Unfortunately, I am in the business of priceless antiquities.  The difference between myself, a scientist, and a looter, is that instead of money signs, I see excel sheets full of invaluable information that can aid in our accurate research and retelling of prehistory.  When I look at a whole, intact vase or bowl made 1000 years ago, I look at its stylistic variables, its quality, and any associated archaeological features so that I can try to piece its life and the life of its creator in my head.  I have a tangible relationship with a person who lived 1000 years ago because of this one, beautiful and personal object they created and I rediscovered.  This is what makes the object priceless to me.  I cannot ascribe a monetary figure to it, and I make it my job to discourage and stop those who do.

Therefore, based on this information, I cannot give away too much information on this blog as to where or what we are mapping, collecting and documenting.  I can say it is the most impressive site I have ever worked on, and will alter our perception of archaeology and prehistory in the region where I work.  And yes, my team did find a pyramid.  We have found quite a bit that will aid on a successful reconstruction of life as it was 1000 years ago.  I only hope that my skills and abilities are sufficient so that my analysis will do justice to the people that once lived here, such as the everyday makers of the very pottery that I pick up off the ground.

If this sounds too romanticized for your taste, then so be it.  These are the thoughts that pass through my head every time I enter the field.  When I find myself standing in an ancient room, I picture a small family inside, making food, eating, children playing with figurines.  When I pick up an obsidian blade, I think of the care and skill it took someone to create it, and that it was used to process maize or maguey.  I attribute personal, human qualities to everything I do and see in archaeology, and because I see myself as an anthropologist first, an archaeologist second, and a historian third.

So, with this lengthy disclaimer out of the way, I can say with the utmost confidence that I have enough data to do three dissertations!  The site is amazing, and believe me, you will be seeing it in publications over the next ten years.  But for those that can’t wait quite so long, I may be able to let some details slip when I see you, after an oath of secrecy of course   The work is daunting, but even with the knowledge of the enormous task of data collection and processing that lies ahead, we remain as giddy and excited as ever.  I am so lucky to have this opportunity, and to do what I do.  When you are continually amazed by what you do, and when that tingling moment of excitement never seems to fade, never gets dull with each discovery, then you can count yourself among the truly lucky.

Other than that, I find myself falling deeper in love with the country, region, people and history of this region.  But I must say, my deepest love is for the food!  And yet, no matter how much I consume, I still seem to be losing weight, thanks to the rigorous hiking and climbing that is in store for us everyday.  But I will continue to find time to write and share my adventures, and thank you so much for reading them.  Until next time…