Location: Orozmani, Georgia

Season:  September 13 to October 25

Session Dates:  September- October 

Application Deadline: August 31

Project DProgram Type:

Field School, Volunteer

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Georgian National Museum

Project Director:

Giorgi Bidzinashvili - Georgian National Museum
Description:

Orozmani! New early Pleistocene (early stone age) site in Georgia is located 100 km south-west from capital city Tbilisi, 1200 m above sea level in the Lesser Caucasus.
  In early 60’s faunal remains were discovered in Orozzmani. The first Archaeological excavations started in 2019. Early Pleistocene fossils of extinct animals and stone tools (Indicating the presence of hominins) have been found at the site. The site is extremely important because of its close proximity (20 km) to one of the most famous prehistoric site in Eurasia, DMANISI, which boasts the earliest (1.8 million years) Hominin (H. erectus), remains outside of Africa. The deposits of the site are in between Mashavera and Orozmani basalts dated back to 1.83 ± 0.02Ma and 1.77 ± 0.02Ma.

Those interested in excavating the prehistoric site of Orozmani in the 2020 season will have the opportunity to become “pioneers” in the study of a new very important site, as well as gain a wealth of experience working with the scientists studying the site.
Remember, the Orozmani staff and scientists represent the “Dmanisi Team” with extensive (20+ years) experience in studying prehistoric sites.

People 18 and older in healthy physical condition are encouraged to join the dig. No experience needed; just an open mind and sharp eyes! Just get in your spot and start looking for artifacts.

At the end of a perfect day, relax with other volunteers and the members of the Orozmani scientific team and talk about the day’s finds and enjoy delicious Georgian food, BBQ and wine.  In their free time, participants can hike across the beautiful landscape and enjoy picnics near the river close to the site.

Orozmani team will explain everything you need to know, including:

• Methods of excavation.
• Use and handling of the tools that are used during the excavations.
• Recording the data obtained during the excavation.
• Use of Total Mapping Station.
• Study and typological classification of archaeological objects: stone artifacts, faunal remains and etc.
• Lab works including: Restoration, drawing artifacts.
• Experimental archaeology – stone tool knapping techniques.
• Wet screening.

Participants will also attend lectures about the history and prehistory of the site, basics of archaeology, paleontology, paleoanthropology, geology, etc.

Costs:
• 7 days – 700$ – 7 day experience; 5 days digging, 6 nights at the camp house.
• 10 days – 900$ – 10 day experience; 7 days digging, 9 nights at the camp house.
• 14 days – 1200$ – 14 day experience; 11 days digging, 13 nights at the camp house.
• 21 days – 1900$ – 21 day experience; 17 days digging, 20 nights at the camp house.
• 28 days – 2100$ – 28 day experience; 23 days digging, 27 nights at the camp house.

Period(s) of Occupation: Early Pleistocene Early Stone Age

Notes:
Minimum number of participants - 5

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 1 week

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: None

Room and Board Arrangements:
The cost includes: • Transportation from Tbilisi to Orozmani and back. • Accommodation at the camp house available rooms for guests (2-3 person room). • Accommodation facilities include Wifi, flushing toilets, shower and a washing machine. • Breakfast, lunch break at the site, dinner and evening tea/coffee (including alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages) We use natural products from local farmers! Please communicate with the organizers if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies. • Daily transportation to/from the archaeological site. • Excursion(s) in the region with lunch in the local restaurant(s) and bars with amazing Georgian food and wine. • Goodbye party. • Certificate of participation.
Check out ArchaeoAdventuresGeorgia (@ArchaeoGeorgia): https://twitter.com/ArchaeoGeorgia?s=09

• field-school
• geology
• prehistoric
• hominid
• Lower-Paleolithic