Archaeologists To Discuss Flintknapping And ‘Life In The Pueblo’ At Montezuma Castle

Date: July 24, 2015
Contact: Caleb Kesler, 928-567-3322 x227

National Park ServiceNews Release

For Immediate Release –July 24, 2015
Caleb Kesler, Chief Ranger, MOCA/TUZI, 928-567-3322 x227

Camp Verde, AZ - Southwestern archaeologists Kathryn Kamp and John Whittaker will demonstrate the art of flintknapping and discuss "Life in the Pueblo", at a book signing Saturday, August 1, at Montezuma Castle National Monument, Camp Verde, AZ.The event, sponsored by Western National Parks Association, will be from 9:30 a.m. to noon with overviews of basic flintknapping techniques at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

During the academic year, Kathryn Kamp and John Whittaker are professors of anthropology at Grinnell College in Iowa.Both received their Ph.Ds from the University of Arizona and they have conducted research in the American Southwest for over 30 years.Two of their publications, "Flintknapping", and "Life in the Pueblo" will be available for purchase and may be signed by the authors.

"Life in the Pueblo" reflects Kathryn Kamp's interest in the roles of children and family life in prehistoric cultures of the Southwest, and the book explores science and methodology in a non-technical manner. The text is supported through illustrations by artist and archaeologist Amy Henderson of Flagstaff who will also be present for questions and answers.

"Flintknapping" outlines John Whittaker's research and expertise in ancient technologies and was the first popular book to outline stone tool manufacture from an archaeological perspective. At 10 a.m. and then again at 11 a.m., Dr. Whittaker will share basic flintknapping processes and he will explain how stone tools can be analyzed through archaeology.

The special program is offered through Western National Parks Association, the non-profit education partner for over 67 national parks and monuments across the West.All proceeds from sales through WNPA outlets, according to Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot store manager Mindi Gusman, go toward programs, products and services that enrich visitor experience.

Regular admission fees apply but there is no additional charge for the special program. All Federal recreation passes are accepted, including the annual, access, senior and military pass;children age 15 and under are no fee.

The National Park Service celebrates its 100^th Anniversary in 2016. Over 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 407 national parks and monuments and create close-to-home recreational and cultural opportunities.Montezuma Castle National Monument is located off I-17, exit 289 at 2800 Montezuma Castle Road, Camp Verde. For further information, call 928-567-3322, extension zero , visit www.nps.gov/moca or follow us at www.facebook.com/MontezumaNPS.

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