About CAI
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The Center for Archaeological Investigations (CAI) is the premiere archaeological research center in southern Illinois. Our research staff are focused on developing research projects that provide students with experiential learning opportunities to help prepare them for careers in archaeology and related fields. Since 1978, the CAI's research agenda has been recognized internationally for the contributions that our staff have made within the field of archaeology.
The CAI is committed to protecting and understanding the cultural patrimony of the Americas and to facilitating national and international archaeological research. To fulfill these goals, we have a C.O.R.E. Mission, which includes Curation, Outreach, Research, and Education.
- Curation activities, which include the care and use of archaeological collections for research, student training, and public education.
- Outreach, actively engaged with the local and regional community of amateur and professional archaeologists, students and educators alike.
- Research, funded by grant and contract agencies.
- Education, applied Training for students in field and laboratory methods, CRM legislation, curation, and more.
Science in Archaeology
The use of scientific instruments to analyze the elemental composition of artifacts and remotely search for subsurface features at archaeological sites is increasingly coming to the forefront in archaeology. The CAI currently is in the process of acquiring remote sensing equipment that can be used to provide students with “hands-on” training in the use of such instruments. We recently (2015) acquired a state-of-the art GSSI SIR 4000 ground penetrating radar unit that can be used to remotely search for archaeological features such as building foundations, graves, and wells at historic period archaeological sites. By summer 2016, the CAI also will have a Geometrics Model 858 Cesium Magnetometer that can be used to conduct similar types of studies at prehistoric archaeological sites. The CAI anticipates training students in the use of these instruments as part of cultural resources management (CRM) classes offered through the SIU Anthropology Department, projects we conduct on an annual basis for state and federal agencies, and public outreach projects for the local southern Illinois community.
Students and staff working for the CAI also have the opportunity to obtain training and experience in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and portable-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis. GIS is increasingly used by federal agencies to spatially plot the locations and distribution of archaeological sites that they manage and the CAI routinely conducts this type of research for the federal and state governments.
The CAI also has access to a portable-ray fluorescence (pXRF) instrument belonging to the University that can be used for archaeological research. This past year (2015) CAI staff used the pXRF instrument to examine the elemental composition of prehistoric rock art paintings in southern Illinois as part of a grant from the National Geographic Society (NGS). We also (2015) conducted a pXRF analysis of white residue located around a series of perforations on the base of a brass kettle recovered from a late 1700s-early 1800s Native American Sauk village in Illinois. This revealed that the white residue was lead, suggesting that the perforated kettle base may have been used in the production of lead shot, the first time that this type of artifact had been identified at a historic period Native American site in Illinois. We anticipate that pXRF rock art and metal artifact analyses will continue to form part of CAI studies in the future, providing students with an opportunity to receive training in the use of pXRF technology on future research projects.
CAI is dedicated to promoting science in archaeology. We aid students in learning and refining their abilities using both industry-standard and state-of-the-art analytical techniques, from remote sensing to spatial analysis. The Center is equipped to train students and facilitate analysis using techniques such as: portable xground penetrating radar (GPR), magnetometry (coming late in 2016), geographic information systems (GIS).
Field Research Opportunities
The CAI works closely with Federal (USDA Forest Service, National Park Service), State, and local clients on a wide range of Cultural Resource Management (CRM) or applied archaeology projects in southern Illinois and adjacent states. Such projects provide student employees and interns with practical skills in archaeological survey, test pit and larger-scale excavation, historical research, and other skills used in CRM. The CAI uses state-of-the art techniques including ground penetrating radar (GPR); paper-free in-field data collection using forms designed for the IPAD; and professional map preparation using ESRI’s ArcGIS in conducting CRM and other investigations.
Our goals in conducting CRM research are to provide our partners such as the USDA Forest Service with accurate high-quality information that will enable them to better manage archaeological sites on federal land as well as to provide our students with experiential learning opportunities in applied archaeology that will aid them in gaining employment upon graduation.