*March 2014 Archeology E-Gram*
*The Archeology E-Gram is Ten!*
On March 15, 2004, Frank McManamon, then WASO Archeology Program Manager,
and Mary Carroll, now Park NAGPRA Program Manager, sent an e-mail to NPS
archeologists describing a new format for exchanging information.
This message is the first in what I hope will be a long line of emails
announcing news, new publications, training opportunities, national and
regional meetings, and other important goings-on related to public
archeology and cultural anthropology in the National Park Service and other
public agencies. We hope you will find these announcements useful...
They called their "announcements" the Archeology E-Gram. McManamon and
Carroll only distributed five issues of the E-Gram in 2004, but soon
settled into a regular schedule of distribution once a month via e-mail.
They also established a formula of people and park news, training, and
announcements. The focus, then as now, was on NPS archeologists.
Karen Mudar became editor of the E-Gram in September 2005, and inaugurated
the "Projects in Parks" feature, short general articles about archeology
projects in specific parks. Mudar has produced over 60 "PiPs," helping
archeologists to edit and post research reports in a format which appeals
to the general public. The reports are as wide-ranging as research in
national parks, covering excavation, analysis, curation, outreach, and
training, from Alaska to the Virgin Islands. The reports would be
impossible to produce without the support and generosity of NPS
archeologists in sharing their research results.
Over the years, the E-Gram has developed shorter-run themes, such as book
reviews. One of the most successful series is the national monument
celebrations. Begun in 2006 during the centennial of the Antiquities Act,
the E-Gram has featured stories about national monuments celebrating their
centennials. "Conversation with an Archeologist" is a recent feature of the
E-Gram, focusing on NPS archeologists. "Slightly Off-Topic" is the newest
feature, whose offbeat stories introduce a lighter note to the E-Gram.
Beginning in 2007, the E-Gram is posted on the NPS Archeology Program
website. While the e-mail version remains the traditional text, the online
version of the e-gram began including images at the beginning of 2012.
While the mailed version contains no pictures, e-grams on the website do.
The E-Gram staff look forward to another decade of a "long line of emails
announcing news, new publications, training opportunities, national and
regional meetings, and other important goings-on related to public
archeology and cultural anthropology in the National Park Service." We hope
that you continue to find these announcements useful!
*Fred York Has Retired*
Fred York, the regional anthropologist for Pacific West Region, retired in
January after 22 years with the NPS. York received his PhD in anthropology
from the State University of New York, Binghamton, in 1990. He began his
career with the NPS the following year as one of the agency's first three
regional anthropologists. Since that time, he has played a major role in
developing the NPS ethnography/anthropology program and ensuring that the
agency meets its obligations to park-associated populations, past and
present.
York came to the NPS as "a four field anthropologist," with a background in
cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, archeology, and linguistics.
His generalist skill set served him well as he learned to navigate the
complex legal and political terrain of tribal consultation and ethnographic
resource management. His first assignment was with a "NAGPRA SWAT team"
whose job was to coordinate the repatriation of human remains stored in the
museum at Fort Vancouver NHP. With the merger of the Pacific Northwest and
Western Regions in 1995, York's responsibilities expanded to encompass
consultation with tribes and other populations in California, Nevada, and
the Pacific Islands. Learning about these groups "was like going through
another PhD program on my own," he recalls.
Over his career, York worked closely with parks to help them consult
effectively with any park-associated populations in the development of
resource management programs. He coordinated contracts for research
projects, mentored archeologists and anthropologists, and was a contact and
advisor for NAGPRA-related projects.
In addition to his work for the region, York also contributed to national
programs, including pushing for a clearer, more accommodating approach to
Native American plant gathering. Throughout his career, he also reviewed
applications for the tribal grants program, an experience that "gave me a
tremendous opportunity to learn about tribes from across the nation."
Memorable projects include his involvement in a 1997 special resource study
for the Bear River Massacre Site in Idaho, during which York gathered
information on the site from Shoshone descendants of the massacre victims;
and his work on the general management plan for Minidoka NM, during which
he met with Japanese American groups from Alaska to Southern California to
better understand their views of the significance of the monument and to
provide a foundation for its effective management. Through these
experiences, he gained heightened appreciation for diversity and for the
importance of "building relationships with people and communities."
During his career, York maintained a strong insistence on building a
professional culture in NPS anthropology and in cultural resource programs
as a whole. As he puts it: "There is a role for anthropology and social
science in providing service to the NPS to more effectively work with park
associated populations, and to help present to park visitors aspects of
American heritage they wouldn't otherwise have known about."
York will continue living in Seattle, but plans to spend more time with
family on the East Coast. He also intends to work on writing projects that
draw on his research and NPS experience, including a history of Native
Americans in Yosemite and another on tribes in the Great Basin. His friends
and colleagues wish him all the best for his retirement.
*By David Louter*
*NPS Archeology Resource Manual Chapter on Cultural Resources and Fire
Online*
The NPS Archeology Program is pleased to announce that guidance on cultural
resources and fire is now available online. Although residing in the
Archeology Resource Manual, the scope of the guidance includes all NPS
categories of cultural resources; and all types of fire situations,
including wildland fire, structural fires, and fuel reduction projects. In
addition to guidance, there are many links to useful documents, tools, and
other websites.
This guidance module is the result of collaboration between the Fire and
Aviation Management Program, and the efforts of many dedicated people in
cultural resources and wildland and structural fire programs.
More information about the guidance is available in an ArcheoThursday
webinar on the Archeology Program website at
http://www.nps.gov/archeology/tools/webinarsFY13.htm. Scroll down to the
"Research in Parks" presentation.
Access the cultural resources and fire guidance by going to the front page
of the archeology resource manual at
http://www.nps.gov/archeology/npsGuide/index.htm
*Contact: *Karen Mudar, NPS Archeology Program (202) 354-2103
*Bandelier National Monument Uses Laser Scanning to Record Pueblo*
Bandelier NM has completed 3D laser scan documentation for the western half
of Long House Pueblo, a 15th century communal cavate pueblo in the
monument's Frijoles Canyon visitor area. A total of 241 petroglyphs were
documented, approximately sixfold more than had been expected by park
staff. A high density of petroglyphs follows the prehispanic roofline of
Long House Pueblo, however, most are not easily discernible due to erosion
of the soft native tuff geology.
The 3-year project began with field data collection, consisting of laser
scanning 120 lineal meters of the ground level architectural remains, and
the cliff face up to 14 meters above the ground surface. The petroglyph
analysis benefited from the 1-to-3mm resolution of the laser scan, in
combination with iterative modeling techniques that enhanced the visibility
of these poorly-defined elements. The project developed planimetric views,
ortho-photomosiac elevations, and petroglyph analysis. 3D animations.
were developed that depict current-day conditions of the archeological
remains and then transition to a reconstructed visualization of the cavate
village at the time of occupancy, with comprehensive architectural detail.
The intent of the animations is to aid visitor, staff and scholarly
understanding and interpretation of the site, which is a display
archeological site in the monument.
Tribal consultation occurred at the outset of the project, and results are
being shared with affiliated pueblos for incorporation into tribal
education programs.
Special thanks are due to Shannon Dennison Wallat for originating the
project and to Paul Chattey for assistance in funding the work.
Reconstruction of Long House Pueblo animation can be viewed at:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152128633075155&set=vb.128683495154&type=2&theater
Cavates of Long House Pueblo animation can be viewed at:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152126751165155&set=vb.128683495154&type=2&theater
*Contact*: Barbara Judy, Sarah Stokely and Rachel Adler at (505) 672-3861
*NPS Investigates Disappearing Alaska Archeological Sites*
Rising sea levels, frequent storms, flooding and thawing permafrost are
causing archeological sites along the Alaskan coast in the Western Arctic
National Parklands to disappear at an alarming rate. Scientists with the
NPS estimate nearly 350 feet of beachfront property has been lost to
coastal erosion the past 60 years and, with that property, an untold number
of important links to the past have also sloughed off into the ocean.
A large scale, multi-year archeological project involving survey and
excavation will continue this summer in two of the four parks in Western
Arctic National Parklands, said Michael Holt, chief of cultural resources.
Now in its third year, the project, in partnership with Portland State
University, involves documenting, evaluating and excavating of the most
relevant and sensitive archeological sites at Bering Land Bridge National
Preserve and the Cape Krusenstern NM -- those at the greatest risk of
disappearing.
While most of the findings -- sled runners, animal bones, and subterranean
house remains -- are common, there is always the possibility that some
distinctive feature or item will be found that links the past to the
present in a new way. Food remains, remnants of transportation, tools and
hunting implements all offer a glimpse into a past way of life. The
artifacts can also give scientists a better understanding of how people
have adapted to changing resources.
The seaside areas around Ikpek and Arctic Lagoons, southwest of Shishmaref
have been surveyed and inventoried by crews over the past two summers,
while the eastern shores of the lagoons as well as the coastal side of
Cowpak Lagoon, located north of Shishmaref, are on the agenda for this
summer.
Nearly 75 percent of the northern Seward Peninsula shoreline -- about 215
miles -- has been actively eroding since 1949, while 59 percent of the Cape
Krusenstern coastal shoreline, north of Kotzebue, has been washing away
since that same year.
*From story by Jillian Rogers, **The Arctic Sounder*
*NPS Awards $525,000 to Protect Four Civil War Battlefields*
The NPS has announced that more $525,000 in grants from the Land and Water
Conservation Fund will help preserve more than 120 acres of land at 4
threatened Civil War battlefields. The grant projects are at the Mill
Springs (KY), Bentonville (NC), Appomattox Courthouse (VA), and Aldie (VA)
battlefields.
The grants are from the NPS American Battlefield Protection Program, one of
more than a dozen programs administered by the NPS that provide states and
local communities technical assistance, recognition, and funding to help
preserve their history and create close-to-home recreation opportunities.
Consideration for the Civil War battlefield land acquisition grants is
given to battlefields listed in the NPS Civil War Sites Advisory
Commission Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields.
Grants are awarded to units of state and local governments for the fee
simple acquisition of land, or for the non-federal acquisition of
permanent, protective interests in land (easements). Private non-profit
groups may apply in partnership with state or local government sponsors.
Complete guidelines for grant eligibility and application forms are
available online at: http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/abpp.
*Contact:* Elizabeth Vehmeyer, Grants Management Specialist, at
202-354-2215.
*New **Discovery at Petersburg National Battlefield*
An avocational Civil War study group made an exciting discovery at
Petersburg NB in February - undocumented tunnels for placing explosives and
countering possible enemy lines. The Civil War Fortifications Study Group
(CWFSG), an offshoot of the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission, now in its
22nd year, has met every year at a different site to examine earthworks
associated with the Civil War. This was the group's third visit to the
area, which preserves an astounding array of resources.
Only 25 miles south of Richmond, Petersburg was the 7th largest city in the
Confederacy and an important supply center to the Confederate capital. In
June 1864, Federal troops began a siege of the town that lasted 10 months.
The siege involved 180,000 Federal and Confederate troops, front lines
extending 35 miles around the city, and 150 miles of trenches, some that
were inspected by the study group.
One of the most iconic Civil War features at Petersburg is "The Crater,"
site an underground explosion that destroyed a portion of the Confederate
lines and touched off a battle that did not end well for the Federal army.
Well interpreted by the park, the Crater is still visible, as is the
collapsed tunnel that was dug by Federal troops, miners from Pennsylvania,
to lay explosives. Digging beneath fortifications goes back as far as
warfare - the Biblical battle of Jericho may be the first documented
instance of undermining fortifications. Wall collapse in Biblical times was
achieved by burning underground wooden supports at a specific time
(coordinated by a trumpet), by late Medieval times gunpowder was planted
and detonated to destroy fortifications. The tunneling process itself had
changed little since 1400 BCE.
Examples of mining are not rare at Petersburg. In addition to tunnels to
lay mines, there were many countermines to intercept enemy tunnels, and
listening wells - shafts to better hear tunneling movements. The study
group, using the research of members NPS historian David Lowe and
independent historian Phil Shiman, made an exciting discovery by locating
two examples of collapsed counter-mining that had not been previously
recognized and are well preserved. Pencil lines on historic maps, when
ground-truthed, were found to represent tunnels. The group went on to
discover a tunnel not previously recognized or recorded that park
archeologist Julie Steele will explore using ground penetrating radar.
Under direction of Chief Resource Manager Dave Shockley, teams at the park
have undertaken work to restore several important Civil War view sheds.
Previously wooded areas have been removed to allow views of long expanses
of trenches and vistas from batteries. One of the most dramatic views is
across the valley from the Crater. The careful planning and attention to
historical detail have significantly enhanced visitors' experience in
visiting and understanding the battles.
The CWFSG is made up of national and state park historians, archeologists,
police officers, ex-military soldiers, battlefield park preservationists,
physicians, and veterinarians, among others - all who are passionate about
Civil War engineering. Retired NPS Chief Historian Ed Bearss was a
founding member; eight other founding members were present at this meeting,
including one of the organizers, David Lowe. The group has witnessed damage
to fortifications caused by metal-detecting, and the group's by-laws do not
condone such activity on battlefields outside of a professional
archeological framework.
*Contact: *Julia Steele, Cultural Resources Manager, Petersburg NB (804)
732-3571
*Conversation with an Archeologist: Michael R. Peterson, Lithic Technology
Specialist*
We caught up with Michael Peterson at his desk at Redwood National Park.
Michael has been interested in archeology for as long as he can remember,
especially lithics. Growing up on the High Plains of Western Nebraska, he
frequently found artifacts on his family's property. He says that by the
age of 11 he was regularly meeting with old-timers and talking to them
about their "arrowhead collections" and collecting.
Archeology wasn't in Michael's immediate future, however. After high
school, he became an auto mechanic and moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. Thinking
that he would take a few classes, he enrolled at the University of
Nebraska. It was here that Michael came into contact with Warren Caldwell,
James Gunnerson, Peter Bleed, and micro-wear analysis expert Warren
Bamforth. Michael found that there were people who were just as passionate
about lithic technology as he was. He put down his wrenches, picked up a
hammerstone, and never looked back.
After finishing a BA at the University of Nebraska, Michael hired onto the
High Plains Archeological Project at Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, directed by
Charles Reher. Reher convinced him to apply to graduate school at the
University of Wyoming, where Reher was teaching. While there, he worked
with Reher and other lithic experts such as Marcel Kornfeld and Dr. Larson.
Legendary Paleoindian archeologist George C. Frison was still teaching at
the University of Wyoming, and Michael took one of "Doc's" last classes
and continued to be influenced by him.
Michael signed on with the USFS after completing his MA, conducting
cultural resource inventories on National Forest lands. Then, he obtained a
job with the BLM, in Battle Mountain, Nevada. He really enjoyed Great
Basin archeology and enjoyed working with Western Shoshone tribal
representatives on related projects. When he had an opportunity to study
GIS, the BLM gave him a year's leave of absence so he could obtain an MSc
in GIS in Spatial Analysis in Archeology at University College London.
Michael traveled to England where he was in "flint heaven." He said that
he had culture shock when he got there and culture shock when he came back!
Michael then enrolled in the Environmental Dynamics Program at the
University of Arkansas, but before attending was offered a job at Redwood
National Park, where he has been ever since. While there, he has had the
opportunity to work with a wide variety of people and groups. One of his
favorite assignments was mapping church walls in Kalaupapa NHP for
Superintendent Erika Stein (who also is an archeologist).
Sooner or later, when talking to Michael, the topic turns to lithics and
lithic analysis. He has worked on a number of lithic studies, including an
analysis of Folsom Complex lithics for his master's thesis. Over the past
eight years working for the park, Peterson uses his flintknapping
knowledge, skills and abilities for the identification and description of
the park's lithic artifacts.
Besides his analytical expertise, Michael is also expert at making stone
tools, so expert, in fact, that he was asked to make replicas for a Wyoming
archeological display at the Interior Museum in Washington D.C. I asked him
how he prevents his replicas from being sold as prehistoric by unscrupulous
people. Michael said that he does this in several ways. One way is to
control very carefully who he gives his creations to. He also puts a
symbol on his replicas with a diamond etching pen that is difficult to
remove. Another way is to use flintknapping techniques and special
materials to create unique items that cannot be mistaken for prehistoric
artifacts.
Michael admits that forgery is a problem; other flintknappers have
experimented with dipping their flint tools in SmartWater(tm) . SmartWater is
a liquid that contains a long lasting identifier that is invisible to the
naked eye, but is revealed under ultraviolet light.
Michael has also used his lithic expertise in criminal prosecutions. In
ARPA cases, a lithic specialty can assist in identifying fakes, determining
artifact age, estimating commercial and scientific values, and contributes
to developing a cost of site restoration and repair. He is anxious to
re-open an ARPA case in the park with NPS Special Agent Todd Swain and
others to re-analyze looted obsidian artifacts, and confirm that the stone
tools were probably 20th century reproductions, but also look into the
possibly that the artifacts could be associated with the famous Karuk
flintknapper, Ted Orcut.
Michael enjoys demonstrating his flintknapping skills, and volunteers to do
demonstrations at local museums and schools. He has given over fifty
educational flintknapping presentations for school grades K-12 and has
taught lithic analysis and flintknapping at the college level.
Flintknapping allows him to promote archaeological resource preservation,
while providing entertaining educational activities and, in some cases,
cultural tradition revitalization.
Recently, to "celebrate all things archeological" during International
Archaeology Day-2013, Peterson gave an educational flintknapping and
archeology presentation at the Clarke Museum in Eureka, California. The
forum provided a hands-on experience for kids and adults to make and use
stone tools. It was also an opportunity to discuss both global and local
topics in archaeology and anthropology.
Thanks for talking to us, Michael!
*NPS Archeologists Author Book about Civil War Archeology*
NPS archeologist Stephen Potter and John Bedell, of the Louis Berger Group,
have written a chapter titled "The Sensation of this Week: Archaeology and
the Battle of Fort Stevens," for the soon to published book *From These
Honored Dead: Historical Archaeology of the Civil War**.*
Presenting the best current archeological scholarship on the American Civil
War, *From These Honored Dead* shows how historical archeology can uncover
the facts beneath myths and conflicting memories of the war. By
incorporating the results of archeological investigations, the essays in
this volume shed new light on many aspects of the Civil War. Topics include
soldier life in camp and on the battlefield, defense mechanisms such as
earthworks con-struction, the role of animals during military operations,
and a focus on the conflict in the Trans-Mississippi West. Supplying a
range of methods and exciting conclusions, this book displays the power of
archaeology in interpreting this devastating period in U.S. history.
Author Clarence R. Geier is professor emeritus of anthropology at James
Madison University and coeditor of *Huts and History *and*Archaeological
Perspectives on the Civil War*. Retired NPS archeologist Douglas D. Scott
,teaches archeology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and is the
author of *Uncovering History: Archaeological Investigations at the Little
Bighorn*. Retired director of the Maritime Studies Program at East Carolina
University Lawrence E. Babits is coeditor of *The Archaeology of French and
Indian War Frontier Forts*.
*Video News from The Archaeology Channel Focuses on National Parks*
The latest installment of the Video News from The Archaeology Channel (TAC)
includes two stories about national parks:
· Divers and snorkelers can tour six shipwrecks on the Maritime
Heritage Trail in Biscayne NP.
· In 2011, geophysical instruments maker, Geometrics, teamed with
University of Georgia Ph.D. student Dan Bigman to perform a magnetometer
survey at Ocmulgee NM to image buried features.
You can see these stories in the March 2014 edition of this monthly
half-hour show, available on the streaming-media Web site, The Archaeology
Channel as well as on cable TV in cities across the US.
Launched in October 2010, the Video News from TAC has presented 92 stories
on archeological topics. VideoNews program details can be found at
www.archaeologychannel.org/video-guide/video-news-from-tac-new. The
growing list of 26 cable TV stations carrying the show is posted at
www.archaeologychannel.org/video-guide/video-news-from-tac-new/127-hidden-articles/296-video-news-on-cable-tv
.
This and other programs are available on TAC at (
http://www.archaeologychannel.org).
*US Forest Service Integrating Cultural Resources into Wilderness
Management*
At the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation Federal Initiatives
committee meeting March 6, 2014, USFS Heritage Program Manager Michael
Kaczor announced four policy changes to ensure that cultural resources are
integrated into USFS wilderness management. Significant changes in policy
include:
· Availability of template draft language addressing cultural
resources for inclusion in proposed wilderness legislation and agency
testimony. Listing in wilderness legislation helps ensure that cultural
resources are considered in planning and management.
· A scoring element for cultural resources in the USFS wilderness
management performance standard. This actively promotes consideration of
cultural resources in planning and management.
· The development of a position paper about cultural resources and
wilderness character. The project is coordinated by Ken Straley, USFS
representative to the Carhart Center, and Molly Westby from the USFS Rocky
Mountain Region.
· Revised USFS wilderness policy direction that emphasizes the
necessity for inclusion of cultural resources in wilderness planning and
management.
Kaczor intends that all initiatives will be implemented by the end of the
fiscal year.
*SAA Forms Task Force to Address Looting in Reality TV*
The Society for American Archaeology has formed a task force on Metal
Detecting of Archaeological Sites in Reality TV. The task force is chaired
by Giovanna Peebles, State Archeologist of Vermont (and former SHPO). The
task force was formed in late 2013 and will report to the SAA board this
Spring. Peebles has been in touch with National Geographic, but the work of
the task force extends well beyond the Diggers program. The task force has
reached out to metal detector groups, professional archeologists,
government regulators, and the general public.
The task force will consider such topics as: (1) The use of metal detectors
by non-professional archeologists, (2) Proper ways for metal detector
enthusiasts to engage with professional archeologists, and (3) Ethical
portrayals of such engagements on TV shows. The task force will prepare a
one-page statement for the board's consideration that reflects SAA's
position on these reality TV shows.
Independently of the task force, SAA president Jeff Atshul met with
National Geographic representatives, including John Francis (VP, Research,
Conservation, and Exploration), Charles Parsons (National Geographic
Channel), and Abby Greensfelder (Half Yard Production; producers of
Diggers). During the meeting, Atshul restated SAA's positions on looting
and public education. In brief these are:
· SAA supports public engagement in archaeology.
· SAA believes that the most successful forms of public engagement
is for nonprofessionals to work with professional archeologists in contexts
that produce information that benefits all publics.
· SAA is strongly against looting of archeological sites and
opposes media presentations that glorify or endorse such practices.
Atshul and representatives discussed ways to modify the show to meet SAA's
positions.
*By Jeff Atshul, SAA President*
*California BLM Nabs Man for Archeological Vandalism*
In a plea agreement with the Mono County District Attorney's Office,
resident Howard Walters pleaded guilty to one charge of misdemeanor
vandalism and was ordered to pay $3,823 in restitution to the BLM after he
damaged a cultural site in the Chalfant area. Law enforcement rangers and
archeological staff from the BLM Bishop Field Office opened an
investigation into the damage of a cultural resource site in the Chalfant
Valley in January 2014 after rangers received a report of a man digging in
the area.
BLM Field Office Manager Steve Nelson said law enforcement caught Walters
digging in a known historic site and had illegally collected artifacts in
his possession. The damage took place on public and Los Angeles Department
of Water and Power lands in Mono County. Officers from several agencies
served a search warrant on the Walters home and seized additional artifacts
that the BLM says had been illegally taken from public lands.
*Nevada* *BLM Investigate Graffiti at Historic Hidden Cave in Nevada*
BLM officials are offering a $1,000 reward for information about the person
who spray-painted phrases including "I love Rachael" at an archeological
site east of Fallon, Nevada. The graffiti was found inside and outside
Hidden Cave. Thousands of artifacts have been found at the cave, which
archeologists say was used by humans from 800 to 5,000 years ago.
Authorities say they've also found bullet holes in the informational kiosk
and damage to interpretive sites and lighting.
BLM archeologist Jason Wright says this is the first instance of modern
vandalism to the cave, and it is "most disrespectful." He says the act is a
felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Public tours to Hidden Cave are temporarily suspended while law enforcement
investigates.
*Projects in Parks: *is taking a break this month.
*Slightly Off-Topic: **Star Wars dubbed in Navajo*!
There are dozens of alien languages spoken by at least as many different
life forms in "Star Wars: A New Hope," but when you remove the English
something sweet happens: The film's familiar images and sounds become
almost new. To experience "Star Wars" in an unfamiliar but beautiful
language is to appreciate how much care and ingenuity went into its design.
To see it with English subtitles is to appreciate the one aspect its
creator has never been celebrated for, the dialogue.
Sponsored by the Navajo Native Museum, Ellyn Stern Epcar oversaw roughly 70
voice actors representing 5 distinct Navajo dialects enacting the story of
rebel fighters at war with an evil galactic empire. All the resonances you
might imagine emerge from this take. When Luke Skywalker discovers the
charred remains of his family, massacred by Imperial Storm Troopers, the
scorched earth policy of 19th Century American Indian fighters comes to
mind. When Obi-Wan Kenobi tutors Luke on the ways of the Force, it evokes
the generic Native American mysticism we know from pop culture (even though
actual Navajo religious beliefs are more sophisticated and subtle than
"Stretch out with your feelings"). The Imperial Commanders seem to speak in
a harsher dialect. The Storm Troopers retain their thankless cannon fodder
status. And then there's Darth Vader: James Earl Jones's Vader balanced
malevolence and mellifluousness but Navajo Vader's thunderous voice is
simply terrifying.
The nicest surprise is how C-3PO, voiced this time by a woman, becomes a
soulful and complex bundle of tensions and contradictions. 3PO respectfully
gathers the bodies of slaughtered Jawa for burning in one scene, but later
hisses, "I can't abide those Jawas. Disgusting creatures!" when
encountering a living one. C-3PO's anger, self-pity and self-loathing come
through as tragicomedy in this vocal performance. C-3PO transfers the Jim
Crow discrimination he routinely faces (most famously at the Mos Eisley
Cantina) to his fellow droids and to anyone at or beneath his station. We
still love him because, underneath all of his cowardice and political
maneuvering, he is a mindful and lonely soul: His fretting over wounded
R2D2 at the end of the movie, wherein he offers to donate any of his own
parts necessary to restore his companion, is heartbreaking in plaintive,
feminine Navajo.
Navajo Princess Leia is sweeter and prissier, and Solo and Luke Skywalker
sound tougher than their American incarnations. Luke's famous whine is
gone, making it easier to see the seriousness that long underappreciated Mark
Hamill brought to his character's angst and arc.
The symphonic range of Navajo voices Epcar has brought to "Star Wars," laid
against the sonic poetry of composer John Williams and sound designer Ben
Burtt (especially in the always-gripping, cathartic Death Star assault)
reminds us that the intention was grand and lovely. It was nice of
Lucasfilm to let the Navajo Nation Museum produce this gift to the Navajo
Nation and anyone curious about Native American culture.
*From story by Steven Boone*
*To read the full review, go to *
http://www.rogerebert.com/balder-and-dash/star-wars-in-navajo
*To watch a Youtube video of one of the screenings, go to *
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzWp81b3ENA
*Projects in Parks *is a feature of the *Archeology E-Gram *that informs
others about archeology-related projects in national parks. The full
reports are available on the *Projects in Parks *web page
http://www.nps.gov/archeology/sites/npSites/index.htm or through individual
issues of the *Archeology E-Gram*.
*Archeology E-Gram*, distributed via e-mail on a regular basis, includes
announcements about news, new publications, training opportunities,
national and regional meetings, and other important goings-on related to
public archeology in the NPS and other public agencies. Recipients are
encouraged to forward *Archeology E-Grams* to colleagues and relevant
mailing lists. The *Archeology E-Gram* is available on the *News and Links *
pagewww.nps.gov/archeology/public/news.htm<http://www.nps.gov/archeology/public/news.htm_>
on
the NPS Archeology Program website.
*Contact*: Karen Mudar at [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]> to contribute news
items, stories for *Projects in Parks*, and to subscribe.
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