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Prehistoric Obsidian Exchange in Central Arizona at Yavapai College OLLI
Join the Natural History Institute and OLLI for a talk by archaeologist Michael Kellett on his research on obsidian trade routes among prehistoric peoples in West-Central Arizona.
In this presentation, local archaeologist Michael Kellett, M.A., will present his research on prehistoric obsidian acquisition in the Northern and Southern Sinagua, Prescott, and Cohonina culture areas. Kellett will share the plausible foraging and exchange routes he has mapped through analyzing obsidian artifacts at 608 prehistoric sites in west-central Arizona using a portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. He will explain how he has inferred these routes based on the spatial distribution of obsidian artifacts and least-cost path modeling that integrates slope, proximity to water, and vegetation community type.
Michael Kellett has a total of 25 years of experience working with the BLM and Forest Service, including three years supervising the heritage program on the Prescott National Forest. After retiring from federal land management, he completed his MA in Anthropology (research) at NAU and has over three years of experience as a professional archaeologist. His archaeological experience has included inventory and recording of cultural and historic resources in Arizona, Nevada, California, Utah, New Mexico, and Oregon. His experience also includes pedestrian survey, excavation, and construction monitoring. In addition to these experiences, Kellett holds a red card as a fire archaeologist, fire-line resource advisor, and burned area emergency response specialist. He has served in these capacities on dozens of wildland fire incidents throughout the Western US for 24 years.
This presentation will be held at Yavapai College Prescott Campus located at 1100 E Sheldon St Prescott, AZ 86301.
Rooted events are made possible by Arizona Humanities and sponsored by Findlay Subaru of Prescott.
