Past Horizons Issue 11

My favorite archaeological publication has just released its 11 issue.  If you haven't checked out Past Horizons before, I highly encourage you to.  The online publication is something I think every archaeologist should acquaint themselves with.  Not only is it completely digital, but it's also free!  In the most recent edition of Past Horizons you'll find these exciting articles:

Chum Balam-Nal - Belize

The Maya Research Program has been carrying out research at Blue Creek in Belize for many years now.  Their main focus of study centres on why an advanced society such as the Maya collapsed so dramatically. Their plans for the 2010 field season include the excavation of an elite area known as Chum Balam-Nal.

Painted Landscapes - California

The surreal pictographs of the Californian Chumash have been recognised as among the most elaborate and exquisite examples of rock-art found anywhere in the United States. A team of archaeologists led by David Robinson is carrying out a detailed examination of the art using the latest technologies.

A Refuge in the Desert? - Western Sahara

Nick Brooks and Joanne Clarke have been examining how prehistoric populations responded and adapted to severe climatic and environmental changes, specifically the desertification of the Saharan region between about 6000 and 4500 years ago.

Lords of the Sea - Norway

The Lofotr Museum is a replica of the largest chieftain’s long-house ever found in Scandinavia. The excavation of the long-house revealed much about life in late Iron-Age Northern Norway and showed that the inhabitants had traveled widely in order to trade.

Medicine Man - United Kingdom

Re-enactor Kevin Goodman describes the fascinating world of medical history and how research helps him bring authenticity to his performance.

and much more....

Click here to check it out.

Sexy Archaeology Holiday Gift Guide

The holiday season is upon us and whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah, Saturnalia, Festivus, Wookie Life Day or one of a dozen other December rituals, chances are you’ll be buying a gift for at least one person. And what if that person is an archaeologist? Whatever will you get them? Thankfully, Sexy Archaeology has you covered with our guide to holiday gift giving.

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Think you’ve got the cranial capacity to come up with the best present ever? Save all that energy and head over to Skulls Unlimited, the world’s leading supplier of osteological specimens. We watered a the mouth when we saw the extensive collection of replica fossil Hominid skeletons they have available.  What better present than a museum quality Australopithecus afarensis? How about an entire disarticulated Lucy skeleton? Really get creative by wrapping each bone individually.

Head over to Skulls Unlimited now!

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The Past Horizons tool store is your one stop shop for top archaeology gear at the lowest price. From trowels to finds bags, Past Horizons should be every archaeologist’s first stop to shop. We’re especially fond of their Archaeologist toolkit. This is the best toolkit we’ve seen yet; it comes complete with 4” WHS trowel, tapes, nails, plum bobs, and plenty more all in a handy 12 tool roll. You can pick one up today at the Past Horizons online store for £59.99.

Find this and more at Past Horizons!

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If your archaeologist conducts his or her work from the armchair, then the Time Team America DVDs are the perfect find! PBS has made all five episodes of the hit series available on DVD. Join host Colin Campbell as he takes you to some of America's hottest archaeology sites on a whirlwind three day dig. Our particular favorite is the Range Creek, Utah episode.... but we wouldn’t say no to the complete set.

Unearth this and more at PBS.org.

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Maybe your archaeologist is more of a hands on individual. Flint knapping never went out of style; it can be a great way to understand past peoples and the methods they employed to make the artifacts we find today.  Plus there's nothing more satisfying than the sound of a hammer stone against volcanic glass.  3 Rivers Archery has an excellent flint knapping kit, good for both beginners and modern day Clovis peoples.  As for the source material, we suggest keeping you eyes peeled to EBay for the best deals on flint and obsidian from around the globe.

Visit 3 Rivers Archery.

That's all for now.  If you have gift ideas you feel every archaeologist should know about, send us an email and let us know!

Past Horizons - Issue #9 Online!

The newest issue of the web-based archaeology journal, Past Horizons, is now streaming to a desktop, laptop and netbook near you!

This issue features page after digital page of exciting content for diggers of all experience levels.  Here is a summary of what's to offer:

• Fresco hunting in Western Bulgaria
• The Valley of the Zulu Kings
• Time Team America
• The Looting of Ratiaria
• And more

We love Past Horizons for the way it blends new media with hot topics in archaeology.  Its seamless integration of video blows our mind and the content is always a joy to read.  If you haven't checked out Past Horizons before it's a must read for any archaeologist.