March Tool meeting.

Following the business part of this month's meeting, President David Johnson, led us through a fabulous discussion of the various kinds of lithic tools found in our region. In addition to pointers as to what characteristics to look for, by physically handling these objects, we got a feel for these tools which should be very helpful in the field, especially for our newer members.

Next month the subject will be understanding how these object were made.

Copper Axe Stolen from Exhibits!

(Updated info at: SRAC "River, Rocks, and Time")

The following is a forward from Cahokia Mounds Staff regarding the recent theft of a copper celt that was on display at the Museum, similar to the one shown on this link.

http://www.geocities.com/fdocc3/figure4.jpg

"Copper Axe Stolen from Exhibits

We recently discovered that a copper celt (axe) had been stolen from one of our exhibit cases. The thieves apparently were able to compromise the security of the case at the "Fiber" display. It was solid copper, 5+ inches long, 2 inches wide, and 7/8 inch thick. One side had fabric impressions on the surface caused by the copper oxidizing and incorporating the pattern of the cloth or bag in which it originally had been wrapped. There was a catalog number on it, 19 x 862. Please keep an eye out for this axe and if you see it or something similar for sale, please contact us.
This comes at a time when we are understaffed due to budget cuts but we are taking special steps to make sure all the cases are more secure. Other than some minor vandalism, this is the first artifact theft at the Interpretive Center in the 20 years since it opened.

William R. Iseminger
Asst. Site Manager/Public Relations
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
30 Ramey Street
Collinsville, IL 62234
Email: cahokia.mounds@sbcglobal.net
Web: www.cahokiamounds.com"

THE ARCHAEOLOGIST: Vol. 3, March 2009 excerpts

Meeting Notice: The March meeting will be held on Friday, March 20, at 7:30 P.M. A discussion on identification of lithic tools will include hands-on experience.

Dear Chapter Members,

Since the last meeting several members have contacted me and commented on how much they enjoyed the last meeting. Nearly all the newer members told me they learned something from the meeting. I hope the upcoming meeting will be as successful. This meeting will concentrate on tools. During the course of the presentation we will examine different types of tools as well as different designs for a tool type during different historical phases. Brian will also discuss his display on identifying broken points.

If you have a variety of tools that were found in the area please bring them to the meeting so we can group them and discuss each type. As much as possible, I would like to group each tool type together, such as hammer stones, scrapers, etc. Therefore it would be wise to label your artifacts so they don’t get mixed up. My suggestion is put a small piece of masking tape with your initials on it on the tool. Since it will be on the artifact for a short period of time it shouldn’t mark it. I will be contacting various members to assist with the presentation.

I look forward to seeing you at the meeting,

Dave

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Forum: The NYS Archaeological Association annual meeting will be held in Rochester April 17, 18 and 19th. This is a great conference with great speakers and opportunities for fellowship with the premier archaeologists in New York State today.

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DUES: Many thanks for those who have sent in their dues. As we change to electronic mailings, you will no longer be reminded by the date next to your name on the envelope. Please remit by April 1st, so that we can report you as a member of the NYS Association. Active member is $25 and Dual Member is $35. Send a check to IOCCNYSAA, 60 Decker Drive, Middletown, N.Y. 10940.

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Your Newsletter publisher is Ray Decker.