Olorgesailie.doc

Robbie Griffin September 29, 20009 ANT 2140 Olorgesailie Excavation The excavation site, Olorgesailie, has been a wonderful host over the past few decades to organizations and archaeologists aiming to understand the human nature of our hominid ancestors. The Smithsonian Institution and the National Museums of Kenya have been associated with expedition conducted at the Olorgaesailie Basin located in the East African Rift Valley. According to the website, ?the Olorgesailie Project is the first long-term project devoted to uncovering the ecological and environmental dimension of early human origins.? Knowing how the past occupants of the earth interacted with their environment, we can then infer the underlying meanings of the human condition. The day, August 8th 2004, fell on a Sunday and it was indeed a day of rest. The scientists noted that they finally had a day off from the excavation and enjoying the relaxation. In this diary form of documentation the scientist writes of how they have experienced the African wildlife up close and personal. Camping near the Olorgesailie, baboons resided at the baboon cliffs and would be interrupted by hyenas in the middle of the night. Footprints of snakes, cheetahs and leopards were spotted on various occasions by the scientists. Unfortunately, scientists that stay at the Olorgeasailie for many years have notes that the population of large animals have decreased because of human intersection. Olorgesailie is the name of a geological formation in southern Kenya, East Africa where a group of Lower Paleolithic archaeological sites have been found. From fossilized evidence, one can infer what kind of culture was practiced in specified localities. Exposed by erosion, stone tools have been found at the site of Olorgesailie. In additional to stone tools, animal remains have been found which is very important aspect when the study is focused on humans interactions with the environment.