CPaCE News

Out in the desert of northwestern Arizona, at Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, is a place called Mount Trumbull. It is the Indigenous homeland of what some archeologists describe as Ancestral Puebloans and is now overseen by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. During six weeks between July 1st and August 10th, 2021, this area was the destination of CSULB’s Archaeological Field Research Trip. A team of 16 students, one instructor, and one volunteer cook arrived in the wilderness to learn more about the many mysteries that remain in the Western world’s study of the ancient human past. 

Leading the search was Sachiko Sakai, Ph.D., a multi-talented expert from CSULB’s Department of Anthropology. While the Covid-19 pandemic required the cancellation of most field trips, Dr. Sakai developed extensive safety protocols, and was able to obtain a travel exception from CSULB President Jane Close Conoley.  

In addition to leading the Arizona field trips every year since 2005, Dr. Sakai is a lecturer for courses including Prehistoric Cultures of North America; Cultural Resource Management; and Pyramids, Tombs, and Treasure: Wonders of the Past. She is also a lab manager at the on-campus Institute for Integrated Research in Materials, Environments, and Society (IIRMES), which serves cross-disciplinary research collaborations between science faculty and students. Among the high-tech equipment at IIRMES is Dr. Sakai’s specialty: Optically-Stimulated Luminescence (OSL), a technique used to date archaeological and geological events by analyzing objects according to their past exposure to heat or light. 

At Mt. Trumbull, the research team’s task was to survey the land for materials that could be analyzed this way, from rocks and sediments to Native American pottery shards and tools. While modern Pueblo tribal groups like the Hopi and Zuni are probably related to Ancestral Puebloan people, the history of European colonization, displacement, and genocide has complicated the ability to make direct links between specific historical groups and their living descendants. According to the National Park Service, the area’s living communities are “made up of multiple groups from widespread geographical origins.” 

“Knowing that I could learn more about the Indigenous peoples of the Southwest played a part,” said student Jean Pickard, describing her motivation to join the trip as part of her Anthropology studies, which include a concentration in Archaeology and a certificate in Cultural Resource Management. 

Although she was already matriculating at CSU Dominguez Hills, Jean applied to CSULB for the 2021 Summer Sessions term specifically so she could go to Mt. Trumbull with Dr. Sakai. Jean is also considering a master’s degree at CSULB (where both her father and brother are alumni), after she graduates with a bachelor’s degree and pursues work as an archeological technician. 

“Mt. Trumbull is special in its remoteness—75 miles from town on a dirt road—beauty, and educational opportunities,” Jean said. “The field school was a perfect extension of [Dr. Sakai’s Methods and Techniques in Archaeology class] because I got to use my new skills in a real-world situation, helping Dr. Sakai further her own research.” 

“Jean is one of the best students!” exclaimed Dr. Sakai, who plans to lead another group again this summer. 

“Another memory that I carry with me is the camaraderie among the group,” Jean continued. “We worked long, hard days and enjoyed our time together.” 

The field school is being offered again this summer, and is open to all students, regardless of major course of study or residency, as well as any qualified non-students. It is offered as part of CSULB’s Summer Sessions. Those interested in attending should request an information and application packet by sending a request to Sachiko.Sakai@csulb.edu. The review of applications will begin in April 2022, and students will be notified about their acceptance soon thereafter. After students are accepted, they will be sent detailed information about cost, medical coverage, and other forms. There will also be at least one mandatory pre-trip meeting.  

Click here to learn more about CSULB Summer Sessions.