Traces of the Fremont: Rock Art and Society in Ancient Utah

Archaeology and photograph combine in the next featured presentation at Utah State University’s Museum of Anthropology in its Saturdays and the Museum Series.

The March 26 presentation is based on the book Traces of Fremont: Society and Rock Art in Ancient Utah by USU professor Steven Simms and featuring the spectacular photography of Francois Gohier.

Photographers often leave it to their images to tell a story. In contrast, archaeologists usually don’t stray too far from a story reconstructed from ancient material remains. In the Saturdays presentation, the museum explores the intertwined paths of both photographer and archaeologist as Gohier’s photography explores and captures the nature of ancient Fremont society, religion and worldview.

More than a recitation of Fremont artifacts, rock art and culture history, Simms’ presentation draws attention to the nuances of a long vanished culture, highlighting the strides archaeologists have made toward piecing together the many facets of Fremont life-ways. Traces of Fremont tells the story through Simms and Gohier’s collaboration.

In addition to the presentation, children will have a chance to create their own rock art in a museum activity. The museum is open for its normal operating hours Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Simms’s presentation begins at 1 p.m.

The USU Museum of Anthropology is on the USU campus in the south turret of the historic Old Main building, Room 252.

In addition to its Saturday program hours, the Museum of Anthropology is open to USU students and members of the public six days a week, with regular hours Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For Saturday activities, free parking is available in the adjacent lot, south of the building.

Funding for Saturday events is provided by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. More information about the IMLS is available online.

For more information about this event, call museum staff at (435) 797-7545 or visit the museum website.

The Museum of Anthropology is part of the Anthropology Program at USU.

Related links:

• USU Anthropology Program
• USU Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology
• USU College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Source: Museum of Anthropology

Contact: USU Museum of Anthropology, (435) 797-7545, anthro.museum@usu.edu