Press Release
ANZA-BORREGO FOUNDATION AND INSTITUTE
P.O. BOX 2001, BORREGO SPRINGS, CA 92004
(760) 767-4063
FAX (760) 767-0465
October 15, 2007
Contact: Sally Theriault
**For Immediate Release**
The Anza-Borrego Foundation & Institute and the Colorado Desert Archaeology Society Award 2007 Begole Archaeological Research Grants
Borrego Springs, CA.
Two research grants were recently awarded in a grant-proposal competition for the second annual Begole Archaeological Research Grant (BARG) program in the Colorado Desert District of California State Parks. The annual BARG grant funds are generated through the proceeds of an endowment set up with the Anza-Borrego Foundation & Institute through the generosity of Robert S. Begole. The two successful grant applicants and a description of the projects are below:
Title: Exploring Prehistoric Raw material Resources in the Anza-Borrego Desert through Compositional Analysis
Grant Recipient: Patrick Sean Quinn, Ph.D. (Department of Archaeology, University of Sheffield) and Margie Burton, Ph.D. (Director of Research, San Diego Archaeological Center)
Grant Amount: $5000
Abstract: This project comprises the first detailed assessment of precontact ceramic raw materail resources in the Anza-Borrego Desert. Building on new research into the composition of ceramics from several desert archaeological sites, it aims to identify the probable sources of clay and temper uses by indigenous people during the Late Prehistoric period of this era. Geological field prospection will be combined with laboratory compositional analysis to link recently tested desert ceramics to the landscape in which they occur. Data generated will be used to evaluate hypotheses concerning population origins, movement and cultural development in this archeaologically important area.
Title: Feasibility of Using Protein Residue Analysis to Determine Materials Processed within Bedrock Milling Features.
Grant Recepient: Joan S. Schneider, Ph.D. (University of California, Riverside and California State Parks) and Bonnie P. Bruce, (California State University, San Marcos)
Grant Amount: $5000
Abstract: This Pilot Project will test efficacy of protein residue analysis for determining resource types processed within bedrock milling features. We select three varied environmental situations with bedrock features and collect 10 matched samples from each area (extract from bedrock milling surfaces + soil samples) for cross-over electrophoresis for protein residues of animals (16 antisera available) and plants (14 antisera available). Results will determine (1) if this type of analysis is feasible and (2) if positive reactions to plant and animal materials have the potential to resolve long-standing questions about the use of bedrock features of various types.
For further information contact: Chuck Bennett, Chair, Colorado Desert Archaeology Society, 760-767-4760 or desrtratz@aol.com
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