The University of Arizona
 

Journeys of Our Ancestors: Migrations in the American Southwest Exhibition

Preparation for Forthcoming Exhibition

Current work in the Preservation Division, Arizona State Museum includes examination, instrumental analysis, treatment, and documentation of objects selected for the forthcoming exhibit, Journeys of our Ancestors: Migration in the American Southwest.  The exhibit focuses traces of migration in archaeological and historic contexts in the American Southwest ranging from the Paleo-Indian period (12,000–13,000 BP) to the 19th c. development of railroads in the Southwest, as well as current, ongoing migrations in the region.

Studies that expand knowledge and provide context regarding material and object provenance within the context of cultural achievement are the focus of current research. Application of analytical techniques will help to answer questions of interest including:

  • the materials and methods of artist manufacture,
  • geographic provenance of such materials,
  • evidence of traded raw materials or completed objects,
  • movement of people and objects,
  • changes that might occur as a result of archaeological process or traditional use.

This work will culminate in the preparation of a manuscript for a technical catalog of the museum artifacts in the exhibition.

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