New Discoveries were made by the students of the Denis Williams Archaeology Summer Field School during three of their adventures to various archeological sites across Guyana.
This was revealed by, Director of the School, Dr.Mark Plew at the archeological lecture hosted by the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, on Thursday, at the National Museum,
Dr. Plew, from the Department of Anthropology at Boise State University in Idaho, regaled the audience with the findings made by the students at shell mounds in Kabakaburi in Region 2 (Pomeroon /Supenaam); Errol’s landing on the Essequibo River and Wyva Creek in Region 1(Barima/Waini).
According to Dr.Plew, the studies were based upon the depositional histories of the shell mounds, focusing specifically  on how they were formed and how they changed over time, understanding the range of the artifacts at the sites and determining site function as well as uncovering  what happened at the site during a particular time .
He revealed that the mound at Kabakaburi, a well known site, was different than the others as he believes it was formed by natural accumulation of materials.
Manufacturing tools were also uncovered at this mound along with remains of shell fish and crab.
He said, “These findings might bring Guyana greater fame.”
Referring to Wyva Creek, he revealed that this is close to being the largest mound in Guyana where large rib fragments were found, which if studies confirm it, might be elephant remains.
Other remains of whale, porpoise and rockfish were also discovered here, “If this is so, it would be the first in the Guianas,” he emphasized.
Professor at the University of Guyana (UG) Dr. Al Creighton praised the work done by the various groups in the field of Archaeology over the years.
He said, “It is an achievement in moving forward in the study of Archaeology,” adding, “this field has never really been a discipline at UG and the activities of the Field School go a long way towards developing this field.”
The Archeological Field School was created fours years ago and over the years, the Walter Roth Museum has been engaged in numerous other research programs.
Of these, the most important was the archaeological research conducted by Dr. Williams throughout the ten administrative regions of Guyana. This work yielded much valuable information on the history, pre-history and past and present culture of the Amerindians. This important work is still being pursued by the Walter Roth Museum in partnership with foreign researchers and students.