05/19/2026
Our current exhibit, Fantastic Flintknapping, features several University of Nevada College of Liberal Arts alumni who conducted experimental archaeology projects. But what does that mean?
Experimental archaeology relies on the scientific method to understand the past. It involves replication to try and recreate past events. First, archaeologists develop a research question. Second, they propose an explanation, called a hypothesis, that may answer the question. Third, they develop predictions for what they will see if their hypothesis is correct. These predictions must be testable and connect a cause and effect. For example, if people built a campfire long ago then we should find charcoal and ash.
Archaeologists can conduct experiments to test their hypothesis. They might make a campfire in their backyard to determine if it creates charcoal and ash. If they discover a similar charcoal and ash stain at a site, then they may conclude that people built a fire there in the past!
For the next several weeks we will be highlighting the alumni projects we have on display in the Museum!
Pictured here: Alumna Linsie Lafayette wraps sinew covered in beeswax around a wooden handle. This allowed her to haft, or attach, this replicated obsidian spear point to a knife handle.
