Brian G. DelCastello

Archaeological Field Supervisor

bdelcastello@crai-ky.com

Brian G. DelCastello has more than 13 years of archaeological field and lab experience in the Midwest and Midsouth. He has supervised phase I, II and III archaeological investigations in Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky and has participated in numerous projects throughout Indiana, West Virginia, New York, and Pennsylvania.

In 2005, he completed his Master's Degree in Anthropology at the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. His thesis research examined Late Woodland projectile technology as it related to the widespread adoption of the bow and arrow in southwestern Illinois. Brian's current research interests are focused on pre-Contact lithic technology – particularly in raw material procurement and utilization strategies of Woodland period tribal societies of the central Mississippi River Valley. His other research interests include the technological aspects of pre-Contact ceramics. He is also interested in geoarchaeology with a special emphasis in pedology and landscape evolution. Brian is also skilled as a scientific illustrator – specializing in lithic artifacts.

When not "doing archaeology," Brian still enjoys getting his hands dirty as an avid gardener with a special interest in heirloom vegetables. He is also a vegetarian who completely enjoys "grazing in his garden.” When he's not playing in the dirt, Brian also enjoys woodworking and carving using traditional hand tools. As inspiration, he is heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement of the early twentieth century. Along these ends, he can be found in various antique shops and yard sales collecting antique woodworking tools in order to assist him in ruining perfectly good pieces of wood.

Brian is also a member of the local group of the Society of Creative Anachronism. In the SCA, he is known as Arnulf, a ninth-century Thuringian who originally hailed from the town of Erfurt. His more recent travels have taken him to the Norse trading center of Hedeby where he is apprenticed to a local woodworker and has recently taken up arms as a warrior in service of the local jarl. He is also interested in various traditional Norse arts, including both woodworking and ceramics among others. He is also a huskarl to Sir Ullr Vindstygge in the familial Hall of Hvassgeir.

Brian also enjoys spending time with his family – his wife, Missy and three pet rabbits including Stinky, Sprite, and Stanford.

Mr. DelCastello joined the staff at Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. in January 2004.

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