It Is Our Mess Now: An Application of Angela Kipp’s Methodology to the Cochise College Archaeological Repository (CCAR)

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2025: Individual Abstracts" session, at the 90th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

This project builds on the still burgeoning discussion surrounding curation and repository management. Initially, the Cochise College Archaeological Repository (CCAR) was characterized by a lack of comprehensive documentation, inadequate storage conditions, and an absence of standardized curation protocols. Our priority was to move the collection out of an inadequate store space. Then, recognizing the need for a systematic approach, our team adopted Exhibit Curator Angela Kipp’s methodology. Specifically, the authors wanted to establish a clear documentation procedure, bring materials up to modern curation standards, and implement a cataloging system that aligns with current best practices in archaeological curation. Progress has been significant, including photo documentation of the original condition of the repository and similar documentation following a complete reorganization of the repository. All site items are now housed together and ordered numerically. Moving forward, the authors plan to establish a methodology for processing artifacts. To clarify, we intend to separate artifacts from registered sites from those donated from personal collections or seized by Border Patrol. As we process the artifacts, items will be documented, cataloged, housed in updated storage materials, and labeled appropriately. Overall, this project serves to improve the academic value of the repository.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 90th Annual Meeting, Denver, CO (2025)   •
• SAA 2025: Individual Abstracts

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 52760