A collaborative archaeological effort between Colgate University and the Oneida Indian Nation has yielded thousands of artifacts in the last two years.
But while the pieces of pottery, arrowheads, and wampum beads discovered at the site north of Munnsville are interesting pieces of the past, the research project means something more for the Oneida teenagers who participate in the digs.
It is a chance for them to ‘feel closer to their ancestors and to walk on the same ground as them,’ said Kandice Watson, director of educational relations for the Oneida Nation. ‘They think that’s cool.’
Her daughter Keira, 14, said she helped uncover several artifacts during her two-week stint this summer, adding that it was a ‘lot of hard work’ to dig and sift soil in the hot sun.
The Watsons spoke Thursday after about a dozen Colgate students discussed their roles in finding pieces of the Oneida’s past during a presentation at the Shako:Wi Cultural Center, just off Route 46 in Oneida.
For the students, the ‘hands-on’ aspect of the work at the roughly five-acre plot known as the Wilson site was the most rewarding.
‘You’re working at a live site, not just reading a book,’ said senior Danny Sell.
Sophomore Nate Rosenthal said he hopes to return for more work at the site, earning another chance to ‘hold history in my hands.’
Research has shown the site was populated by several hundred Oneidas from about 1590 to 1620, according to Jordan Kerber, associate professor of anthropology and leader of the project.
The site, which remains isolated and much like it was hundreds of years ago, was not particularly favorable for long-term occupation, Kerber said. It was sloped, and had poor soil and water.
But an archaeological dig in the 1970s revealed at least one longhouse at the site, an important find that suggests a clan might have lived there at one time, with several dozen families living in the traditional living quarters.
Kerber said the past two years’ work at the site have yielded some 5,000 artifacts, bits of pottery and brass, glass and shell beads, stone tools and preforms (unfinished tools), and organic remains of items such as maize, beans and squash.
The presence of glass trade beads and other items suggests that the Oneidas interacted with European colonists or with neighboring tribes that had come into contact with the settlers, Kerber said.
All the pieces have been carefully catalogued by the Colgate students, and will be turned over to the Oneidas.
Kerber relishes the idea of the artifacts going back to the Oneidas some 400 years after being used by their ancestors.
‘The project enables Oneida teens to connect with their heritage,’ he said. ‘It’s a history lesson that they can’t get from any books.’
About 100 Oneida teens have worked with Kerber during the past nine years.
The unique collaboration between the university and Oneida Nation has served both communities well, according to Mark Emery, director of media relations for the Oneidas.
‘It really has connected Oneida kids to their past,’ he said.
Tim O’Keeffe
Communications Department
315.228.6634