As readers may remember, I have written many times about the Archeology labs at the Native American Studies Center at USC Lancaster.  As we returned to labs after the summer break on August 29, 2024, I am reminded of how special these gatherings have become.  

As my mom and I drove together, I was excited to see my friends that I have missed over the summer.  As we entered the back door of the Center, I was excited to see a friend from the Catawba Nation.  We exchanged hugs and caught up on our respective summers.  She is an artist and shared new earring and basketry creations (from pictures on her phone).  Many of these pieces are previews of what I expect to see for sale at the Native American craft fair (which I try never to miss).  After catching up, I made my way down the hall to lab.  My good friend and mentor, Professor Judge and all the usual suspects were sitting around the lab table.  As I entered the room, smiles and hugs and all kinds of happy exchanges filled the space.  There was even a new attendee who brought some possible artifacts from her property.  Professor Judge slid a tray of rocks over and asked me to sort through them and pull out the flakes or partial projectile points.  I was honored and dug into the work and the chitchat.

 Chris (Professor Judge) asked me to share about my summer internship with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.  I eagerly recounted the highlights of the internship, and what I had learned.  Otoliths or fish ear bones were particularly interesting to the group.  I shared how the otolith is the only remaining part of a fish that archeologists generally study and how scientists are able to identify a fish just from the size and shape of the otolith.  This was new information to the ladies, and they listened intently.

These heartfelt and open exchanges are what I love about lab.  It is a community of seekers who are all at different stages in life, coming together to learn, laugh and support each other.  I missed it and every time we resume, I am reminded of how much I value the people there and the time spent.