Carl H. Chapman was a Professor of Anthropology and Research in American Archaeology at the University of Missouri-Columbia until his and his wife, Eleanor's, untimely deaths in an automobile accident in 1987. He is considered by most archaeologists as the father of professional archaeology in Missouri. He published The Archaeology of Missouri, Indians and Archaeology of Missouri (coauthored with Eleanor), and Osage Indians III: The Origin of the Osage Indian Tribe, as well as numerous articles in scholarly journals and book chapters (Carl H. and Eleanor F. Chapman, February 9, 2004). Eleanor F. Chapman, Carl’s wife, held a B.A. degree in art and had previously illustrated many archaeological publications since 1946. She was the art editor of the Missouri Archaeological Society's journal, The Missouri Archaeologist, and its memoir series until 1962, at which time she was given a Special Award of Appreciation (Carl H. and Eleanor F. Chapman, February 9, 2004).
The
Chapman Award is presented at the annual spring meeting to one or two senior
vocational archaeologists. The recipient has to have demonstrated a major concern for
the
preservation and understanding of Missouri archaeology by assisting the
professional community in archaeological research, survey, lab work, and
writings and/or by aiding in one or more of the following ways:
1) Donating a substantial number of hours working on professional
archaeological
projects over a number of years.
2) Writing scholarly publications including books, journal articles, etc.
3) providing long term housing, meals, facilities, to archaeological field
crews.
4) Donating land for archaeological research.
5) Donating major equipment for archaeological projects.
6) Donating major funding for archaeological projects.
7) Supporting vigorously the study of Missouri archaeology and/or
preservation of Missouri’s archaeological sites in various other ways
In Chapman’s incredible book, he uses historical documents, archaeological evidence and oral tradition to look at Osage origins, with an informative look at the relation to Dhegiha Sioux. He stated that their prehistoric locations were compatible with historic locations with the Big/Little Osage split occurring by 1717 AD. He discussed several sites and his origin discussion is interesting as he notes that if Osage are Oneota, sites should be mostly found on the Osage and White Rivers.
References:
Carl H. and Eleanor F. Chapman. (9 February, 2004). Former link, http://www.umsl.edu/~anttbaum/ca rl.html 17 March, 2004. (2006)
Chapman Award. (9 February, 2004). http://www.umsl.edu/~anttbaum/chapman.html 17 March, 2004.
1974 Osage Indians III: The Origins of the Osage Tribe. (10 March, 1997).
Written by: Nick Ablan