The ancient people of the Northwest Coast made an estimated eighty-five percent of their objects from wood or other plant materials that normally deteriorate rather quickly, leaving archaeologists with little or no record of their material culture. However, wetlands, silt-laden rivers, high groundwater levels, and abundant rainfall have provided for the long-term preservation of waterlogged wood and other plant materials, and some amazing artifacts have been recovered over the years from wet sites, including reed baskets, wooden bowls, fish traps, and fishhooks, as well as the partial remains of structures.
Seventeen archaeologists contribute ten articles discussing case studies and methods of wet-site research. There is also a chapter on how to find wet sites. The case studies focus on six sites in Washington and British Columbia that span 10,000 years of human activity, but many more are mentioned. They offer practical information about logistics, equipment, and supplies needed for a successful project. A checklist for a wet-site field kit is also included.
Much of the material comes from original research as developed by leading experts in wet-site archaeology. Waterlogged is an outstanding contribution to an important sub field of archaeology. It’s relevance extends beyond the Northwest Coast to any wet location.
