New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies

Upcoming Events

June 10, 2012

Chiles and Sherds at Turquoise Hill
Annual FOA and OAS celebration, June 10

August 11, 2012

Santa Clara Feast Day
Lunch and talk, August 11–12

August 25, 2012

Zia Pueblo Agricultural Fields
FOA hike, lunch, and exhibition, August 25

From the Director

Archaeology is a subfield of anthropology. We study linguistics, social organization, and physical anthropology on our way to our degrees and careers breathing dust and diesel fumes under a hot sun. This diverse background gives me license to stray into physical anthropology, with a brief review of the evolutionary genetics of skin color. . .
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About the Office of Archaeological Studies

The Office of Archaeological Studies conducts archaeological research projects throughout New Mexico with a diverse group of 35–50 archaeologists and support staff. Our mission is to identify, interpret, and share information about prehistoric and historic sites across the state. The office serves state agencies and private organizations that need archaeological studies performed as part of their development projects. In addition, we also provide ethnographic and historical research services. We have an education outreach program that directly interacts with New Mexicans in order to answer their questions about archaeology, history, and the heritage of New Mexico. Under Chuck Hannaford's leadership, that program has twice received the Society for American Archaeology's Excellence in Public Education Award, in 2005 and again in 2012.

View from High Rolls Cave In addition to client-initiated projects, the Office of Archaeological Studies conducts research projects that are funded by grants and private donations. Many of the projects make use of a dedicated corps of volunteers. The office provides training opportunities for university students and makes use of their skills in the latest technology. We also collaborate on archaeological projects with Mexico's national archaeological program and have held educational outreach programs in surrounding states.

The office has five specialized laboratories, a small library, and a Publications Department. We have nationally recognized specialists in pottery, botany, and osteology. Our archaeomagnetic dating laboratory is one of two full-time laboratories in the United States that are dedicated to this dating technique.