the Public Forum, it will host the annual Careers in Archeology social beginning at 9:00 p.m. As always, the social will have snacks and a cash bar.

In addition, there will be a meeting of the Texas His-torical Commission’s Archeological Stewards from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

Everyone involved with planning this meeting is looking forward to your visit to Del Rio. See you there!!!

Special Notice!Response to the Call for Papers has been al-

most overwhelming! In order to accommodate the 74 abstracts submitted, papers will begin right after lunch Friday with two concurrent sessions. Three concurrent sessions will be held from 8:00 a.m. through 5:20 p.m. Saturday. Come early, stay late, and let us all have a great time in Del Rio!

Thank you from the Program Committee:Elton Prewitt, ChairJoe LabadieStephanie Mueller

Texas archeology ✦ 5

2009 TAS Silent Auction and Grand Door Prize

As you pack your bags for the Annual Meeting in October, don’t forget to include a generous supply of acquisitive urge.

The Silent Auction and chances to score a very unique door prize are already on the books for the 2009 Annual Meet-ing in Del Rio, and they are guaranteed to tempt even the most complacent, casual shopper. Many Del Rio merchants and art-ists have already pledged or surrendered gift items as evidence of community support for the first-ever such event here.

Award-winning Del Rio quilter Sara Castle has crafted a quilt entitled “Rock Art” as her contribution. Event organizers have chosen to offer chances to win this richly-colored fabric art as a premier door prize. Castle’s theme is manifest in pat-terns of vibrant colors depicting rock strata, ancient cave paint-ings, fossils and contemporary Native American patterns.

Of the Silent Auction donations thus far, here are a few examples:

• Whitehead Memorial Museum Director Lee Lincolndonated a 4'x6' Val Verde County-themed wool throw, one of the most popular items from the museum store.

• DelRioCityEngineerandmasterflint-knapperBobPark-er will present a finely-crafted replica point or blade.

• HildaAguirre,owner/managerofAlwaysSimplyBeau-tiful donated a children’s pyramid pillow with a festive appliquéd lion.

• TheEmporiuminhistoricdowntownpresentsagiftbas-ket of Texas condiments, preserves and coffees. Owner/managers Betty and Jim Sanders have our thanks.

• DelRioCityCouncilwomanLisaCadenaCraig,owner/manager of Milagros Del Rio, also in downtown, has of-fered up a very fine, brilliantly-colored Talavera plate.

• AwatercolorpaintinghasbeendonatedbyDelRioartistPam Bunch, winner of numerous juried shows throughout Texas.

• DelRiointernalmedicinephysicianEmileG.“Doc”Ab-bott has donated one of his fine art photo prints of rock art features in the Lower Pecos region.

• ThroughAmistadNationalRecreationAreaSuperinten-dent Alan Cox, Big Bend Natural History Association is slated to donate a regional educational gift from the park’s visitor center book store.

• RobertsJewelersowner/managerJeannieRoedonatedasilverflaskcoveredwithfinesuedeleather.

• TexasA&MUniversityProfessorEmeritusHarrySha-fer sent 15 titles of books pertaining to archeology and anthropology.

These are a smattering of what Silent Auction shoppers will find. We ask that everyone remember the proceeds all go to help TAS continue its quest to support archeology and public awareness of its rich heritage in Texas.

We look forward to auction items brought to the meeting by TAS members and friends, and would like to have as much advance knowledge of such items as possible. Information may be provided to TAS Silent Auction Coordinator Kim Canseco via e-mail, kcanseco@stx.rr.com.

Lisa Cadena Craig, owner/manager of Milagros Del Rio, 756 S. Main St., in downtown Del Rio shows off the Talavera plate donated to TAS from her extensive collection of fine Mexican pottery, furnishings and décor. (Photo/Bill Sontag)

From her quilting studio on the bluffs high above Lake Amistad, quilting artist Sara Castle checks the progress on her donation to TAS, entitled “Rock Art.” The 5'x5' throw will be offered as a door prize to a lucky purchaser of a chance ticket. (Photo/Bill Sontag)

6 ✦ Fall 2009

¡Bienvenidos a México!Kim Canseco

TAS Local Arrangements Committee Volunteer

While in Del Rio for the TAS Annual Meeting consider a trip across the border to Ciudad Acuña. Enjoy the quaint shops and restaurants along Hidalgo and Madero Streets. Walk BenjaminCanalesPlazaandexperienceitsculturalflavorandhistorical importance. The curio shops, restaurants, pharma-cies and liquor stores are always favorite stops for visitors.

Our friends and merchants in Acuña welcome you and are “a sus ordenes” (at your service). Dollars and credit cards are accepted. The same amount of caution should be used as when you travel to any new city or country. There are two, easy-to-satisfy absolutes about going to Mexico.

1. Have your U.S. Passport or Passcard with you as you will need to show this as you return through U.S. Customs.

2. Do NOT carry any weapons or ammunition across the bridge.

You can feel comfortable strolling within the shopping district (the streets mentioned above and their connecting cross streets) near the international bridge and returning to Del Rio at a reasonable hour. You may take a taxi to Acuña from your hotel, or you may drive your vehicle and park in the parking lots on or near Hidalgo Street. You may also park in a lot near the bridge on the U.S. side, and hike across. The shopping and dining district is within easy reach (two blocks) after crossing the bridge. If you drive, check to make sure your car insurance covers you in Mexico.

The famed and historic Hotel Crosby dining room is immediately adjacent to the equally colorful and far more rustic Crosby’s Bar. Acuña restaurants feature affordable, delicious food as well as many varieties of top Mexican and American beers and margaritas. (Photo/Bill Sontag)

The bridge toll going into Mexico is $2.50, and to return to the U.S. the toll is just under $2.00 (this varies with the peso/dollar exchange rate—which is now approximately 13 pesos to 1 U.S. dollar). Remember, U.S. citizens must have a passport or passcard to return to the U.S. through the Port-of-Entry.

¡Buen viaje!

Patio furniture, terra cotta pots and planters, a colorful fountains along the path to El Patio gift shop show off the craftsmanship of owner/rancher/civic leader Roberto Garza Crosby. (Photo/Bill Sontag)

A friendly sales assistant prepares new merchandise for display at La Galleria on Hidalgo Street in Acuña. Owner/manager Diana Ramon is known for her civic leadership and interests in education in Acuña and Del Rio. (Photo/Bill Sontag)

Texas archeology ✦ 7

Don’t Miss the 5th Annual CTA-TAS“Careers in Archeology” Social!

Please join us on Friday, October 23, 2009, from 9:00-10:30pm(after the Public Forum) at the TAS Annual Meeting, Civic Center, Del Rio, Texas.

The Council of Texas Archeologists (CTA) and the Texas Archeological Society (TAS) (organized by the Membership Committee) have joined forces to provide the students, TAS members, CTA members, and the general public opportunities to meet with professional archeologists and learn about potential archeology careers and to check out what’s happening in Texas archeology and cultural resource management (CRM) around the state.

Cash bar and free hors d’oeuvres included!!!(generously provided by the CTA)

If you have any questions or would like to sign up to participate in the Social, please contact Tiffany Osburn (512) 463-8883 tiffany.osburn@thc.state.tx.us

Rock Art Recording Date Announced

The TAS Rock Art Task Force has scheduled an upcoming recording session near Big Bend National Park. The site is on private land. Recording rock art will be done in a large pictograph-filled area with many over-painted icons. This promises to be an interesting site to record and it has several cultures represented in the pictographs.

If you’re thinking of attending or if you want more infor-mation, please contact Teddy Lou Stickney. Her land phone is 432-682-9384, cell phone is 432-559-2380 or email her at stick711@sbcglobal.net She plans to arrive in Study Butte on December 27th with work beginning the following day and continuing through January 2nd. The registration fee is $50; watch the TAS web site for further details.

✦  ✦  ✦

The East Texas Archeological Society held its first meeting of the 2009-2010 year on Thursday, September 17 at 7:00PM in the Ferguson Building on the SFASU campus. They were honored to have Jeff Girard, Northwest Louisi-ana Regional Archeologist from Natchitoches, speak on the subject of Caddo archeology. TAS is excited about the ETAS reorganization and their move forward in support of Texas ar-cheology. The group has a year of meeting dates and locations

already planned with some speakers already scheduled. Check the TAS website for more information, or contact Region 4 Director Barbara Chadwick at jvalleytex@yahoo.com.

A 2008 evening Sing-Along with Ralph surrounded by fellow troubadours Nick Morgan, Steve Hayes,

Robin Matthews and Wesley Jarvis.

8 ✦ Fall 2009

Recent Investigations at a Late Prehistoric Bison Hunting Encampment in the Canadian River Valley of Texas

Scott D. Brosowske, Courson Archaeological Research

As the cool mornings of fall have already arrived here in the panhandle, we are still attempting to complete many of the field related tasks begun in June during the 2009 Texas Archeological Society (TAS) field school. Unfortunately, we have not been able to tackle any of the unfinished excavations that still remain at Chill Hill, Evan’s Supply Depot, Archie King I and II, and Cross L. Since the field school our entire staff has kept busy processing the nearly 4200 liters of soil collected for flotation, and more recently, finishing up thewashing, sorting, and cataloging of artifacts from Cross L and Chill Hill. Currently, we have not yet been able to assemble summaries regarding the work completed at the numerous sites investigated at the field school this past summer. How-ever, we have just completed the washing and cataloging all of the materials recovered from Cross L. As such, this site is currently the best understood of all of the sites investigated during the 2009 field season. The following brief article will concentrate on the results of excavation and initial analysis of cultural materials recovered from Cross L, a Late Prehistoric period bison hunting encampment. Later, as additional work is completed, additional summaries will be provided for the other sites investigated during the 2009 TAS Field School.

As noted in previous articles, the Cross L (41RB140) site is a Late Prehistoric period bison hunting encampment. This site is situated atop and down the east slope of a low dividing ridge separating two unnamed tributaries to Patch Creek. The latter joins the Canadian River approximately 15 km south of the site. Cross L is about 160 meters long by 75 meters wide. Cultural materials are scattered across the entire site, but are most densely concentrated along the east slope where rodent activity has exposed midden materials below a 20 cm cap of aeolian material (see Figure 1).

Field investigations were first conducted at this site with a testing program during the 2008 TAS Field School. The re-sults of testing provided a great deal of information regarding the horizontal and vertical distribution of cultural materials at the site. Using this information, a two-by-ten meter excavation block was laid out prior to the 2009 field season on the east facing slope of the site that contained the thickest and best preserved midden deposits.

A few days after the field school began it became readily apparent that we would not be able to completely excavate the shallow, yet dense midden deposits contained in this block. As such, Susan Vehik and Art Tawater, the co-principal

investigators at this site, elected to reduce the excavation block to a one-by-ten meter unit beginning at level 3. Even with this reduction in block size we were still unable to reach sterile deposits in most areas by the end of the field school (i.e., Level 5). Combined, a total of approximately 5.25 m3 of matrix has been excavated in 2008 and 2009.

By limiting excavations to the midden deposits contained on the eastern slope of the site we did not anticipate encoun-tering any residential structures. This prediction was borne out by the excavations completed this summer. In fact, other than the abundant trash debris that was encountered, no hearths, roasting pits, storage facilities, or any other cultural features were documented. Faunal remains were by far the most com-mon artifact class recovered. A total of 23.7 kg or 52.2 lbs of bone have been recovered during the 2008 and 2009 field

Figure 1. Looking North at Cross L Excavation Block.

Texas archeology ✦ 9

seasons. Other items recovered included burned caliche, fire cracked boiling stones, chipped stone tools and debitage, and a few ceramic sherds. No bone tools, ornaments, or items of marine shell were recovered.

Once the faunal analysis is completed for Cross L a great deal of information regarding the hunting and processing strategies incorporated by the occupants of the site will be gleaned. Nonetheless, several basic trends can be discerned at this time. First, as the distance between bison kill and camp sites increases, bulkier portions of animals with lower meat, marrow, or grease utility, such as skulls, pelves, and vertebral columns, are less likely to have been transported back to camps. These elements, along with all other por-tions of the animal, are well represented at Cross L. This suggests that in at least some instances bison were killed in close proximity to the site and were transported back to the site for further processing. Second, it is apparent that two different types of processing strategies were incorporated by the occupants of Cross L. In some cases, the extent of processing was limited to the removal of marrow from long bone elements. In other cases, bone elements were further reduced into small fragments and boiled for the removal of bone grease. The frequent occurrence of fractured quartzite boiling stones from excavated contexts is also indicative of bone grease production at the site. Until the numerous mandibles from the site are aged to determine seasonality for the site, it is not clear whether the variability in processing observed is related to occupation during different times of the year or some other factor.

Interestingly, bison scapulae and tibiae are present, and like all of the other elements, were also processed for mar-row and bone grease. These two elements are commonly used by horticultural societies for the production of farming implements, namely hoes and digging sticks. As such, these elements are typically culled during processing and trans-ported back to permanent villages for tool production. That the scapulae and tibiae were not culled at Cross L, but were processed like all of the other elements suggests that the oc-

cupants of this site did not have a horticultural component in their economy.

That bison hunting and processing were the primary activi-ties conducted at Cross L is also well supported by the chipped stone assemblage. A total of 65 complete or partial arrowpoints were recovered during testing and block excavation (Figure 2). Of these, 44 were complete enough to identify (Table 1). Projectile points appear to occur in higher frequencies in the uppermost levels. This is a result of the fact that the excavation block for the first two levels consisted of a two-by-ten meter unit. Later, beginning at level 3, the block was reduced to a one-by-ten meter unit. In other words, the size of the block was reduced by one-half. Also, the limited numbers of projectiles recovered from levels 4 and 5 occurs because few units were excavated below level 3 before the field school ended.

As we saw during our testing in 2008, Late Archaic and Early Ceramic projectile points were again recovered during

Figure 2. Arrowpoints Recovered from Cross L in 2009.

Table 1. Identifiable Arrowpoint Types Recovered from Cross L in 2008 and 2009.

LevelCornerNotchedDartPoints

CornerNotchedArrowpoints Washita Harrell Fresno Totals

1 2a(14.3%) 1(7.1%) 5(35.7%) 0(0%) 6(42.9%) 14

2 0(0%) 4(23.5%) 5(29.4%) 1(5.9%) 7(41.2%) 17

3 1(12.5%) 0(0%) 4(50.0%) 0(0%) 3(37.5%) 8

4 0(0%) 2(66.7%) 1(33.3%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3

5b 0(0%) 0(0%) 2(100.0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 2

Total 3(6.8%) 7(15.9%) 17(38.6%) 1(2.3%) 16(36.4%) 44a One specimen represents a dart point reworked into a drill

Continued on page 10

10 ✦ Fall 2009

excavations in 2009. Altogether, these included seven corner notched arrowpoints and three reworked corner notched dart points recovered during testing and block excavation. Seven or 70% of these projectile points were recovered from levels 1 and 2 and were intermixed with five Washita, one Harrell, and six Fresno points. As was suggested in an earlier news-letter article, given the vertical distribution of the Washita, Fresno, and Harrell arrowpoints, types that are typical of the Middle and Late Ceramic periods and are most numerous (i.e., 77% of the arrowpoint assemblage), it is believed that theearlierpointstylespresentreflectitemsscavengedfroma nearby Late Archaic and Early Ceramic period site called C-C (Figure 3).

Evidence for hide processing is also well represented at the site with the recovery of at least 15 exhausted or broken distal endscrapers (Figure 4). Other types of chipped stone tools are rare, but include two drills and two partial Harahey knives. Given that butchering was a major activity conducted at the site it might seem unusual that so few knives were re-covered. However, since Harahey knives were resharpened in a manner to extend their use-lives (i.e., by alternate beveling), it is probable that these tools were heavily curated and only discarded when broken or exhausted. Indeed, evidence for extensive tool rejuvenation is well represented at the site by

Recent Investigations

Continued from page 9

severalthousandresharpeningflakesrecoveredduringwaterscreening through 3 mm mesh.

Although a detailed lithic analysis remains to be com-pleted for Cross L, chipped stone raw materials are clearly dominated by Alibates silicified dolomite (+/- 80%). Cortex present on specimens indicates acquisition from both bed-rock and locally available secondary gravel sources. Other raw materials recovered are locally available and include quartzites and cherts procured from the Ogallala formation. In contrast to the nearby Archie King Ruins, McGarraugh Ranch, Chill Hill, and Killer sites, obsidian artifacts are noticeably rare. Only two examples, a projectile point and aminisculeflake,havebeenrecoveredduringtwoyearsofexcavation.

Compared to other sites in the region that also contain Washita, Harrell, and Fresno arrowpoints, Cross L has very few ceramics. Combined, a total of 54 sherds were recovered in 2008 and 2009. The exteriors of sherds are characterized by unmodified or partially smoothed cordmarking. The tem-pering agents in sherds examined thus far have consisted of either sand or scoria or combination of both. Two rim sherds, both from the same vessel, were recovered and represent a large bowl or conical-shaped vessel. This vessel type is quite unusual for the region.

Figure 3. Looking East Across Tributary Stream from Cross L to the C-C Site.

Texas archeology ✦ 11

Figure 4. Distal Endscrapers Recovered from Cross L in 2009.

In closing, the Cross L site clearly represents a Late Prehistoric bison hunting encampment and processing locale. This interpretation is supported by a material assemblage that is dominated by processed bison bone, chipped stone tools associated with hunting and processing, and heat fractured boiling stones. The presence of Washita, Harrell, and Fresno arrowpoints, distal endscrapers, and beveled knives suggest that the site was occupied sometime during the Middle or Late Ceramic periods. However, until radiocarbon dates are obtained later this fall we will not be able to precisely deter-mine the age of the occupation at Cross L.

Overall, we were very pleased with the progress that was made at the site this summer. We would like to thank the dedi-cated crew that labored in the hot sun at Cross L (Figure 5). You guys did an excellent job carefully exposing and documenting a portion of the bison bone bed at this amazing site!

Figure 5. The 2009 Cross L Field Crew with the Canadian River Valley in the Distance.

Teacher Workshops Huge Success at Field School

The TAS Education Committee sponsored four workshops for teachers during the 2009 Field School. We tried something new this year and called it “First Friday Night.” This was designed to be a short workshop on the Friday night before FS actually starts and an opportunity for teachers to meet each other. Seventeen teachers were present as well as about twenty-five other TAS members. The main event was showing of the twenty-minute video “An Adventure in Time—The Gault Project.” Each teacher was given a copy of the DVD.

May Schmidt also did an introductory activity called “Thinking Outside the Box,” a way teachers can challenge students to identify both old and recent artifacts.

Dr.PaulSmithconductedaflintknappingworkshopandgave each teacher a knapping kit. It was a great hands-on experience and only five people needed bandages... Paul be-ing one of them!

Neal Stilley conducted a workshop on fire-making and showed several different tools including the Shumla notch (whichhediscovered),bowdrillwithflywheel,thumbleatherattachments to fire drill, and he had teachers on their hands

and knees trying to make fire.Robin Matthews conducted an activity that involved

teachers using compass coordinates and maps produced by 2008 Field School teachers, to locate hidden items. Robin also taught all the teachers how to use the atlatl and had a dart-throwing contest. The winner was teacher Carol Stoval who won a box of teaching supplies.

Neal Stilly demonstrating bow drill and flywheel

firemaking tool at teacher workshop. (Photo/Ann

Matthews)

12 ✦ Fall 2009

Golden Opportunity Girl

Temperance Aquistapace

In June of 2009 I attended the Texas Archeological Society field school that was held in Ochiltree County, Texas. I was fortunate to be able to attend this event on a Collegiate Scholarship, and the experience will be unforgettable.

During the Field school I learned many things about my chosen career, the enthusiasm of non- professionals, and the meaning of Panhandle storms. On the first day of the FS I met several people that were not only helpful but wanted to talk about past experiences as well as what was possible for the 2009 school.

My knowledge of archaeology had thus far been limited to pedestrian survey, lab work, and classroom instruction, and unfortunately I had not worked with lithics or ceramics. I dis-covered after the orientation meeting that I know some of the lithics.ThenIstoppedtowatchaflint-knappingseminargoingon and I feel that I have a much better grasp of what I see on the ground when I am surveying. I was also able to observe and handlemanydifferentflakes,points,knives,andtomyamaze-ment a dart point. It was nice to be able to talk with the PI’s and get some of my questions answered. I also had a chance to look at some of the ceramics first hand and to get the thrill of findingthesebitsofthepastinmyfloatationtubs.Tomeitwasalmost as exciting as finding bits of bone. Before the FS I was mostly working with animal bone, identifying and inventorying the collection currently stored at Wichita State University. This gave me a limited amount of knowledge concerning many other aspects of archaeology that I will need in the future.

I attended several of the events held at field school this year. One was a presentation by Dr. David Hughes, and while I am his student, there were many things he spoke about that I was not privy to. It was a wonderful overview of the work done by TAS and a great way to say thank you to Mr. And Mrs. Courson for their generosity.

I met many people from a vast diversity of backgrounds, which included graduate and undergraduate students, PhDs and pre college teachers as well as many non-professionals from a great many professions. It was during this time that a couple of the middle school teachers that I met determined that I would makeawonderfulteacher,andwhileIwasworkingthefloata-tion tanks we had a great many student visitors. It was during these moments that I have decided I may go that route and teach younger kids then possibly move up to the college level.

I know I have gone on about the people but I don’t think I have ever met so many people of not only like minds but were also willing to share their knowledge. I was very fortunate to have attended this field school and to have met

Scholarship recipient Temperance Aquistapace worked enthusiastically at the flotation station all week.

so many phenomenal people. I will come again next year; without a doubt this has been the best experience that I have had in many years!

Center for Big Bend Studies 16th Annual Conference

November 13–14, 2009Sul Ross State University

Alpine, TexasUniversity Center

• Over30presentationson thehistory,archaeology,and culture of the Big Bend and northern Mexico

• FridaynightbanquetwithdynamicspeakerDr.JohnHart from the University of Houston on “The Quest for Silver in the Sierra Madre”

• ComplimentaryConferenceSocialforregistrants

• Vendorsofbooks,apparel,andmore

• Formoreinformationortoregister,call432/837-8179 or visit www.sulross.edu/cbbs/.

Texas archeology ✦ 13

Texas Archaeology Academies 2010

Lynn Yakubik, Chair, Academy Committee

Looking for a way to expand your knowledge of archae-ology? Have an interest in stone tools or pottery? Did our Archaeology 101 academy leave you hungry for more? Look no further—here are the offerings for 2010!

We begin with our popular Ceramics: The Stories Found in Pottery Academy, held in San Marcos at the Texas State University campus on February 6-7, 2010. Led by Dr. Harry Shafer, with a demonstration by Chuck Hixson, this academy will show you the importance of ceramics in terms of chro-nology, dating, technology, trade and exchange, subsistence, social and political identities. Hands on exercises will enable students to recognize and sort sherds to answer questions about ancient lifeways.

Lithics is back! After a year off, we will hold a Lithics: Reading Stone Artifacts Academy in Kerrville on February 20-21, 2010. Exercises include hands on experience recogniz-ing and analyzing stone artifacts, along with distinguishing wear patterns and functional uses. Participants will learn why stone artifacts are important, how they are produced and used, and how stone tools contribute to the archeological record. The academy will be taught by Dr. Harry Shafer with assis-tancefromflintknapperCaryVoss,whowillexplainhowthearchaeological record is formed as he demonstrates stone tool manufacture techniques.

Our newest academy this year is called Geoarchaeology: Recognizing and Evaluating the Archaeological Potential of the Landscape. Get ready to trek over some rough terrain on archaeologically rich Ft. Hood with Charles Frederick and KarlKiblerastheyteachyouhowlandscapesettingsinfluence

site context, visibility and preservation. Hands on exercises will offer participants the opportunity to see what can be learned from the geography of Texas. This academy will be held in March; as of the newsletter deadline, no firm date has been established. As much as being chased around by troops on maneuvers would lend an “Indiana Jones”-like appeal, we at TAS prefer to wait until the Army sets the Training Holiday dates for 2010 to schedule. Look on the website or find an Academy Committee member at the Annual Meeting to find out the dates!

All workshops are intended for anyone interested in archeological topics. Avocational archeologists experience new dimensions of expertise; professional archeologists benefit from review; undergraduates, graduate students and educators may receive credit for the classes. The goal of Texas Archeology Academies is to show how archeology is done and why we do it.

Fees are $100 for members and $160 for non-members (includes membership fee). Student membership fees are also available. Fees include a CD manual, lunch and snacks during the class sessions. TAS is a provider of professional develop-ment accredited through SBEC. Credits may be received by teachers attending classes.

Register online or by mail (over). See www.txarch.org , Texas Archeology Academy or call 1-800-377-7240 for more information.

To learn more about Student Scholarships and Scholar-ships awarded by the Diversity Committee, see http://www.txarch.org/scholarships/index.html

Texas Historical Commission Launches 20th Annual Texas Archeology Celebration

In October, communities in virtually every corner of the state will participate in one of the biggest state celebra-tions of archeology in the country—Texas Archeology Month (TAM).

Sponsored by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) since 1989 as part of its mission to preserve the state’s archeological resources and increase the appreciation of scientific archeology, TAM draws thousands of Texans each year to a wide range of educational and fun-filled events.

To help groups who are organizing TAM events, the THC’s Archeology Division provides free materials that

include the TAM Calendar of Events (printed and online versions), the TAM poster, a 40-page manual called “How to Plan and Manage an Archeology Fair,” and brochures on a variety of archeological topics. To order materials, contact Donna McCarver at 512.463.6090 or donna.mc-carver@thc.state.tx.us.

TAM event coordinators who would like to post their event descriptions on this year’s online calendar may send information to the THC through October 26. To post information, contact TAM Coordinator María de la Luz Martínez at 512.463.9505 or marialuzm@thc.state.tx.us.

14 ✦ Fall 2009

REGISTRATION TEXAS ARCHEOLOGY ACADEMY 2010 REGISTRATION More information and online registration is available at www.txarch.org

Name _____________________________________________________________

Address ________________________City_______________State_____Zip______

Phone: Home _______________________ Business______________________

Email for confirmation _________________________________________________

CIRCLE THE ACADEMY SESSION THAT YOU WISH TO ATTEND

Location Topic Dates Registration Deadline

San Marcos Ceramics Feb. 6,7 Jan 25

Kerrville Lithics Feb 20, 21 Feb 6

Ft. Hood/Killeen Geoarchaeology March ? TBA Mar 1

Academy hours are Sat 9-5 and Sunday 9-3.

FEES TAS member 2010 $100 Non-member 2010 (includes individual membership ) $160 Student to age 25 non member (includes membership) $140

total fee enclosed ______ Cancellations after the deadline are non-refundable. TAS will fill cancellation vacancies from a waiting list.

CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION FORM (please print) Name as it appears on Credit Card, please print __________________________________________ Ph. No.______________

Billing address_____________________City______________State____Zip_________

VISA____ MC ____ Card #___________________________ Exp. Date______

Authorized signature_______________________________________________ CHECKS Payable to Texas Archeological Society – academy

MAIL registration form & payment to: Texas Archeology Academy – Beth Stenstrom,

31410 Wild Oak Hill, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX 78015

ONLINE registration and more information at www.txarch.org

Questions: call 1-800-377-7240

Texas archeology ✦ 15

New Exhibits on TBH Highlight Discoveries on Edwards Plateau, Grand Prairie

By Susan Dial

Recently reported investigations in Edwards County and McLennan County by two Austin cultural resource manage-ment firms have resulted in new public education outreach exhibits on Texas Beyond History: the Varga Site, excavated by TRC Environmental Corporation, and Waco Lake sites, excavated by Prewitt and Associates, Inc. Sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation and the U.S. Corps of Engineers, respectively, these exhibits exemplify the ben-efits of collaboration and online publication to make new research accessible to both the archeological community and the general public. In addition to featuring significant findings from the projects, each exhibit is distinctive in tackling a key question frequently asked of archeologists: “How do you know that?” and “What was it like to live in prehistoric times?”

The Varga Site: What We Can Learn from Technical Analyses of Archeological Remains

www.texasbeyondhistory.net/varga

This five-section exhibit highlights findings from a small stream-side campsite in Edwards County near the edge of the Balcones Escarpment. Over a roughly 6,000-year period, hunting and gathering peoples periodically returned to this seemingly inhospitable environment to acquire a variety of resources for their food, shelter and tools. Traces of their campswerepreservedinflooddepositsovertime,andtheseremainswereuncoveredbyarcheologistsafteramodernflooddestroyed the highway crossing over the creek.

In an illustrated interactive section, the exhibit zeroes in on the “hows” and “whys” of different technical analyses that were conducted on samples from the Varga site and the information that can be gleaned. Covered are analyses of macrobotanical remains, fatty acids, phytoliths, pollen, as well as petrographic analysis of pottery, raw clays and soils, neutron activation analysis of pottery and stone, use-wear analysis of stone tools, and radiocarbon dating of organic remains. A considerable amount of detail about the methods used in these studies is included in order to show that it is not a simple process to extract meaningful information from the bits and pieces recovered from archeological sites. This is an attempt to answer the frequently asked question, How do you know that?

The exhibit was written by Mike Quigg and Paul Matchen of TRC Environmental Corporation of Austin. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) sponsored the ar-cheological investigations as well as this exhibit, as a public education outreach component of that work.

Before Waco Lake: Prehistoric Life Along the Bosque River

www.texasbeyondhistory.net/waco

Archeologists from Prewitt and Associates, Inc., conduct-ed investigations at the Britton, McMillan, and Higginbotham sites in McLennan County as was warranted by a proposed plan to raise the conservation pool of Waco Lake (or Lake Waco, as it is also known). Prehistoric Life along the Bosque River tells the story of how hunting and gathering peoples during the Late Archaic period met the daily challenges of life through the use of several key resources found throughout their environment. To reconstruct the past and tell this story, a variety of models and theoretical approaches were used by researchers to help link excavated remains with human behavior. Examples of these research approaches and how they were painstakingly applied to evidence from the Waco Lake sites are included to give viewers an idea of how data are interpreted. The colorful interactive section, “What Was It Like?” is based on excavated remains of the campsites and provides viewers the opportunity to learn more detail about the five key resources used in Late Archaic times: fuelwood, freshwater mussels, deer, stone, and plants, particularly geo-phytes (plants that have edible underground parts, such as bulbs, roots, or tubers).

This exhibit is based on the 2008 report of the Waco Lake investigations by Gemma Mehalchick and Karl Kibler of Prewitt and Associates, Inc. The project was sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, and the TBH exhibit is a public education outreach component of that work. (See Credits and Sources sections of both exhibits for full credits.)

In addition to funds provided by the sponsoring agencies, donations from the Texas Archeological Society, the Council of Texas Archeologists, and the Southern Texas Archaeologi-cal Association, and contributions from their members, helped make these exhibits possible.

16 ✦ Fall 2009

Ralph D. Vinson

by Katherine Turner-Pearson

The Texas Archaeological Society lost one of its long time members, and the archaeological world lost one of its most dedicated volunteers, when Ralph D. Vinson passed away July 3, 2009 at the age of 87 at his home in Whitney, Texas.

A fixture at field schools and the Annual Meetings, Ralph was a member of the TAS for 39 years, driving through the back-roads of Texas in his distinctive truck with its custom-made camper top, to get to every event. Of course he did get lost a few times, but would laugh about it later. It seems there was never a location too far for him to travel if archaeology was involved. At the field school Ralph would always work hard all day at the site, and then have the energy to belt out a few tunes at the camp sing-a-long after dinner, fascinating us with the number of obscure songs he knew. He shared with the other campers a rich cultural history of folk and gospel songs that are all but lost to us today.

He was a very active member of the Central Texas Archaeological Society in Waco, attending the monthly meetings and field days at local archaeological sites. He was a wealth of information about the archaeology of the central Texas area. While not archaeology, Ralph’s tireless hours of work at the Waco Mammoth Site were honored just a couple of weeks before his death, when the president of Baylor University named him a Founding Member of the Mayborn Museum Complex, one of only eleven such honors ever bestowed. The museum is not sure exactly how many hours Ralph volunteered, as he never cared if he signed in each day and got credit, but they know it is over 14,000 hours, and he put in thousands of hours more working at the museum with the archaeological collections. The Mammoth Site will soon be a Federal Park, and many feel that it would not have been possible without Ralph’s unselfish giving of his time in order to get so much of the site excavated.

Ralph was father of four sons, five grandchildren, and three great-grandsons. He was a rather quiet man when he wasn’t singing, and many TAS members might not be aware that Ralph had a degree in Art and History, and was a football coach before retiring in 1973. But that path was interrupted by World War II, where Ralph served as a staff sergeant in the Army Air Corps 461st Bombardment Group.

In a major air fight during the war, Ralph’s plane was shot down, and he became a Ger-man POW in Stalag IV in Poland for seven months. One night at a TAS Field school he told some of us about that experience, and all who were lucky enough to hear his story listened in complete si-lence, and left for their tents that night with a big-ger appreciation for Ralph and his fellow soldiers. Ralph could still remember every detail of that day including every hole in his plane, the way the engines burned out, the crash landing, and his capture. Another soldier on the plane was killed. Ralph talked about being marched three times across Germany, about what it was like to be truly hungry, and what it is like to be truly cold.

Not all his recollections of the POW camp were so dramatic, and some of his stories were quite entertaining. One of the stories he told us at a TAS field school explained the tin cup he used at the margarita party every year. The cup was old and obviously made from an old tin can with the top cut off. It sported a handle carefully made of old wire that had seen many a hand holding it. According to Ralph, at his first meal at the stalag he was handed a can of beans and a spoon. After he ate the beans, he could not find a trash can so he tossed the can down on the ground. One of the other prisoners quickly picked it up and handed it back to him and said, “oh no, you don’t understand… that will be the only time you will get a can and spoon. This will be your bowl and spoon from now on.” He later found some old wire in the camp for the handle. When Ralph was rescued, he kept the can-cup and used it for happier times, like the margarita party with his friends.

Ralph laughed as he explained that while being held in a cage in solitary confinement, he found an old piece

Ralph Vinson at the 2006 TAS Field School.

(Photo/Sonny Wheeler

Continued on page 17

Texas archeology ✦ 17

Adios Elmer, and happy trails…

Regional novelist Elmer Kelton, 83, died in San Angelo on August 22, 2009. A cowboy’s son, Elmer was born in Andrews County and grew up on the McElroy Ranch in Upton and Crane counties. He was more comfortable in front of a typewriter or word processor and received a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas after serving in Europe during World War II.

Kelton married Anna Lipp of Austria in 1947, and then in 1949 began a 15-year career in agriculture journalism at the San Angelo Standard-Times. Next he became editor of the Sheep and Goat Raiser magazine in 1963 and associ-ate editor of Livestock Weekly in 1968, retiring in 1990. All the while he maintained another career as a freelance writer beginning with short stories, progressing to novels, non-fiction books, and countless magazine articles.

As a writer of western literature, Elmer wrote about people, not heroes. Being a genuine, unaffected, kind and gentle man who made you want to hunker down and listen to his stories, his voice, and his wisdom, Elmer went be-yond being just a respected livestock journalist. The West-ern Writers of America voted Kelton “Best Western Author of All Time” and gave him its Spur Award seven times. Four of his books won the Western Heritage Award from

the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. After writing more than 40 books, he recently finished his last book, “Texas Standoff,” due out next year. An-other novel, “Other Men’s Horses,” will be released November 1st.

Kelton is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann, three children, four grandchildren and their children. His last public appearance, “A Toast to Elmer Kelton,” was held in May at the Ft. Concho Commissary where he was given a small replica of a statue soon to be made in his honor. The statue depicts Elmer standing next to a split rail fence, wearing the ever-present cowboy hat. Those wishing to make a gift towards completion of this statue may send donations to the Tom Green County Library’s Elmer Kelton statue fund, the San Angelo Area Foundation at 2201 Sherwood Way, Suite 205, San Angelo, Texas.

Recent DeathsHester, Jim Tom, died on August 2, 2009 and Mattie Hester died on June 28th. These two fine folks were the parents of TAS former president, Fellow, and many times Field School P.I. Dr. Tom Hester of Utopia, Texas.

Kelton, Elmer, age 83, died August 22 in San Angelo.

Kohnitz, Harvey F. Jr., died July 17, 2009 at age 88. He was an outstanding avocational archeologist, TAS member, and founding member of STAA.

McPhail, James H. age 84 and a 39 year member of TAS died in Austin, Texas, on July 2, 2009.

Van Der Veer, Van, died March 15, 2009, in San Antonio. Van was a former TAS member and a founding member of STAA. His wife Shirley survives him.

Vinson, Ralph, age 87, died on July 2, 2009 at home in Whitney.

of wire and fashioned a long hook. When the guard left to make his rounds, he was able to use the hook to open the refrigerator, steal a soda, and drink it before the guard came back. The joy he still found in his trick was not the sweet tasty treat he got, but in his ability to pull a fast-one on his captors. He still found it funny.

In 1992 Ralph was given a series of medals and a citation from the Greek Government for his service helping Greece during WWII. According to the citation, Ralph belonged to the “Fellowship of Ancient and Greek Warriors,” and it thanked him for his bravery and service.

At the last TAS Field School Ralph attended, he sat down for an interview about his life for the TAS records. He ended his interview by saying that there was a time when people did not talk about the war, and their experi-ences. But that now, “[you] feel like you need to talk. You know people gotta know what it’s like. People don’t know what war’s like anymore.” Thanks to Ralph, some of us now have a much better understanding.

Elmer Kelton signing books in 2007.

18 ✦ Fall 2009

The Texas Archeological SocietyWelcomes the Following New Members

David AtkinsJudd Burton & Family

Rebecca & Michael ClarkBrandy Clark & Jimm WalkerJennifer & Kimberly Crowder

Jerry R. Elmore, Jr.Carlee EvansJohn Fioroni

The Gault School of Archaeological Research

Michele Goodson

Lori & Richard GougeJoshua Haefner

Dale Hanson & FamilyCynthia HughesCharles Koenig

Janis Lively & FamilyElizabeth Martindale

Mason MillerSteve & Carol Moore

Daniel RodriguezRosalie Rogers

A Memorial to the TAS Endowment Fund:Gerald and Sherry Hunphrey in memory

of Bob Burleson

The Following Memorials have been sent to the TAS Donors’ Fund:

Teddy Lou Stickney in memory of Van Van der Veer.

Harry J. Shafer in memory of Bob BurlesonThe Family of Dorothy Vinson Duncan in memory

of Ralph Vinson.

Ellen Sue Turner in memory of Jim Tom and Maddie Hester

Contributions to the TAS Donors’ Fund have been received from:

The Council of Texas ArcheologistsPaul McGuff

Contributions to the Scholarship Funds have been received from:

AnonymousCouncil of Texas Archeologists

PBS&JGeo-Marine

Jet HaysLlano Uplift Archeological Society

Walt and Isabel DavisWilliam Self, Inc.

“Art & Archaeology” Juried Art ExhibitionSan Antonio Visual Artists Gallery

River Center Mall, Downtown San Antonio

The San AntonioVisual Artists (SAVA) invite the general public to “Art & Archaeology,” a juried exhibition of artwork, including paintings, photography, sculptures, and more, by many local South Texas artists. The exhibition is one of the official Texas Archeology Month (TAM) state-wide events. The exhibition will be located at the SAVA Fine Arts Gallery in the River Center Mall, in downtown San Antonio. The opening reception will be Thursday, October 1, 2009, from 6:00–8:00 pm. The art exhibition will be open to visitors daily (Mon.-Sun.) from, 2:00–6:00pm, from October 2–31, 2009. The event and exhibition is free of charge and open to the general public. For further information visit the SAVA web-site: http://www.savisualartists.org; or contact Maureen “Mo”

Brown, curator of the SAVA “Art & Archaeology” Exhibition at Email: momo4design@yahoo.com.

Event Location:Sava Fine Arts Gallery, River Center Mall840 E. Commerce Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205Bexar County; Website: http://www.savisualartists.org

Event Dates: 10/1 – 10/31/2009Event Hours: Opening Reception 10-1 (6–8pm);Exhibition 10/2–10/31 daily (2–6:00pm)

Chelsea SimsLori Sloat

Richard SmajstriaSteve StoutamireMargeaux Talley

Karen TaylorDuke & Monica Weidmann

Roy WeissPatrick Wyatt

Texas archeology ✦ 19

Membership in TAS

I agree to abide by all terms and conditions of the TAS Bylaws and all Federal and State antiquities laws orregulations. Completion of this membership form and payment of dues indicates the member’s agreementwith the goals and mission of the Texas Archeological Society.

PLEASE PRINT: __ New membership __ Renew membership Year ______ TAS operates on a calendar year.

Name __________________________________________________________ E-mail____________________________

Address ________________________________________________________ Telephone _______________________

City _______________________________ State _______ Zip ____________ Texas County____________________

Please check membership level desired.

Individual: $60.00 Contributing: $100.00 BUSINESS LEVELS Family: $70.00 Supporting: $250.00 Plainview: $250 Student to age 25 $40.00 Patron: $500.00 Folsom: $500.00 Association/Society: $55.00 Institution: $100.00 Libraries, Universities & Clovis: $1000.00

Museums

Make checks payable to “TAS” or Texas Archeological Society DUES Enclosed $________________If you wish to renew by credit card, please visit our web site at www.txarch.org (out of USA add $20 postage)

snoitubirtnoC lanoitpO:ot liam esaelPTexas Archeological Society Donor’s Fund (for research & publication) $________________Center for Archaeological Research

dnuF tnemwodnEelcriC ASTU enO (for program support) $________________San Antonio, TX 78249-0658

Other Donation _________________________ $________________

TOTAL ENCLOSED $________________

Continued on back page

Oldest Comanche-Spanish Artifact Donated to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

Matthew S. Taylor, Jeff Indeck, and Lisa Jackson, Archeology Department, Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

In June 2009, the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (PPHM) accepted an artifact of special importance to the Comanche Nation and the history of the Southern Plains. A Spanish-Comanche shield, dating to the colonial era, was acquired due to a generous donation from Sia: the Comanche Nation Ethno-Ornithological Initiative and the Waite and Genevieve Phillips Foundation. This significant artifact will soon be placed on public exhibit at the PPHM. It is remark-able because of its age, excellent condition, and the fact that it documents the long cultural interaction between Spain and the Comanche Nation.

According to Bill Voelker, director of Sia, the shield was probably made in Spain between 1760 and 1780. A thistle image in the center of the shield was common in La Mancha during that period. The shield was made of six layers of goat hide, with each layer stitched to the one next to it. By the middle 17th century, shields such as this had fallen out of favor

Figure 1: Left to right, Julie Puckett, Virginia Phillips, Chope Phillips (representing the Waite and Genevieve Phillips Foundation), and Bill Voelker of Sia, the Comanche Ethno-Ornithological Initiative. Sia documents and preserves the cultural and spiritual relationship between American Indians and birds. The shield is at center; note the Comanche bison-hide cover.

Texas Beyond History ✦ www.texasbeyondhistory.net

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in Spain due to the increasing lethality of firearms. However, hide shields were still effective against the bows and arrows of Spain’s native adversaries in North America.

After transportation from Spain to North America, the shield passed into Comanche hands after battle with Spanish soldiers in Yellowhouse Canyon, near modern-day Lubbock, Texas. Its new owner fitted the shield with a bison-hide cover, in keeping with Comanche tradition. The cover was made from the hump section of a bull bison, decorated with feathers, and personalized with painted designs. Some of the paint is visible under the right light. The bison-hide cover protected the Spanish artwork underneath it; the colors are still bright after 250 years. Three perforations are present on the shield and may represent bullet impacts. However, only one of them passed completely through. This suggests the shield was ef-fective against low-velocity arms fire.

After the Comanches were removed to a reservation, the shield found its way into the antiquities market. It remained part of a private collection for over 70 years until recently, when the shield was put up for sale. Through the efforts of Sia and the Waite and Genevieve Phillips Foundation, the piece will be permanently curated at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. In June 2009, the shield was delivered to the PPHM. Bill Voelker and Troy of Sia conducted a waatu, a blessing ceremony using piñon smoke and feathers. The

The shield with the Comanche cover removed. The original Spanish design is still bright after 250 years.

ceremony formally transferred custody of the artifact from Sia to the PPHM.

The Panhandle-Plains Historical Society and the Arche-ology Department of the PPHM would like to express their gratitude to Sia and the Waite and Genevieve Phillips Founda-tion. Plans to exhibit the artifact are underway, but its debut has yet to be determined. Check the PPHM website (www.panhandleplains.org) or call 806-651-2244 for updates.

Comanche Shield

Continued from page 19