Archaeology Southwest’s Hands-On Archaeology program connects people of today with daily life in the distant past.
By experimenting with ancient tools and techniques, this work explores big-picture questions about people’s lives long ago. How did people make and use stone tools? What tools did ancient hunters use? How did people build their homes? How did people hunt animals?
Much of this work was created and led by Preservation Archaeologist Allen Denoyer, a skilled replicator of ancient artifacts who taught ancient technology for more than two decades. His demonstrations and reconstructions continue to offer insight into the technologies and skills that helped people survive and thrive in the challenging landscapes of the Southwest.
Although we are not currently offering regular Hands-On Archaeology classes or workshops, you can still explore the program through Allen’s blogs and videos, as well as through the full-scale replica pithouses he built, which can be visited at the Tucson Presidio Historic Museum, Mission Garden, and Steam Pump Ranch.
Explore Hands-On Archaeology Online
Ancient Technologies expert Allen Denoyer brings Hands-On Archaeology directly to you. Although our Hands-On Archaeology classes are on hold, you can experience Allen’s knowledge and instruction through his new videos and his blog archive:
Hands-On Archaeology Video Series
Watch Allen’s new Hands-On Archaeology “How to” video series, and follow along to create your own replica artifacts.
Watch on YouTubeHands-On Archaeology Blog Archive
Learn how to make your own projectile point, atlatl, pendant, and more. Explore Allen’s Hands-On Archaeology “How to” series on Preservation Archaeology Blog.
MoreVisit our Pithouses
Explore our replica pithouses at Mission Garden, Steam Pump Ranch and the Tucson Presidio Historic Museum.
