http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/23458 University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, senior archaeology theses, 2007- http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/38044 A comparison of excavation methods between the War Eagle and Bertrand steamboats Marquardt, Ashley The steamboats Bertrand and War Eagle operated in a similar brief period of time in the United States and were both primarily excavated in the 1960s. The sites described in this paper are representative of a terrestrial waterlogged site (Bertrand) and an underwater river site (War Eagle.) The paper highlights the problems associated with underwater archaeology compared to terrestrial. This paper is a synthesis of materials and a comparison of the Bertrand steamboat and War Eagle steamboat and the resulting archaeology. This comparison will discuss the excavation methods utilized by each group to their respected steamboats during the 1960s and how those methods impacted the archaeology record of these sites. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/38042 Egyptian brewing : the production of beer based on archaeological evidence Luoma, Eli Production of beer in ancient Egypt was an important daily activity. Beer was an essential part of the nutrition of the ancient Egyptian as well as important in religious life. Beer production dates back to at least the 35th century BC. The standard model for the production of beer in ancient Egypt is based on the interpretation of artistic depictions in tombs and the modern practice of making bouza, a beer produced by Nubian and Coptic populations in modern Egypt. Another model has been put forth by Delwen Samuel that uses high powered microscopy to analyze beer residues. Based on starch morphology, Samuel argues that the standard method of brewing needs to be rethought. Using this model for beer production, I attempted to reproduce beer of ancient Egypt. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/38036 Revisiting Seville : the significance of house-yard burials at the Seville Plantation, St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica Kutz, Thomas L. The phenomenon of African slave house-yard burials in Jamaica is a rare occurrence. Archaeological excavations in the 1990s on the Seville Plantation site uncovered four separate house-yard burials typical of a distinct African burial pattern dating to the 18th century. Using spatial analysis, as well as comparative studies with contemporary burial sites in the Caribbean and burial sites within the African slave culture from the 18th and 19th centuries, this paper examines the significance of these burials. The distinguishing attributes of the individuals as well as the burial practices, funerary beliefs, and artifacts collected are examined. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/38008 A comparative study of the Swennes woven nettle bag and weaving techniques Karoll, Amy B. During recent years, the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center (MVAC) has acquired permission to look at a beautifully preserved bag from 47Lc84, a rockshelter located in La Crosse County, Wisconsin. The bag is tentatively dated to the Oneota cultural tradition (A.D. 1250-1650) based on pottery sherds associated with it. Nothing of its kind has been found archaeologically in this region before, owing mostly to poor preservation conditions. Due to its uniqueness, there is nothing to compare it to within the Oneota tradition. Therefore, to gain a better understanding of this bag, a cross-cultural study was undertaken. This paper examines separate sites in the American Midwest, as well as textile impressions that are preserved on pottery, the ethnohistoric and early historic record, and modern hand-weaving techniques to determine the textile tradition from which the bag may have emerged as well as how it was constructed. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/38002 English and Irish medieval fortified ecclesiastical structures and the Bishop's Manor in Kilteasheen, Ireland Helland, Alex In this research paper I compare Irish and English ecclesiastical fortified stone structures in the 13th century in order to isolate English stone mason influences. It examines the techniques used in the construction between the two types of stone structures by focusing on the materials used in the construction along with over-all architectural design of stone structures. Analysis of extant stone walls reveals the similarities and differences between the Irish and English ways of construction. The similarities and differences of these structures will perhaps show if the Irish copied English stone masons in their architectural designs, or if they improved on English designs by adding new techniques to their fortified stone structures. By examining the Bishop's Manor at the Kilteasheen site in Roscommon Co. along with the Kells Priory site in Kilkenny Co., Ireland, it will demonstrate early evidence of whether or not Irish copied the English or developed their own way of construction for their fortified stone structures. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/37570 Woodland occupation of the Lower Sand Lake Site (47Lc45-1), La Crosse, Wisconsin Heier, Robin The Lower Sand Lake Site (47Lc45) was first excavated in 1984 by archaeologists from the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center (MVAC) with additional excavations during the 2008 field season, by MVAC archaeologists and students from University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. The Lower Sand Lake is a multicomponent prehistoric site located on a ridge and swale along County Trunk Highway S in La Crosse County, Wisconsin. Recovered artifacts included thousands of pieces of Woodland grit-tempered pottery. For this project I am identifying the ceramic types to illustrate a local sequence of Woodland occupations from Early through the Late Woodland, with an analytical emphasis on ceramics from the Late Woodland period. In addition, I discuss the evidence for interaction between the Late Woodland and Mississippian periods, based on the types of ceramics identified and their distribution across the site. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/37568 Impact of crusader castles upon European western castles in the Middle Ages Hampe, Jordan During the Middle Ages, the period from roughly AD 1000-1450, the structure of castles changed greatly from wooden motte and bailey to stone keeps and defenses within stone city walls. The reason for the change was largely influenced by the crusades as Europeans went to the Holy Lands to conquer. In addition to conquering, these kings brought back a new way of designing and fortifying their castles in England, Wales and France. Without the influence of the crusades, what we think of as true middle age castles would not exist. For my paper I will analyze the impact the crusades had on forming the middle age castles by evidence surviving in the archaeological record from before and after the crusades as well as modifications done on castles to accommodate crusader changes to show the drastic influence of crusader castle fortifications upon English, Welsh and French castles. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/37566 Cannibalism and Aztec human sacrifice Zink, Stephanie As the nature of Aztec cannibalism is poorly known, this paper examines the extent to which it was practiced and the motives behind it. Using the methodology of documentary research I have determined that the Aztecs did in fact engage in cannibalism, specifically ritual and gustatory cannibalism, however, the extent of it is indefinite. The analysis that I have conducted suggests that, while several hypotheses exist, there is only one that is backed by the evidence: Aztec cannibalism was practiced for religious reasons. In order to better understand this issue, other hypotheses must be examined. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/37564 EMPA and EDXA analysis of slag from the multicomponent site of Pirque Alto, Bolivia Thomas, Colin In June 2007 the UW-L Bolivian Archaeological Field School uncovered two features consisting of rings of standing stones at the multicomponent agricultural site of Pirque Alto near Cochabamba, Bolivia. These features contain a form of unidentified slag within the ring, indicating that the features served as reduction furnaces. This paper demonstrates, by means of electron microprobe analysis, the composition of the slag sample as well as the nature and purpose of the forge features, and their probable date. EMPA indicates that the slag itself is the result of copper smelting occurring at very high temperatures indicating that the features served as the bases of huayrachina furnaces. This paper utilizes information from past research on the site of Pirque Alto as well as ethnographic accounts of huayrachina use to imply a Middle Horizon (C.E. 500-1000) date to the smelting activities of Pirque Alto, as well as technological influence from the site of Tiwanaku. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/37460 Lithic analysis of Cade 3 (47Ve630) in Vernon County, Wisconsin Straskowski, Mike Cade 3 is one of several archaeological sites located within the Cade National Register Archaeological District, located in the Bad Axe River Valley in Vernon County, Wisconsin. This site was partially excavated in the summers of 2004 and 2007 by the UW-La Crosse field methods course in Archaeology. The focus of this paper is the description of the excavation and recovered lithic materials from Cade 3 in 2007. Projectile points were the most common diagnostic archaeological material found during the excavation. Lithic analysis includes raw material sourcing, heat treated material, and temporal range. The surface collections of projectile points from the surrounding sites are used to increase the sample size and regional perspective. The projectile points from Cade 3 and nearby surface collections (Cade 1 and Cade 2) were compared to those recovered from Cade 9 (47Ve625). The results revealed that there is evidence that this site was occupied during Middle-Late Archaic and Late Woodland period. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/37458 Unity in numbers : the archaeology of the demimonde (1840-1917) Sharpless, Megan Prostitution served as a logical economic career choice for women in the nineteenth century due to a lack of prosperous labor options. It offered the hope of a modest economic status and autonomy for women despite the societal isolation, prejudices, and health risks associated with the trade. Recent archaeological excavations of brothels offer a more complete understanding of these working-class and marginalized women. Material evidence of their daily lives can further expand our knowledge in such areas and contextualize the narratives of historical analysis. A limited but growing field in historical contract archaeology of vice and Red-Light districts, in cities such as New York, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, and Los Angeles, can help explain various aspects of class, gender, and sexuality in this time period. The investigation and interpretation of the material record provides crucial evidence into the residences of these women. By taking a look at parallel and unparallel patterns and associations in artifact assemblages, a clearer understanding of what constitutes brothel material culture in the nineteenth century can be more clearly defined. The categories of my results included faunal remains, ceramics, pharmaceutical accoutrement, child-related artifacts, and personal items. The history and analysis of prostitution covers the oldest female labor trade in the world. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/37456 Analytical comparison of two 16th century shipwrecks Schoenleben, Tom In 1559, a small Spanish fleet arrived in what is now known as Pensacola Bay in Pensacola, Florida. They were to attempt the first Spanish settlement in Florida. Shortly after their arrival, severe weather crippled and sank several of the Spanish ships. Underwater archaeologists found the first of the lost fleet in 1992, and have conclusively identified it as one of the missing Spanish ships. A second ship has been found nearby and is undergoing excavation. Hundreds of artifacts have been recovered and are being compared to those from the first shipwreck. Through comparative analysis of site features, wreckage, and the artifacts recovered, it is possible to determine if this second wreck is indeed part of the same Spanish fleet. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/37454 Effects of Greco-Romanization on the worship of Isis in the ancient Mediterranean Richmond, Jaclyn The expansion of the Hellenistic and Roman empires brought their people into direct contact with a variety of cultures. Exposure to foreign deities had a significant impact on the role of religion in ancient world, especially as the Greeks and Romans adapted them to fit the ideals of their own societies. After its spread outside of the boundaries of ancient Egypt, the worship of Isis became one of the most popular mystery religions in the ancient world. Within Egypt, however, it appears that the role of Isis was relatively static. The interpretation of archaeological evidence, such as temple remains, physical objects used in connection with cult practices, and artistic representations of the deity can be used to piece together information about how the worship of Isis changed after its interaction with the Greek and Roman worlds, both within Egypt and as it spread throughout the ancient Mediterranean. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/37452 Use of forensic archaeology to investigate genocide Peterson, Karla The discipline of forensic archaeology is an essential component in the investigation of genocide. A forensic archaeologist is trained in grave recognition, excavation, and the identification of human remains. They are also able to assist in the lab with the investigation of skeletal remains and the recovered artifacts. Forensic archaeologists have been utilized in many genocide investigations, including in Rwanda, Argentina, and Bosnia. Along with other specialists, a forensic archaeologist is able to provide documentation of the genocide that took place and to quantify the number of deaths. They are able to assist both international courts and victims families in understanding exactly what took place to the victims. This paper is going to look at the background of the discipline of forensic archaeology. It will also investigate how forensic archaeology was used to investigate the genocide that took place in Rwanda in 1994. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/37052 Archaeological history of Roman glass Meisner, Marisa Glass, in its natural form, has been used since the Stone Age, but it wasn't until about 3000 B.C., after the Phoenicians inadvertently "discovered" glass, that glassmaking techniques were developed and manufactured glass became an important part of human culture. In ancient times, people were conscious both of its utility and of its beauty. It was the Romans, however, who refined the art of glass working, adding to its utilization. Their established trade networks ensured its trafficking throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. Several archaeological sites, as discussed in this paper, hold clues as to how glass was made and why it was so widely used and, in the beginning of its production, so highly prized.