Archeology in the Forest - Certified Training with Fabio Esteban Amador
In this in depth training course, students will delve into the fascinating world of 21st-century archaeology with a focus on the historical background of Woodstock and its neighboring regions. The course emphasizes the use of non-destructive methods and photographic documentation in archaeological studies, highlighting the importance of technology and advanced visualization tools in modern exploration. Furthermore, students will explore the fundamentals of Archaeoastronomy, a field that investigates the relationship between ancient structures and celestial phenomena. Practical methods covered in the course include physical surveys, map drawing, photographic techniques, 3D modeling, and comprehensive reporting to bring archaeological discoveries to light.
Course Content:
Incorporation of photography and art
Practice in 3D modeling
Teaching drone flying for image capture and 3D modeling
Exploration of modern archaeology
Blessings on the work and making offerings
Study of ancient rock formations known as Cairns in the Nest Forest
Learning archaeological methods and basic skills
Discovering and identifying structures, mapping, surveys, and drawing
Emphasis on no excavation and disturbance throughout the process
Activities Included:
Visual exploration
Drawing
Photography
Art
Tai Chi
Forest bathing
Various optional Nest happenings available throughout the week such as musical concerts, sound baths, Kundalini yoga and other healing art practices
Tentative Basic Daily Schedule:
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Lunch break- bring your own or purchase bag lunch to take into the field.
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Optional late afternoon field trips
Evening activities such as storytelling, night walks, music, and evening talks open to the public on the journey through the Maya underworld
Guest Speakers and Ceremonies:
Opening with blessings and asking permission from local elders and guest speakers
Guest speakers may include local wisdom keepers such as well know author and teacher Evan Pritchard, Dave Holden, local map maker and trailblazer, Peter Blum, local elder and teacher of sound healing and hypnotherapy and more...
Closing Ceremony:
Students will create a poster of results to be exhibited
Large printout of map
3D image of structure
Descriptions and observations made by each participant
What to Bring:
Laptop
Phone/Camera
Graph Paper for mapping
Pencils
Simple compass
Metric tape
Soft brooms for cleaning structures and making features completely visible
*Note:* This course does not provide rights or authorization to excavate without an official permit.
About Facilitator:
Originally from El Salvador, Fabio Esteban Amador is an archaeologist, photographer and visual artist, who studied at the Art Student League and the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He went on to earn a master’s degree and doctorate in Mesoamerican archaeology from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
As part of his doctoral research, Fabio Esteban excavated ancient Maya sites across the Yucatán Peninsula to investigate how these groups established their identity through art and iconography. His later interests and projects have included locations throughout regions of Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, the Southwest United States and most recently, the Franco-Cantambrian region of Europe, where he has devoted his time to exploring and documenting Paleolithic cave art sites with multi-modal and multi-resolution tools that promote conservation and dissemination of the ancient art by creating immersive virtual experiences for specialists and the public at large.