Ometepe Archaeological Project: Field Work in Focus

It must be that time of year--time to start planning for the 2009 archaeology field season.

The 8th season of the Ometepe Archaeological Project is scheduled for January 10 to January 30, 2009. The project involves archaeological field survey on the island of Ometepe, the largest island on Lake Nicaragua, in the central American country of Nicaragua.

Ometepe Island is rich in rock art and the research is focused primarily on the recovery and identification of petroglyphs and associated archaeological sites. To date, the survey has recorded and mapped 95 archaeological sites, and identified and recorded nearly 2,000 boulders with petroglyphs or other cultural modifications.

The project research is supported by the National Museum of Nicaragua, and additional funds are limited. The research is led by archaeologist Suzanne Baker and colleagues, and the crew is made up of volunteers. Volunteers must sign up for at least two weeks; preference will given to those who can stay all three weeks of the project.

Cost: $450/week, which includes food, lodging at the Finca Magdalena, archaeological training and equipment and transportation from Managua, Nicaragua to Ometepe Island and back. Airfare to Managua is not included. See the project website for more information.

Contact: Suzanne Baker at suzannebaker@earthlink.net or Mike Smith at mike@eastbaysanctuary.org

• Ometepe Archaeological Project
• Information for Volunteers
• More Fieldwork in Focus