Field Methods in Rock Art
May 15 – June 2, 2006

May 15–June 2, 2006, SHUMLA School presented the first Field Methods in Rock Art. This course was offered through the Department of Anthropology at Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, and was designed for both graduate and undergraduate credit.  The class was attended by eight students, seven from Texas State University and one from Texas Tech University in Lubbock.  Lectures and instruction were provided by lead instructor Dr Carolyn Boyd (rock art) and Elton Prewitt (archeology and mapping), assisted by Kathleen Burgess and Angel Johnson.  Dr. Phil Dering provided information about local plants, their identification and uses.

The three-week class included hands-on data collection, lectures, readings, student presentations, and creation of rock art renderings in an intensive introduction to the study of rock art as an archeological phenomenon.  In addition, participants were introduced to mapping and the process of developing a research design.  The acoustic properties of several of the shelters were also investigated.  In addition, students received instruction on the archeology of the Lower Pecos region.

During the course, rock art elements were identified, measured, and sketched in Red Beene, Halo, and Skiles Shelters.  Additional lectures were given at Fate Bell, Running Horse, White Shaman, Mystic, Cedar Springs, and Painted Shelters, as well as Kelly Cave, Bonfire Shelter, and Eagle Cave in Mile Canyon. Several sites in Satan Canyon were visited.

A number of SHUMLA School staff and volunteers made this program possible.  Kathleen Burgess prepared the majority of the meals.  Assisting with whatever needed doing were Missy Harrington, Jack Harrington, Nathan Martinez, Angel Johnson, and Jack Johnson.  Missy thoroughly spoiled students with delicious homemade cakes throughout the field school.  She and Jack made numerous food and supply runs to keep everyone fed and happy.

Kathleen also took many of the photographs used during the program.  Angel Johnson took detailed shots of the rock art to be used by Nathan Martinez who helped students enhance photos in Photoshop to bring out the painted surface that cannot be seen with the naked eye.  Jack Johnson produced sketches of Red Beene and Halo Shelters.

The course was considered a success by instructors and students alike and will likely be offered in the future.

For information about this class and future offerings contact Craig Hensley at chensley@shumla.org or call the SHUMLA offices at 432-292-4848.