Identification and Classification of the Environmental Microbiome of the Temyiq Tuyuryaq

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Temyiq Tuyuryaq: Collaborative Archaeology the Yup’iit Way" session, at the 84th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

This pilot study aims to culture and monitor bacterial species from a specific range of archaeological samples from Temyiq Tuyuryaq, a multigenerational village in northern Bristol Bay, Alaska. Goals of this study are to test our ability to identify variability and consistency of the microbial species present in conditions of food storage areas, cooking features and household floor contexts. Bacteria, like any life form, compete for resources. Although the numbers of microbial competitors are vast in any given environment, favorable conditions are heavily influenced by existing nutritional sources. Relying on the resource ration competition model, the predominance of different taxa are heavily influenced by availability, individual demand, and rate of consumption of nutrients. Bacteria, like humans, display a range of relationships with each other; from competition, coexistence, and cooperation. The ability to explore bacteria colonies from samples collected at Temyiq Tuyuryaq creates opportunities in support of less invasive field methods (e.g. core extraction vs. excavation). This research contributes to a growing interest in Indigenous archaeology; one that prioritizes the interests and ideas of descendants. Less invasive methods allow for opportunities to bridge the divide between traditional archaeological interests and community interests facilitating respectful and equitable collaborative relationships.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Temyiq Tuyuryaq: Collaborative Archaeology the Yup’iit Way   •
• Society for American Archaeology 84th Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, NM (2019)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 24603