Bone Course

Archaeozoology (Bone Course) When: 19 & 20 March 2011 & 26 & 27 March 2011 Where: Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (formerly the Transvaal Museum) Cost : R1800.00 (There are only 20 seats available! (minimum of 10 people)) Introduction Archaeozoology is a sub-discipline of archaeology and deals with the analysis of animal skeletal material from archaeological terrains.  This course will allow you to step into the shoes of an archaeozoologist and see how the basic knowledge of animal skeletons can open a whole new world of understanding nature, animals and how animal remains are vital to the interpretation of an archaeological terrain. In two consecutive weekends I will take you on an exciting journey of discovery and learning around the intricacies of the animal skeleton and the identification of these remains. The course will include lectures, discussion and hands on practical classes. Participants will begin to develop the skills necessary to: ·         Identify different species from their bones and teeth ·         Identify the differences between the major mammal and animal groups ·         Age and sex bones ·         Recognize taphonomy, butchery and pathology ·         Understand how archaeozoological material is analysed and quantified ·         Interpret site reports and Archaeozoological literature   Schedule   DAY 1 ·         Lectures o   Introduction: What is Archaeozoology o   Basic Skeletal Anatomy ·         Practicals o   Assembling a skeleton DAY 2 ·         Lectures o   Major skeletal differences of the major mammal groups ·         Practicals o   Assembling skeletons of the major mammal groups DAY 3 ·         Lectures o   Skeletal differences and adaptations between the animal groups o   Determination of age gender, pathology, taphonomy ·         Practicals o   Exploring the animal groups DAY 4 ·         Lectures o   Differences in site material and archaeological id o   Archaeozoological research direction o   Osteology and osteometry in animal bone ·         Practicals o   Putting your knew found knowledge to the test There will be ample opportunity to ask questions and discuss the issues raised during the course.    What does the course fee include? All course material, tea / coffee and lunch.  Your fee includes access to the best animal skeletal collection in southern Africa and provides you a rare glimpse at this treasure.  The course is presented at the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (Transvaal Museum) and 25% of the course fees will go to the Museum to assist with the upkeep of their excellent collections.   Who should attend? There is no required knowledge base nor do you need a relevant degree or diploma, the only thing required is a willingness to learn and an eagerness for knowledge.  This course caters for the young and the old, the skilled and the unskilled, all the armchair archaeologists out there, those who always wanted – or is going – to study archaeology, those who love nature and her mysteries and for those who just love learning something new and exciting.   Cancellations and refunds No refunds will be granted How do I book? If this sounds like a course you would die to attend, then for more information and to make a booking contact: Karin cell: 083 485 6584 or e-mail: kayscott@mweb.co.za

Funny Friday

Ancient kiln found in southern Iran

 Commons

Iranian archeologists have found the remains of an ancient kiln in the country's southern Fars Province, which they say dates back to some 4,700 years ago. 

“The third phase of archeological excavations at Mianroud Mound yielded part of the 1.30-meter-tall fireplace of the circular kiln,” IRIB quoted head of the archeology team Mousa Zare as saying. (Source)

“The kiln is about 90 centimeters thick and its upper section where the clay pots were put has been destroyed,” he added. (Source)

Source: http://www.presstv.ir/detail/161444.html

Way back Wednesday

Today i will be looking at:

Masouleh Village In Northern Iran

The Village is embedded in the mountains of Northern Iran and what is so unique about it is that the roofs of the houses also serve as the streets of the village.

 

The village doesn't have a lot to offer visitors but it was such a beautiful place!

I hope you enjoyed my Way Back Wednesday!

Ancient Armenian Wine

 

Commons 

Archaeologists have found proof that Armenia was a ancient wine-making country. The proof comes in the form of a wine vessels daring to 4000 BC. They found grape remains and chemical evidence of grape-coloring compound. 

“These are unique finds which preserved perfectly,” Pavel Avetisyan told a press conference in Yerevan.

Source: http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/culture/news/60027/

Ancient temple ruins discovered in Sri Lanka

"Jaffna University History Professor K Pusparatnam and Archeological Department students discovered and ancient temple in a ruined state at Kawtharimunai, Pooneryn. The temple was found in a thick jungle enveloped by overgrown banian trees and Palmyra groves."

"A completely ruined Hindu temple about 50 feet in height and 15 feet in width was found among the sand mounds. The temple had been built with coral and lime stones. There were evidence of a parapet wall being built around the temple."

Source: http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/24/news12.asp

Funny Friday

A 2500 year old recipe for Celtic beer

Source: Commons

Archeobotanist Hans-Peter Stika, of the University of Hohenheim has been looking at ancient Celtic sites, trying to figure out how they made beer.

It seems they dug a ditch and poured barley and water in it, leaving it to sprout. They then dried the barley with a fire. The beer was then flavored with gruit that contains yarrow, carrot seeds, mugwort, and henbane. The beer was then heated slowly by holding the it over a very low fire and adding yeast. Fruits or nuts was then sometimes added. When it was cooler, it could finally be consumed.

Source: http://io9.com/5734532/the-recipe-for-2500+year+old-celtic-beer

Northern Iran yields ancient metal tools

Commons

A large amount of metal tools have been found during excavations in Golestan. The 500 or so objects date back to 1800 BCE. Achaemenid earthenware has also been found.
For more on this subject:
Source: http://www.presstv.ir/detail/160291.html

Ancient Organisms Found Alive in Salt Crystals

 Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/da_vinzy/3688076554/

Scientists have found organisms that were trapped in salt crystals 34,000 years ago.

“The organisms are called archaea, one of the two prokaryote domains (the other is bacteria),” Lowenstein told The Epoch Times. (source)

“We were the first group to look inside the salts before we tried to culture microbes from them,” Timofeeff added. (source)

“They are trapped alongside a type of algae called Dunaliella, which just so happens to produce the food the archaea need to survive—the sugar alcohol glycerol,” Lowenstein said, explaining how the organisms could survive for so long. (source)

“They can reproduce, but at some point they will use up their available resources and conditions for life will become unfavorable,” Timofeeff said. (source)

To read the research paper, please visit http://bit.ly/eqWOCp

And for more on this:
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/49422/