Archaeology Southwest’s Hands-On Archaeology program connects people of today with daily life in the distant past.
Participants actively engage with ancient tools and techniques, gaining new insight into skills that enabled people to survive and thrive in the challenging landscapes of the Southwest. Those insights draw participants into deeper understanding of the significance of archaeological sites and artifacts, which represent tens of thousands of human lives lived in this region.
A big-picture question about people’s lives in the distant past drives each Hands-On experience. How did people make and use stone tools? What tools did ancient hunters use? How did people build their homes? How did people hunt animals?
Some topics will be the focus of a class or workshop, and others will be the focus of a presentation.
Preservation Archaeologist Allen Denoyer leads our Hands-On Archaeology programming. A skilled replicator of ancient artifacts, Allen has taught ancient technology workshops for two decades. His work has appeared on the television show Mythbusters.
Explore Hands-On Archaeology Online
Ancient Technologies expert Allen Denoyer brings Hands-On Archaeology directly to you. Although our Hands-On Archaeology classes are on hold, you can experience Allen’s knowledge and instruction through his new videos and his blog archive:
Hands-On Archaeology Video Series
Watch Allen’s new Hands-On Archaeology “How to” video series, and follow along to create your own replica artifacts.
Watch on YouTubeHands-On Archaeology Blog Archive
Learn how to make your own projectile point, atlatl, pendant, and more. Explore Allen’s Hands-On Archaeology “How to” series on Preservation Archaeology Blog.
MoreSign Up for a Class
Learn how to make your own atlatl, projectile point, stone pendant, and more.
MoreVisit Us
Explore our replica pithouse and learn to throw an atlatl with us. We’re at Steam Pump Ranch in Oro Valley every second Saturday and Mission Garden every forth Saturday.
