Backdirt is the newsletter of the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at UCLA.

Published biannually in the Fall and Spring. For a paper copy, write to ioapubs@ucla.edu

Spring/Summer 2000

An Exploration in Early Pastoral Nomadism
by Steven A. Rosen

Excavations at the Camel site explore the potentials for an archaeology of pastoralism and make a substantive contribution to understanding its nature.

 Faculty Profile: Jeanne E. Arnold

Q & A with Professor of Anthropology: "It is a thrill to see students engage in the process of discovery—albeit in a highly controlled scientific context—and see them gain confidence in their ability to uncover evidence and piece together what is important about it."

 Archaeology in the Andes
by Chip Stanish

Collasuyu Program provides the infrastructural support for a number of archaeological research projects in the region.

 The Phrygian Sanctuary of Gordion at Dümrek
by Brendan Burke

Project addresses both the nature of Phrygian cult practice and the regional extent of Gordion's cultural influence.

 Inaugural Cotsen Research Seminar Held

Scholars examine the current state and future scope of "Archaeology in the Mediterranean" at workshop, which brings archaeologists together to discuss theoretical and culture historical issues in an informal yet intellectually stimulating way.

Pictured, from left to right, are Jane Renfrew, Ernestine S. Elster,
Colin Renfrew, and Ruth Tringham.


 Director's Message
by Richard M. Leventhal

The mission of the Cotsen Institute is reaffirmed as a new era begins.


 Boeing gift provides support for "Virtual Archaeologist"

The Boeing Corporation has provided a grant to aid in the development of outreach materials that will give K-12 teachers access to up-to-date and easy-to-use archaeological information. The grant funds the production of the first module in the "Virtual Archaeologist" series of websites. The Virtual Archaeologist, in development in the Digital Archaeology Lab, explores the world of archaeology by simulating the experience of a scientist working in an archaeological field setting. The first module will be on the ancient Maya.

Pictured, from left to right, are Richard Fuller, Director of Communications, Aircraft & Missile Systems, Southern California, The Boeing Company; Rita Shepard, Outreach Coordinator; Louise Krasniewicz, Director, Digital Lab; Steven Chesser, Senior Manager, Community Relations, Long Beach Division, The Boeing Company; and Richard M. Leventhal, Director, The Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at UCLA.


 In Memoriam: Jay D. Frierman
by Ernestine S. Elster and Merrick Posnansky

Institute and Friends mourn loss of one of the most important figures in the development of archaeology studies at UCLA.


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