Was it a pot sherd? Was it a stone tool? Whatever it was, it likely passed through the hands of the New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies.
Welcome to the New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies. This institution plays a crucial role in preserving New Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. The office identifies interprets and shares information about the state’s prehistoric and historic sites.
Established in 1990 the Office of Archaeological Studies builds on the work of the Museum of New Mexico’s Laboratory of Anthropology. The Laboratory of Anthropology developed a contract archaeology program in the 1950s. Today the Office of Archaeological Studies operates largely on private support.
The New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies conducts research projects throughout New Mexico. A diverse team of archaeologists and support staff contribute to this work. The office serves state agencies and private organizations needing archaeological studies. These studies are often part of development projects. The office also provides ethnographic and historical research services.
The New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies boasts specialized laboratories. One is an archaeomagnetic dating laboratory. This is one of only two full-time laboratories in the United States dedicated to this technique. Another lab focuses on low-energy plasma radiocarbon sampling. This allows nearly non-destructive dating of fragile archaeological materials.
Since 1952 Office of Archaeological Studies archaeologists have conducted over 800 archaeological projects. They have produced nearly 1000 reports. Their work spans New Mexico adjacent states and northern Mexico.
The office’s award-winning education outreach program directly engages with New Mexicans. They answer questions about archaeology history and the heritage of New Mexico. This program has been lauded as a national model. The Society for American Archaeology recognized it with the Award for Excellence in Public Education in 2005 and 2012.
The New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies conducts research in various fields. These include archaeomagnetic dating ceramic analysis and lithics. They also study low-energy plasma radiocarbon sampling osteology and ethnobotany. Fieldwork is a crucial part of their research.
The New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies also analyzes pottery. They study both sherds and complete pots recovered from project sites. They have conducted significant studies across various regions. These include Spanish and Pueblo sites the Northern Rio Grande region and Chaco.
The Lithics Analysis Laboratory studies stone tools. These include flaked and ground stone materials. The Zooarchaeological Laboratory analyzes animal remains. Ethnobotany Laboratory processes soil samples extracting plant material.
The Nondestructive Chemical Analysis Laboratory uses portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. This determines the metals present in an artifact without damaging it. This is particularly useful for analyzing delicate or protected items.
The New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. It supports ongoing research and analysis. It educates communities across New Mexico about archaeology history and the state’s heritage. The New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies helps uncover and share the stories of the people. These people have called this land home for more than 13000 years.
Housed within the Center for New Mexico Archaeology the New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies stands as a beacon. It answers questions about the past. It also engages with the people of today ensuring that New Mexico’s rich history is preserved and shared for generations to come.