Prehistoric Archaeology at Yangguanzhai, China – Institute for Field Research

Location: Yangguanzhai, China

Season: June 14, 2020 to July 18, 2020

Application Deadline: April 3, 2020

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://ifrglobal.org/program/china-yangguanzhai/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Institute for Field Research, Connecticut College, UCLA, Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology, China

Project Director:
Dr. Richard Ehrich, Dr. Zhouyong Sun, Mr. Yang Liping

Project Description:

The prehistoric village of Yangguanzhai (YGZ) dates to the Middle to Late Yangshao period (4,000-3,000 BCE), and it is one of the largest of its kind. The site is located in the Jing River Valley, approximately 25 kilometers north of the ancient city of Xi’an in northwest China. YGZ has a moat, a row of cave dwellings, subterranean houses, child urn-burials, and extensive pottery kilns. In the coming 2019 season, the project will plan to continue working in the northeast portion of the site. In order to gain a better understanding of the overall settlement system of the region, we will have lectures and discussions about Neolithic Shaanxi and China, and may also conduct survey work at the nearby Neolithic site of Huiduipo.

Period(s) of Occupation: Neolithic China Archaeology

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Participants are required to stay for the full duration of the field school.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: No prior experience is required to participate in this field school.

Room and Board Arrangements:
During the first week of the field school, students will live in a student dormitory at Xibei University in the city of Xi’an. While in the field, students will reside at the Wufulinmen Hotel near the site. Food is provided Monday to Saturday (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Students are responsible for their own meals on Sundays. While students are free to obtain their own breakfast and lunch with a daily allowance we provide, all dinners are taken together, since we will use this opportunity to get the whole team together and catch up on the progress of the day. The daily diet in North China is heavily based on rice, noodles, and vegetables. Specialized diets (vegan, kosher, etc.) are difficult to maintain in this location. Vegetarians may find options somewhat limited and should be prepared to be flexible when eating the local food, or should bring supplemental food (e.g. protein bars) if they think it will be necessary.

Academic Credit:
8 Semester Credits credits offered by Connecticut College. Tuition is $4,315.