The Archaeological Research Laboratory

Caves are fragile and unique environments that present specific challenges in their survey and excavation. The Cave Archaeology Research Team (CART) at the University of Tennessee was formed in 1996 under the direction of UTK Professor Dr. Jan F. Simek. CART members have identified and documented numerous dark zone cave art sites in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and West Virginia. CART consists of a multidisciplinary team, primarily made up of archaeologists and geologists who are experienced cavers that possess the knowledge, and equipment necessary to survey, map, and record both historic and prehistoric cultural resources in darkzone areas of caves.

The ARL recently completed a survey of 22 caves and 5 rockshelters in Anderson, Knox and Loudon Counties in Tennessee in order to determine their Section 106 eligibility. The survey included mapping (above), the identification of artifacts in the caves as well as other evidence of human use such as historic signatures, torch marks, and subtle changes in the stratigraphy.