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The Topper Site
Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:03 am
by Beagle
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.
Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:12 am
by MichelleH
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
Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:25 am
by Beagle
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.
Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 11:51 am
by stan
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.
Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 12:30 pm
by Beagle
[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."
Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 12:33 pm
by Beagle
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.
Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 5:21 pm
by stan
it would be exciting to see those artifacts up close, or even hold one in your hand.
Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 6:59 pm
by AD
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
Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 7:03 am
by Charlie Hatchett
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.
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:26 pm
by Beagle
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.
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:29 pm
by Forum Monk
Bravo, Beagle.
I hope you're accepted. I will look forward to your reports.
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:36 pm
by Beagle
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.
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 8:32 pm
by stan
Way to go, Beagle. Be sure to take sunscreen
and deet.
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 9:42 pm
by Beagle
Thanks Stan, but I don't have any confirmation yet. I'll try to call tomorrow.
Registration
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 10:35 pm
by Cognito
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?
