The Topper Site

Beagle · Post by **Beagle** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:03 am

http://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/ ... 4968c.html

It was on the banks of the Savannah River in Allendale County where Al Goodyear in 2004 found the clues of an ancient civilization that could rewrite the history books.

The University of South Carolina archaeologist and a group of volunteers unearthed artifacts estimated to be 50,000 years old, implying humans lived on this continent before the last Ice Age, far earlier than previously believed.

They uncovered what appeared to be cutting tools and stone chisels used by humans that existed an estimated 37,000 years before the earliest-known inhabitants, known as the Clovis culture. It was a discovery that rocked the archaeological community and generated international media attention.

I wonder if Al will be calling for helpers this year.

Post by **MichelleH** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:12 am

Beagle, the answer is yes. Here is the information:

TO VOLUNTEER

What it is: The Allendale Paleoamerican Expedition, a volunteer field program allowing the public to spend a week or more helping to excavate an archaeological site in Allendale County where some of the oldest artifacts in North America have been found

Where: Historic Topper Site, banks of the Savannah River, near Martin (about 95 miles northwest of Hilton Head Island)

When: May 1-June 2

Cost: $416 per week ($350 is tax-deductible). Includes lectures, programs, two meals a day, a workbook and a T-shirt. Lodging not included.

Sign up: http://www.allendale-expedition.net, (803) 777-8170

Beagle · Post by **Beagle** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:25 am

Thank you Michelle. I'll try to find out if he will accept someone with no experience. Like me. I'll let you all know.

stan · Post by **stan** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 11:51 am

Last year or year before a teenager I know went down there
and volunteered for a week. In addition to all the fun down in the
digs, there are the mosqitoes and 90+degree temperatures. However, she was also taught how to
flint-knap, and made a few projectile points.

Beagle · Post by **Beagle** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 12:30 pm

[img][img]http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h298/ ... otools.jpg[/img][/img]

Here are some pre-clovis artifacts from the Topper site. The first thing I thought when I viewed them was "looks like something Charlie dug up."

Beagle · Post by **Beagle** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 12:33 pm

stan wrote:Last year or year before a teenager I know went down there
and volunteered for a week. In addition to all the fun down in the
digs, there are the mosqitoes and 90+degree temperatures. However, she was also taught how to
flint-knap, and made a few projectile points.

Despite the temp. and the bugs, I would still like to get down there. I almost went last time.

stan · Post by **stan** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 5:21 pm

it would be exciting to see those artifacts up close, or even hold one in your hand.

AD · Post by AD » Sat Feb 17, 2007 6:59 pm

Hi Stan...

it would be exciting to see those artifacts up close, or even hold one in your hand.

It's been known to happen... Take a look at http://www.daysknob.com/Topper_A.htm

Alan

Charlie Hatchett · Post by **Charlie Hatchett** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 7:03 am

The first thing I thought when I viewed them was "looks like something Charlie dug up.

They sure do.

Especially the blade stuff. One of the cores from Topper looks very similar to cores I've found here.

Beagle · Post by **Beagle** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:26 pm

I may get a chance to learn a lot more about them Charlie. I've registered to go down there, and I'm waiting to see whether or not they're already filled up or whatever.

Forum Monk · Post by **Forum Monk** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:29 pm

Bravo, Beagle.

I hope you're accepted. I will look forward to your reports.

Beagle · Post by **Beagle** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:36 pm

Thanks Monk. Charlie has educated us a lot on these lithic artifacts, and I'd love to get a little hands on experience. This will be my first ever dig, if I get to go.

stan · Post by **stan** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 8:32 pm

Way to go, Beagle. Be sure to take sunscreen
and deet.

Beagle · Post by **Beagle** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 9:42 pm

Thanks Stan, but I don't have any confirmation yet. I'll try to call tomorrow.

Cognito · Post by **Cognito** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 10:35 pm

Thanks Stan, but I don't have any confirmation yet. I'll try to call tomorrow.

Jesus F. Christ, Beags. Don't mention our names or they'll put you on latrine duty!

Then again, if you are accepted, be sure to tell Goodyear that our artifacts look nicer, OK?

Archaeologica.org

The Topper Site

The Topper Site

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