Historic Legacy Project. Nevis West Indies

Location: Nevis, Saint Kitts and Nevis

Season: July 9, 2022 to July 30, 2022

Session Dates: Single session. Three weeks

Application Deadline: February 19, 2022

Deadline Type: Contact for Details

Website: http://www.caribbeanarchaeology.org

Discount for AIA members: University policy does not allow.

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
San Jose State University

Project Director:
Marco Meniketti, PhD. RPA

Project Description:

A two phased project investigating a potential habitation site for enslaved plantation laborers. Also, revisiting past project sites for botanical and faunal material. Phase one will map and sample surface assemblages for information on a recently identified site that may have been used as laborers housing.  During the second phase we will collect botanical and faunal remains from three previously excavated site for laborers. Faunal analysis will be the principal focus.

The project is in partnership with the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society. During the 2019 season field school an opportunity arose to study a potential location of a small hamlet site once used by enslaved Africans dating from the 17^th-18^th century, now on private land.  Specific botanicals and an unusual artifact scatter were highly suggestive. We proposed returning with a small team in 2020. This project was forced to postpone due to the pandemic outbreak.  The site will be surveyed, documented, and limited subsurface testing at strategic locations will be conducted to assess site significance.  Artifacts will be returned to the site unless specific items need further study.

Participants will be trained in all aspects of field work, including total station, GPS, excavation, screening, and faunal analysis with a professional zooarchaeologist on staff.

Maximum participants limited to ten.

Period(s) of Occupation: The sites to be investigated and sampled range in date from 1685-1800 CE.

Notes:
The director has been leading expeditions to Nevis for over twenty years. Covid protocols will be in place. Proof of Vaccination required. RPA certification is pending.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Full three weeks.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: Completion of an introductory course in Anthropology, Archaeology or previous experience.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Included in program fee. We stay in a guest house dormitory style. Every room has its own bathroom and shower. Maximum participants per room: three. The house serves as project headquarters. We do our own cooking.

Academic Credit:
Three credits upper division Anthropology (required and included in program fee.