In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, we explore the Plains Woodland Period and the vast networks that connected the Great Plains to the Midwest and Southeast. Focusing on the Kansas City Hopewell, we examine the evidence for long-distance exchange, ceremonial traditions, and social ties that linked Plains communities with broader cultural movements. We also discuss Late Woodland feasting events and their role in setting the stage for later interactions with Mississippian cultures. Join us as we uncover how these early connections shaped the cultural landscape of the Plains before the rise of the Mississippian world.

Links and Sources:

 * Early Maize (Zea mays) in the North American Central Plains: The Microbotanical Evidence by Adair et al. in American Antiquity 87(2) pp. 333-351 (2022)
 * Late Woodland feasting and social networks in the lower Missouri River region by Brad Logan in North American Archaeologist 43(3) pp. 184-229 (2022)
 * Modeling Kanas City Hopewell Developments and Regional Social Interactions: A Multisite Ceramic Analysis and New AMS Radiocarbon Ages Midcontinental Journal of Archaeology 44(1) pp. 2-41 (2019)
 * The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021) [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/4A64214086B2A3E69CA3F9AE3F11DBDC]
 * Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998) [https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700610006/]
 * Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio [https://anthropology.ku.edu/node/183]

Transcripts

 * For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/great-plains-archaeology/15

Contact:

 * Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
 * Email: greatplainsarchpodcast@gmail.com

Affiliates

 * Motion [https://www.archpodnet.com/motion]

Plains Woodland Pathways: Kansas City Hopewell - Ep 15

In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, we dive into the history of Indigenous representation in the Sid Meier’s Civilization series. From early portrayals to the groundbreaking collaboration with the Shawnee for Civilization 7, we explore how gaming has shaped public perceptions of Indigenous histories. Our discussion unpacks the importance of authentic representation, the role of Indigenous-led initiatives in game development, and how community engagement can create more accurate and meaningful narratives. Tune in as we examine what this means for archaeology, public education, and the future of Indigenous storytelling in digital spaces.

Links:

 * The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021) [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/4A64214086B2A3E69CA3F9AE3F11DBDC]
 * Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998) [https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700610006/]
 * Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio [https://anthropology.ku.edu/node/183]

Transcripts

 * For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/great-plains-archaeology/14

Contact:

 * Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
 * Email: greatplainsarchpodcast@gmail.com

Affiliates

 * Motion [https://www.archpodnet.com/motion]

The Shawnee Nation in Civilization 7 - Ep 14

In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover unpacks the history and evolution of the Great Plains taxonomic system—the framework used by archaeologists to categorize and understand cultural periods in the region. From the early development of typologies to modern refinements, this system has shaped how researchers interpret the archaeological record of the Plains.

Links:

 * The Midwestern Taxonomic Method as an Aid to Archaeological Culture Study by W.C. McKern (1939)
 * The Sedentary Horizon of the Northern Plains by Donald J. Lehmer (1954)
 * Method and Theory in American Archaeology by Gordon R. Willey and Philip Phillips (1958)
 * Horizon and Tradition in the Northern Plains by Donald K. Lehmer and Warren W. Caldwell (1966)
 * Taxonomic Practice and Middle Missouri Prehistory: A Perspective on Donald J. Lehmer’s Contributions by Richard A. Krause (1977)
 * The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021) [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/4A64214086B2A3E69CA3F9AE3F11DBDC]
 * Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998) [https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700610006/]
 * Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio [https://anthropology.ku.edu/node/183]

Transcripts

 * For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/great-plains-archaeology/13

Contact:

 * Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
 * Email: greatplainsarchpodcast@gmail.com

Affiliates

 * Motion [https://www.archpodnet.com/motion]

Classifying the Past: The Great Plains Taxonomic System - Ep 13

In this heartfelt episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover pays tribute to the late Lance Foster, the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for the Ioway Tribe. Lance was a passionate advocate for Indigenous heritage, a dedicated scholar, and a guiding voice in the preservation of Ioway history and culture. His work bridged the worlds of archaeology, history, and Indigenous knowledge, ensuring that the stories of the past were honored and protected for future generations.

Join us as we reflect on Lance Foster’s contributions to the field, his leadership in cultural preservation, and the profound impact he had on those who worked alongside him. Through personal memories and reflections, this episode celebrates his enduring legacy and the vital role he played in Indigenous archaeology and historic preservation. Whether you knew Lance personally or are learning about him for the first time, this tribute recognizes a life dedicated to protecting and uplifting the histories of the Great Plains.

Links:

 * This Far and No Farther by Lance Foster (2022) [https://www.americanindianmagazine.org/tribal-historic-perservation-officers]
 * Lance Foster Obituary [https://fcjournal.net/2025/01/15/lance-foster/]
 * The Indians of Iowa by Lance Foster (2009) [https://uipress.uiowa.edu/books/indians-iowa]
 * Lance Foster’s About ME  [https://about.me/lancemfoster]
 * The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021) [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/4A64214086B2A3E69CA3F9AE3F11DBDC]
 * Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998) [https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700610006/]
 * Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio [https://anthropology.ku.edu/node/183]

Transcripts

 * For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/great-plains-archaeology/12

Contact:

 * Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
 * Email: greatplainsarchpodcast@gmail.com

Affiliates

 * Motion [https://www.archpodnet.com/motion]

Honoring Lance Foster: A Legacy of Indigenous Advocacy and Archaeology - Ep 12

Happy New Year! The Archaeology Podcast Network took a break for the Holiday. So for episode 11, we are releasing an Encore episode from the A Life in Ruins Podcast.

In this episode, Carlton does another solo lecture-style episode. The subject of this lecture? An introduction to Great Plains archaeology with a focus on Pawnee archaeological ancestry. The episode starts off with very introductory history of the Pawnee in the 17th, 18th, and 19th century. Then Carlton dives into Great Plains geography and culture history. The episode ends with a focus on the ethnogenesis and the archaeological cultures that contributed to the development of Pawnee Nation.

Links:

 * The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021) [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/4A64214086B2A3E69CA3F9AE3F11DBDC]
 * Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998) [https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700610006/]
 * Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio [https://anthropology.ku.edu/node/183]

Transcripts

 * For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/great-plains-archaeology/11

Contact:

 * Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
 * Email: greatplainsarchpodcast@gmail.com

Affiliates

 * Motion [https://www.archpodnet.com/motion]

Encore - An Introduction to Plains/Pawnee Archaeology - A Life in Ruins Podcast - Ep 150 - Plains 11 

In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover explores the Late Archaic period, a time of significant cultural and environmental change on the Great Plains. At the heart of the discussion is the Nebo Hill Site in Missouri, a key archaeological site that sheds light on the innovations and adaptations of Late Archaic peoples. Carlton examines the technological advancements, shifting subsistence strategies, and evolving social organization that defined this period.

Links:

 * The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021) [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/4A64214086B2A3E69CA3F9AE3F11DBDC]
 * Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998) [https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700610006/]
 * Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio [https://anthropology.ku.edu/node/183]

Transcripts

 * For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/great-plains-archaeology/10

Contact:

 * Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
 * Email: greatplainsarchpodcast@gmail.com

Affiliates

 * Motion [https://www.archpodnet.com/motion]

The Late Archaic: Shifts in Society and the Legacy of the Nebo Hill Site - Ep 10

In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover delves into the fascinating Middle Archaic period through the lens of some of its most enigmatic features: medicine wheels and cairns. Carlton explores the Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming, the Majorville Cairn and Medicine Wheel in Alberta, and the British Block Cairn and Medicine Wheel in Saskatchewan. These remarkable structures, rich with cultural and spiritual significance, offer a glimpse into the lifeways and belief systems of the Middle Archaic peoples.

Links:

 * The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021) [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/4A64214086B2A3E69CA3F9AE3F11DBDC]
 * Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998) [https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700610006/]
 * Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio [https://anthropology.ku.edu/node/183]

Transcripts

 * For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/great-plains-archaeology/09

Contact:

 * Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
 * Email: greatplainsarchpodcast@gmail.com

Affiliates

 * Motion [https://www.archpodnet.com/motion]

Wheels of Time: The Middle Archaic and the Medicine Wheels of the Great Plains - Ep 09

In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover examines the Early Archaic period, a transformative era in the history of the Great Plains. Marked by significant climatic shifts following the end of the Ice Age, this period saw dramatic adaptations in human lifeways. Carlton delves into how these environmental changes influenced hunting strategies, as communities shifted from targeting megafauna to a broader range of game and plant resources. The episode also explores the intensification of space modification, with evidence of advanced land-use strategies emerging during this time. Join us as we uncover how early peoples navigated the evolving landscapes of the Plains and developed innovative solutions to sustain their communities. Whether you're intrigued by climate history, early human ingenuity, or the archaeology of adaptation, this episode sheds light on a pivotal chapter in the Plains’ deep past.

Links:

 * The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021) [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/4A64214086B2A3E69CA3F9AE3F11DBDC]
 * Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998) [https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700610006/]
 * Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio [https://anthropology.ku.edu/node/183]

Transcripts

 * For a transcript of this episode, tap the Zencastr icon on in the upper left corner of the Podcast image.

Contact:

 * Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
 * Email: greatplainsarchpodcast@gmail.com

Affiliates

 * Motion [https://www.archpodnet.com/motion]

Adapting to Change: The Early Archaic Period on the Great Plains - Ep 08

In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover dives into the field of Indigenous Archaeology, exploring its roots, principles, and growing impact on the discipline. Indigenous Archaeology is more than just a methodology; it’s a movement to reclaim and represent the histories of Indigenous communities in ways that honor their perspectives and sovereignty. Carlton unpacks how this approach emerged, shaped by Indigenous scholars, activists, and allies who advocate for a respectful, community-centered archaeology that reflects the voices and values of Native peoples. He discusses how Indigenous Archaeology reshapes research practices, challenges traditional narratives, and fosters collaborations that benefit both Indigenous communities and the field as a whole. Tune in to discover how Indigenous Archaeology offers new paths for understanding the past and why it’s essential for creating a more inclusive archaeological record. Whether you're new to the concept or eager to deepen your understanding, this episode is an enlightening exploration of how archaeology is transforming from within.

Links:

 * indigenous archaeology: American Indian Values and Scientific Practice by Joe Watkins (2001) [https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780742503281/Indigenous-Archaeology-American-Indian-Values-and-Scientific-Practice]
 * Collaborating At The Trowel’s Edge: Teaching and Learning in Indigenous Archaeology Edited by Stephen W. Silliman (2008) [https://uapress.arizona.edu/book/collaborating-at-the-trowels-edge]
 * Archaeologies of the Heart Edited by Kisha Supernant, Jane Eva Baxter, Natasha Lyons, & Sonya Atalay (2020) [https://www.amazon.com/Archaeologies-Heart-Kisha-Supernant/dp/303036349X]
 * Indigenizing Archaeology: Putting Theory into Practice Edited by Emily Van Alst & Carlton Shield Chief Gover (2024) [https://upf.com/book.asp?id=9780813069869]
 * The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021) [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/4A64214086B2A3E69CA3F9AE3F11DBDC]
 * Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998) [https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700610006/]
 * Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio [https://anthropology.ku.edu/node/183]

Transcripts

 * For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/great-plains-archaeology/07

Contact:

 * Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
 * Email: greatplainsarchpodcast@gmail.com

Affiliates

 * Motion [https://www.archpodnet.com/motion]

Indigenous Archaeology: Reclaiming Narratives of the Past - Ep 07

In this special episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover shares his experiences presenting his work in Indigenous Archaeology at the 2024 Japanese-American-German Frontiers of Science Symposium cohosted by the National Academy of Sciences (U.S.), the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (Germany). This prestigious gathering brings together researchers from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds, offering Carlton a unique opportunity to introduce the archaeology of the Great Plains to a global, multi-disciplinary audience. Carlton reflects on the challenges and rewards of communicating Indigenous perspectives to a broader scientific community, discussing how cross-cultural dialogue enriches our understanding of archaeology and the narratives of the past. Tune in to hear insights from his presentation, the conversations it sparked, and his takeaways from engaging with international scholars. Whether you’re interested in Indigenous Archaeology or the role of science in cross-cultural exchange, this episode provides a firsthand account of sharing Plains history and Indigenous perspectives on a world stage.

Links:

 * JAGFOS 2024 National Academy of Sciences [https://www.nasonline.org/symposia/2024-japanese-american-german-kavli-frontiers-of-science/]
 * JAGFOS Japan Society for the Promotion of Science [https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fos/e-jagfos/]
 * The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021) [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/archaeology-of-the-north-american-great-plains/4A64214086B2A3E69CA3F9AE3F11DBDC]
 * Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998) [https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700610006/]
 * Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio [https://anthropology.ku.edu/node/183]

Transcripts

 * For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/great-plains-archaeology/06

Contact:

 * Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
 * Email: greatplainsarchpodcast@gmail.com

Affiliates

 * Motion [https://www.archpodnet.com/motion]

Presenting Indigenous Archaeology on the World Stage: Reflections from JAGFOS 2024 in Kyoto, Japan - Ep 06

Join Professor Carlton Shield Chief Gover on an immersive journey through the heart of North America's Great Plains as we uncover the rich and fascinating histories buried beneath the prairie. In each

The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast · Zencastr

The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast

Join Professor Carlton Shield Chief Gover on an immersive journey through the heart of North America's Great Plains as we uncover the rich and fascinating histories buried beneath the prairie. In each episode, we delve into the latest archaeological discoveries, past cultures, and historical insights that shape our understanding of this vast and storied region. From ancient artifacts to the echoes of Indigenous civilizations, "The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast" brings you closer to the hidden past of the Great Plains, revealing the stories of the people who once called this land home. Whether you're an archaeology enthusiast, history buff, or curious mind, tune in to explore the mysteries of the Great Plains with us.