In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover sits down with public archaeologist and science communicator David Ian Howe for a wide-ranging conversation on the cultural, spiritual, and archaeological significance of wolves and other canids across the Great Plains. From ancient burials of domesticated dogs to the symbolic power of the wolf in Indigenous cosmologies, Carlton and David explore how Plains societies understood and related to their four-legged companions and wild kin. Whether you're a dog lover, a zooarchaeology nerd, or someone curious about the deep-time connections between humans and animals on the Plains, this episode offers rich insights and thoughtful discussion.

Links

David Ian Howe’s Website

Ethnocynology Podcast

The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021)

Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998)

Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio

Contact

Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist

Email: [email protected]

APN

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Hey everyone! KU just returned from Spring Break where Carlton gave a talk at the Chicago Field Museum and he has students defending their M.A. Theses. So he needs to focus on getting the next generation of Anthro/Museology students across the finish line! So for episode 17, we are releasing an Encore episode from the A Life in Ruins Podcast.

Also! Carlton is hosting a Live Show on the APN Discord Channel on Sunday, April 20th at 12pm U.S. Central Time. The topic of the show will be “Cultural Heritage Sovereignty in North America’s Great Plains”

On this episode, Carlton has a solo interview with a leading figure in Indigenous Archaeologies - Dr. Joe Watkins. Dr. Watkins is a Citizen of the Choctaw Nation and has been an advocate for archaeological collaboration with Indigenous Communities throughout his career as an archaeologist. Carlton explores Dr. Watkins' career in Archaeology and the history and continued importance of Indigenous Archaeologies.

Links

Ancient History in the New World: Integrating Oral Traditions and the Archaeological Record in Deep Time by Roger C. Echo-Hawk

Archaeology and Native North American Oral Traditions by Ronald J. Mason

Being and Becoming Indigenous Archaeologists by George Nicholas

Literature Recommendations

Indigenous Archaeology: American Indian Values and Scientific Practice by Joe Watkins

Plundered Skulls and Stolen Spirits: Inside the Fight to Reclaim Native America’s Culture by Chip Colwell

AT A CROSSROADS: ARCHAEOLOGY AND FIRST PEOPLES IN CANADA by George Nicholas & Thomas D. Andrews

Hand Book of North American Indians Volume I **FREE** download

Anything by Sonya Atalay and Larry Zimmerman

Guest Contact

Dr. Joe Watkins' Email: [email protected]

Carton’s Contact

Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist

Email: [email protected]

ArchPodNet

APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com

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In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, we examine the shift from the Late Plains Woodland Period to the emergence of the Early Plains Village tradition in the Central Plains. We explore the changes in settlement patterns, subsistence strategies, and social organization that accompanied this transition, from increased maize agriculture to the development of more permanent villages. What drove these transformations, and how did they set the foundation for later Central Plains societies? Join us as we unpack the archaeological evidence and discuss what this pivotal period reveals about the resilience and adaptability of Plains communities.

Links:

The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021)

Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998)

Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio

Contact:

Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist

Email: [email protected]

Affiliates

Motion

In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, we explore the Plains Woodland Period and the vast networks that connected the Great Plains to the Midwest and Southeast. Focusing on the Kansas City Hopewell, we examine the evidence for long-distance exchange, ceremonial traditions, and social ties that linked Plains communities with broader cultural movements. We also discuss Late Woodland feasting events and their role in setting the stage for later interactions with Mississippian cultures. Join us as we uncover how these early connections shaped the cultural landscape of the Plains before the rise of the Mississippian world.

Links and Sources:

Early Maize (Zea mays) in the North American Central Plains: The Microbotanical Evidence by Adair et al. in American Antiquity 87(2) pp. 333-351 (2022)

Late Woodland feasting and social networks in the lower Missouri River region by Brad Logan in North American Archaeologist 43(3) pp. 184-229 (2022)

Modeling Kanas City Hopewell Developments and Regional Social Interactions: A Multisite Ceramic Analysis and New AMS Radiocarbon Ages Midcontinental Journal of Archaeology 44(1) pp. 2-41 (2019)

The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021)

Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998)

Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio

Transcripts

For a transcript of this episode, tap the Zencastr icon on in the upper left corner of the Podcast image.

Contact:

Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist

Email: [email protected]

Affiliates

Motion

In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, we dive into the history of Indigenous representation in the Sid Meier’s Civilization series. From early portrayals to the groundbreaking collaboration with the Shawnee for Civilization 7, we explore how gaming has shaped public perceptions of Indigenous histories. Our discussion unpacks the importance of authentic representation, the role of Indigenous-led initiatives in game development, and how community engagement can create more accurate and meaningful narratives. Tune in as we examine what this means for archaeology, public education, and the future of Indigenous storytelling in digital spaces.

Links:

• The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021)
• Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998)
• Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio

Transcripts

• For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/great-plains-archaeology/14

Contact:

• Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
• Email: [email protected]

Affiliates

• Motion

In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover unpacks the history and evolution of the Great Plains taxonomic system—the framework used by archaeologists to categorize and understand cultural periods in the region. From the early development of typologies to modern refinements, this system has shaped how researchers interpret the archaeological record of the Plains.

Links:

• The Midwestern Taxonomic Method as an Aid to Archaeological Culture Study by W.C. McKern (1939)
• The Sedentary Horizon of the Northern Plains by Donald J. Lehmer (1954)
• Method and Theory in American Archaeology by Gordon R. Willey and Philip Phillips (1958)
• Horizon and Tradition in the Northern Plains by Donald K. Lehmer and Warren W. Caldwell (1966)
• Taxonomic Practice and Middle Missouri Prehistory: A Perspective on Donald J. Lehmer’s Contributions by Richard A. Krause (1977)
• The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021)
• Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998)
• Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio

Transcripts

• For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/great-plains-archaeology/13

Contact:

• Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
• Email: [email protected]

Affiliates

• Motion

In this heartfelt episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover pays tribute to the late Lance Foster, the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for the Ioway Tribe. Lance was a passionate advocate for Indigenous heritage, a dedicated scholar, and a guiding voice in the preservation of Ioway history and culture. His work bridged the worlds of archaeology, history, and Indigenous knowledge, ensuring that the stories of the past were honored and protected for future generations.

Join us as we reflect on Lance Foster’s contributions to the field, his leadership in cultural preservation, and the profound impact he had on those who worked alongside him. Through personal memories and reflections, this episode celebrates his enduring legacy and the vital role he played in Indigenous archaeology and historic preservation. Whether you knew Lance personally or are learning about him for the first time, this tribute recognizes a life dedicated to protecting and uplifting the histories of the Great Plains.

Links:

• This Far and No Farther by Lance Foster (2022)
• Lance Foster Obituary
• The Indians of Iowa by Lance Foster (2009)
• Lance Foster’s About ME
• The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021)
• Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998)
• Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio

Transcripts

• For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/great-plains-archaeology/12

Contact:

• Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
• Email: [email protected]

Affiliates

• Motion

Happy New Year! The Archaeology Podcast Network took a break for the Holiday. So for episode 11, we are releasing an Encore episode from the A Life in Ruins Podcast.

In this episode, Carlton does another solo lecture-style episode. The subject of this lecture? An introduction to Great Plains archaeology with a focus on Pawnee archaeological ancestry. The episode starts off with very introductory history of the Pawnee in the 17th, 18th, and 19th century. Then Carlton dives into Great Plains geography and culture history. The episode ends with a focus on the ethnogenesis and the archaeological cultures that contributed to the development of Pawnee Nation.

Links:

• The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021)
• Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998)
• Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio

Transcripts

• For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/great-plains-archaeology/11

Contact:

• Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
• Email: [email protected]

Affiliates

• Motion

In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover explores the Late Archaic period, a time of significant cultural and environmental change on the Great Plains. At the heart of the discussion is the Nebo Hill Site in Missouri, a key archaeological site that sheds light on the innovations and adaptations of Late Archaic peoples. Carlton examines the technological advancements, shifting subsistence strategies, and evolving social organization that defined this period.

Links:

• The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021)
• Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998)
• Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio

Transcripts

• For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/great-plains-archaeology/10

Contact:

• Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
• Email: [email protected]

Affiliates

• Motion

In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover delves into the fascinating Middle Archaic period through the lens of some of its most enigmatic features: medicine wheels and cairns. Carlton explores the Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming, the Majorville Cairn and Medicine Wheel in Alberta, and the British Block Cairn and Medicine Wheel in Saskatchewan. These remarkable structures, rich with cultural and spiritual significance, offer a glimpse into the lifeways and belief systems of the Middle Archaic peoples.

Links:

• The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021)
• Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998)
• Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio

Transcripts

• For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/great-plains-archaeology/09

Contact:

• Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
• Email: [email protected]

Affiliates

• Motion