Beta Testing a New Gunflint Database Using Citizen Scientists in the Time of COVID

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2021: General Sessions" session, at the 86th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

The *Journal of Texas Archeology and History (JTAH) has developed a comprehensive new program for recording gunflint attributes (50+ potential) and site data (40+ items) based on a set of universal standards, taxonomy, methods, and procedures that allow a cloud-based, open-access comparative database to be constructed comprised of North American artifacts. In 2018 San Antonio Missions National Historical Park was approached by JTAH to serve as a beta test site for the North American Gunflint Database Project (NAGDP). The park agreed to participate utilizing its Citizen Scientist program with community member volunteers. This paper discusses beta test results from the perspective of engaging citizen scientists in complex lithic analysis as well as difficulties encountered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will discuss the next steps in the project from the standpoint of continued improvement to the NAGDP based upon user feedback derived from the NPS beta test and methods that the new analytical data may be employed to further understand human interactions at the San Antonio Missions and South Texas, especially in the area of “locally manufactured/local material.”

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 86th Annual Meeting, Online (2021)   •
• SAA 2021: General Sessions

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 33094