The Sound of Silence: Suggesting an Evolutionary Perspective in Archaeoacoustics

Presenting at the 2014 Anthropology Research Symposium, Humboldt State University

Abstract

Humans have a common practice of altering auditory perception, with the ability to extend their sound experience through creating instruments, building acoustic amphitheater spaces, and producing rhythm and music with the body as with clapping, chanting, and singing. The field of archaeoacoustics offers insight into the use of sound in ancient societies. Previous research in this field has fixated on the auditory properties surrounding architectural spaces, for example, echo and amplification. These properties are often studied in relation to sound-producing artifacts. Archaeoacoustic scholars consider altering sound experience a product of human intention–as a deliberate investment of meaning rather than an epiphenomenal environmental coincidence. This has left a void of literature for the auditory architecture of religious, political and social spaces. This research will describe the issues and implications surrounding the interpretation of acoustic data in archaeology, focusing on the relation to spiritual and symbolic social practices. Theoretical perspectives will be drawn from previous archaeoacoustic research, as well as human evolutionary biology, as the evolution of auditory perception is likely to correlate with the development of art, language, and other symbolic social systems. This combination of ideas proposes a deeper understanding of the role of sound that has been essential to the human experience.

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Rock-Art Vandals: An Assessment of Public Interactions with Archaeological Resources

“Rock Art Vandals: An Assessment of Public Interactions with Archaeological Resources.” Research presented at the Anthropology Research Symposium, Humboldt State University, March 24, 2016.

Abstract

This project studied the public opinions and discussion of the effects contemporary humans have at archaeological rock art sites in the United States. Preservation of rock art sites is attempted by a perpetual separation of visitors, by creating physical barriers at sites, or keeping site locations a secret. Little has been done, however, to assess public access to information relating to site locations and preservation information. This project utilized open-ended questionnaires to assess the opinions of the online rock-art community in relation to this topic. These opinions were compared with the content in public texts to assess the public accessibility of information. This research represents the potential of an affiliated public to make a significant contribution to the discussion on rock art site preservation and public interaction.

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Modeling Consciousness in Archaeology: A Non-Invasive Approach

Abstract

Modeling the thoughts and beliefs of ancient persons is an arduous calling for archaeologists, as this data falls into the intangible realm. Often the most direct material link to the ancient mind is found in rock art. With resilience to the elements and time, rock surfaces presented an ideal canvas for the lasting expressions of past cultures. Many of these sites, however, have been damaged or compromised due to invasive recording practices. Researchers and tourists continue to utilize outdated methods, as a result of misinformation or naivety on the subject. A non-invasive, conservation-based approach to rock art recording is presented, with the intention of diminishing unintentional site vandalism. Symbols of headdresses, messengers, and lobed circles appear across differing chronological and regional rock art style categories. These elements are often interpreted in relation to altered states of consciousness and ceremony. The petroglyph panel at the Spirit Bird Cave site in southeastern Utah provides evidence of all three of these elements, and is thus well suited for this project. This poster presents the current status of the project, with a discussion of methods and preliminary field results. This project combines standard and innovative methods of field mapping, lighting and close-range photogrammetry to produce visual models which can be analyzed in a laboratory setting without concern for panel damage. These visual models can expand access to immovable data such as rock art, allowing researchers a truly non-invasive approach.

This poster was selected for the People’s Choice Award for Best Student Poster Presentation in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, at Humboldt State University IdeaFest, 2014

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Waikiki Language Revitalization

The Fall 2012 issue of Humboldt NOW featured this story about the Waikiki language revitalization project I worked on with the cultural resources facility at CalPoly Humboldt.

NOTEBOOKS THAT COULD hold clues to understanding a nearly lost Native American language will be available to scholars in digital format thanks to the work of students and faculty at HSU’s Cultural Resources Facility.

The notebooks contain the work of Chinese linguist Li Fang-Kuei, who came to the North Coast from China by way of the University of Chicago where he earned a graduate degree in linguistics. Li was initially investigating a lead that suggested aboriginal Thai languages shared characteristics with Northern Californian Native American languages— in this case the language of the Wailaki People, who are descendants of the southernmost Athabaskan tribe of Southern Oregon and Northern California. The lead turned out to be a dead end, but it didn’t prevent Li from creating a valuable artifact for today’s scholars.

“If we only had one chance to document the language, we’re very lucky it was Li,” says Victor Golla, professor of Anthropology and an expert on American Indian languages. “He allows us to understand the grammar and not simply vocabulary. That alone puts it heads and shoulders above other sources.”

According to Golla, the language is basically extinct except for re-learners studying the language from notes. The digital archive being created will make these notes available to a new generation of researchers.

The notebooks came to HSU through Golla’s professional connections and will eventually be transferred to a facility with extensive Native American collections. During the documents’ time in Arcata, students including Perry Lincoln and Brandy Hurtado are doing the careful work
of transcribing and scanning Li’s documents. Hurtado’s ultimate goal is to preserve the documents, while Lincoln’s aim is to secure revival. “My dream is to have a class teaching whatever we can find,” Lincoln says.
“Documents aren’t the language; they just document it,” Golla says. “But for American Indian languages in general, this collection is very good. People could create a new use—a revitalization—of Wailaki from these notebooks. And that is significant to people, because part of reviving language is redefining who you really are.”

Click to access humboldtMagazine_fall12.pdf

Humboldt NOW Fall 2012

Meme and My Friends: The Dynamics of Merry-making

“Meme and My Friends: The Dynamics of Merry-making,” November 29, 2012 

Collaborative poster presented at the 2012 Anthropology Undergraduate Research Symposium, Humboldt State University. Presented by Casey Dobbins, Jaqueline Farrington, Racheal Marte-Taylor, Cherilyn Neider and Nikki Martensen

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Introducing People Play Dance

Make it quick!

Over the past few years of my dance practice, I’ve created some tools to help myself plan and keep my thoughts organized.

I am happy to announce that I have made these resources, available, publicly, and more coming soon!

One thing I noticed in the dance industry is an over saturation of specially designed journals and planners that are supposed to support dance practice, but the cost is ridiculously high.

I believe all dancers should have access to the benefits of mindfulness in their dance practice without having to pay, choose between paying to take class, or paying to buy some specially designed journal.

I started creating my own resources, so I could really work through and target my dance reflection.

The resources I create are intended to foster introspection, consistency, and curiosity.

What sort of resources, you ask?

Dance Practice Logging and reflecting resources

Prompts and Movement play

Curated lists of words to inspire targeted training.

Blogs and Tips for Dancers on Medium

Tips and information from dance professionals. Discussions on history and industry trends.