Agates of the Oregon Coast: Living Amid Middens—Preserving the Past, Looking to the Future

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Living Amid Middens—Preserving the Past, Looking to the Future

Steeves presents a series of slides to demonstrate that, as one travels on Highway 101 along the Oregon coast, visual reminders of ancient lifeways can be observed in the form of piles of shells discarded during prehistoric seafood feasts. These middens or ancient Indian sites provide clues to earlier environmental conditions and adaptation to the environment by Indian peoples utilizing the abundant available resources over thousands of years.

For those of you that missed this wonderful presentation. It is now online for your enjoyment...

For more than 20 years, Steeves has been involved in research and preservation of significant archaeological sites on the central Oregon coast. A native Oregonian, she grew up at the coast and returned here to work following doctoral studies at the University of Oregon. She has had a life-long interest in Indian cultures and a passion for understanding the coastal environment. During her 36-year archaeological career, she has literally walked across the state documenting sites. With hiking boots on, she continues to enjoy exploring her back (and front) yard, as much as traveling the world.

Find out what archaeologists, working closely with tribal members and scientists, have learned about the central Oregon coast, and why preservation of these non-renewable resources is critical. Cultural sites in and near Yachats will be considered in relation to the Oregon coast archaeological record.

Editors note: Courtesy photo - Newport News Times file

AGATES OF THE OREGON COAST

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