CSEN Ar Janchivlan Valley & Khentii Province Field Program...Xiongnu/Khunnu cemetery of Bishreltiin...

CSEN Ar Janchivlan Valley & Khentii Province Field Program 2015

1

THE CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF EURASIAN NOMADS

Educational Field Program MONGOLIA:

Ar Janchivlan Valley & Khentii Province

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Program Dates: August 14th

through 23rd

Application Deadline: July 15th

Full Contribution Deadline: August 1st Participant Contribution: $1,470

1

Number of Participants: 4-10 (tax-deductible when made to CSEN)

Participant Requirements: No previous experience required

Travel or wilderness experience helpful

Program Contact: [email protected]

Acceptance Type: Rolling notification2

PROGRAM OVERVIEW Much of Mongolia’s richest history and most beautiful countryside lie to the east of

the capital city in the wildflower-dotted valleys, pine-covered slopes, and golden steppe of

Khentii Province. En route from Ulaanbaatar to Khentii is the Ar Janchivlan valley, where

graves, rock art, and monuments from Mongolia’s ancient and medieval past have been the

focus of recent archaeological fieldwork carried out by the Mongolian University of Science

and Technology. This 10-day educational program in Ar Janchivlan valley and Khentii

Province will incorporate archaeological field research, academic instruction and lectures,

cultural engagement, outdoor activities, and adventurous backcountry reconnaissance in order

for participants to gain a multi-faceted, meaningful understanding of the Land of Eternal Blue

Heaven.

1 Additional fees incurred if paying contribution via PayPal. Please see the program application form for more

details. 2 Full participant contribution will not be due until the minimum number of participants (4) have been accepted.

All participants will be notified of official program status before August 1st.

mailto:[email protected]


2

About the Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads

The Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational

organization founded by Dr. Jeannine Davis-Kimball in 1989. Since its foundation, CSEN

has supported international collaborative research, scholarly publications, and educational

field programs in Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and from the broader Eurasian steppe. More

information about programming, publications, and academic ventures may be found at the

organization’s website (csen.org).

Table of Contents

Program Schedule……………………………………………………………….3-6

Program Site Map………………………………………………………………….6

Participant Contribution…………………………………………………………6-7

Program Staff……………………………………………………………………...8

Health and Safety…………………………………………………………...….9-10

Travel Information………………………………………………………...….10-13

In the Field……………………………………………………………….…...13-20

List of Required & Recommended Items…………………………………....20-24

Suggested Readings…………………………………………………………..25-26

Application Form……………………………………………………………27-31

Release/Assumption of Risk Form……………………………………………..32

Code of Conduct…………………………………………………………….33-36

Surveying a Bronze-Age burial mound in Khentii Province


3

Program Schedule3

August 13th

– Arrival

Program participants arrive in Ulaanbaatar and are met by a program representative, who will

escort them to overnight accommodations.

August 14th

(Day 1) – Introduction to the history and religions of Mongolia

Our team heads to Gandan monastery for morning services, then to the National

Museum of Mongolia for an expert-led tour through Mongolia’s prehistory, history,

traditional culture, and modern politics. After lunch, Dr. Erdenebold will give us a private

lecture at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology. In the afternoon our team

will depart the capital for the Ar Janchivlan Valley. On our way, we will visit the famous

Turk imperial Tonyukuk monument site before arriving at basecamp near the

Xiongnu/Khunnu cemetery of Bishreltiin Am. Bishreltiin Am is a small river valley

surrounded by hills; a few nomadic families living in traditional ger nearby and our team will

likely interact with the local residents during our time at Bishreltiin Am.

August 15th

(Day 2) – The imperial cemetery at Bishreltiin Am

Today we will focus our attention on a small Xiongn/Khunnu cemetery constructed in

the upper pasturelands of Bishreltiin Am. Our Field Instructors will introduce basic

archaeological methods to participants at the Bishreltiin Am site. Our team will map and

explore the cemetery, then after lunch conduct a more extensive pedestrian survey along the

slopes surrounding the site. Near the Bishreltiin Am site is a large ovoo, a sacred rock cairn,

that is regularly used by local shamans. Shamans adhere to their own rules and schedules,

but we may be able to visit with one of the shamans while we are at the ovoo site. We will

return to basecamp for dinner and overnight in tents.

3The field program schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions, unforeseeable

events, the needs of local communities, and the discretion of field instructors. The current

schedule is a guideline rather than a strict itinerary. Unless otherwise noted, all program

team members will overnight in tents at temporary basecamps each night.


4

August 16th

(Day 3) – The sacred mountain Bayan Tsogt

Our team will climb the large hill a few kilometers south of Bishreltiin Am, notable

for its red-rock outcrops, modern ovoo, and archaeological features from multiple time

periods (including the Ulaan Khad burials). During reconnaissance at Bayan Tsogt, we will

identify and document a variety of burial types from Mongolian prehistory and scout for

additional features of interest at this higher elevation. From Bayan Tsogt it is possible to see

the broader steppe stretching west and north, where modern populations live at higher density

and other archaeological sites have been found. In the afternoon we will continue our survey

around Bishreltiin Am with the aim of finding ceramics and other archaeological finds from

ancient herder campsites.

August 17th

(Day 4) – The Chinggis Khan statue and eastward journey

After packing up basecamp, our team will stop at the Tsonjin Boldog monument

complex on the way to Khentii Province. The brilliant-silver monumental statue of Chinggis

Khan (Genghis Khan) on horseback was built in 2008 on the legendary site where the future

World-Conqueror found a golden whip symbolizing his divine leadership. The monument

houses two fine museums in its basement. Field instructors will guide participants through

the museums, speaking on the archaeological cultures and historical significance found

therein. Participants may choose to climb to the top of the statue for a panoramic view, to

purchase souvenirs in the monument’s shops, or pay to take pictures dressed in traditional

Mongolian clothing or reimagined historical garb and armor. We will drive east into Khentii

Province and head into backcountry along the Tsenkhermandal Valley towards the Bayan

River in the afternoon. Along the way we will stop at sites of historical and cultural

significance, and perhaps to ask local herders for directions.

August 18th

(Day 5) – Baldan Bereeven monastery and nomadic family visit

In the morning we will head to Baldan Bereeven monastery to explore the ruins and

tour the operating temple buildings. Our team may have the opportunity to speak with some

of the monks praying and living at Baldan Bereeven. On our way back to basecamp, we will

drive past Khangal Lake and have a picnic lunch along its shores. In the afternoon we will

visit with a nomadic family living near the banks of Bayan River and have a traditional

Mongolian barbeque (khorkhog) with them, visiting them in their ger, and learning about the

herding lifestyle in this part of Mongolia.


5

August 19th

(Day 6) – Rashaan Khad: thousands of years of Mongolian history on one hill

Today we depart Bayan River and journey east along the Khurkh River towards the

Rashaan Khad site. Rashaan Khad is one of the most impressive and important sites in

Mongolia. Rashaan Khad consists of rock art from the Paleolithic to early modern period,

debris from stone-tool manufacture, burials, ovoo sites, and a sacred water spring distributed

on and around a slope overlooking the wide floodplain of the Khurkh River. Our team will

explore these features, expand upon the methods they learned in Ar Janchivlan Valley, and

gain first-hand knowledge of a wide array of Mongolian history.

August 20th

(Day 7) – Binder and introduction to Buryat culture

Finishing up at Rashaan Khad, our team travels to the small town of Binder, a center

for the Buryat ethnic minority. On our way we will scout for the burial and deerstone site

located between Rashaan Khad and Binder, as well as for other archaeological features. Near

Binder we will have the opportunity to ride horses on the beautiful steppe and see the

differences between other nomadic families we’ve encountered (primarily from the Khalkha

ethnic majority) and the Buryat people. Our team will overnight at a ger camp near Binder,

which should hopefully have showers and suitable beds that help us feel refreshed after our

toils in the field.

August 21st (Day 8) – The medieval mountaintop fortress Uglugchiin Kherem

After a relaxed morning in Binder, our team travels north to the ruined hilltop fortress

of Uglugchiin Kherem. Most of what remains of the fortress is a stacked rock wall that ruins

up the steep hill and along the ridge, which provides an amazing strategic view of the

surrounding countryside. Our team will conduct reconnaissance along the wall, keeping an

eye out for archaeological features that may help us better understand this site. We will make

our basecamp in the lush valley at the base of the wall.

August 22nd

(Day 9) – Reconnaissance survey

In the morning we will conduct some survey around the base of the wall and to the

north of Uglugchiin Kherem in an attempt to identify archaeological features near this

significant site and characterize the cultural landscape. After lunch at basecamp, we will

journey south along the Khurkh River, keeping an eye out for the many Turk-period burials

and khirigsuur monuments in the area.


6

August 23rd

(Day 10) – Return to Ulaanbaatar

Our final day in the field, we will make the long drive back from the rolling steppe

near Umnudelger, Khentii Province, all the way back to Ulaanbaatar. In Ulaanbaatar we will

have a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of the program. Participants

will stay overnight in a guesthouse unless they have made other arrangements.

August 24th

– Departure

A program driver will be available to take all participants to the airport or train station

today for their departure from Mongolia. Participants are encouraged to extend their time in

Mongolia after the end of the program. Although they will have to make their own plans,

participants are encouraged to consult with CSEN about designing further adventures in

Mongolia and neighboring countries.

Participant Contribution

The participant contribution of $1,470 to the Center for the Study of Eurasian

Nomads, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, for 2015 educational field programming is tax-

deductible. Your contribution will cover expenses for the following:

- Accommodations in Ulaanbaatar on the nights of August 13th

and 23rd

(shared

guesthouse rooming; if you would like to upgrade your Ulaanbaatar accommodations

to a private guesthouse room or a hotel at additional cost, please let us know well in

advance)

- August 13th

pick-up and August 24th

drop-off at Buyant-Ukh/Chinggis Khan

International Airport or the Ulaanbaatar train station

Map of significant program sites


7

- Support staff and field instructors for the duration of the program

- All entrance fees for museums, temples, and other sites visited as part of the

program schedule

- A private lecture in Ulaanbaatar by Dr. Erdenebold, a distinguished archaeologist

and professor at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology

- All program-related transportation costs

- Three meals a day during the program (including the farewell dinner in Ulaanbaatar)

- Outdoor activities (e.g., horseback riding, hiking, local festival participation)

- Program equipment rental

- Visits to nomadic families in rural Mongolia

***Participant contribution does not cover: international airfare, activities beyond the

program dates, personal purchases, alcohol, upgraded Ulaanbaatar accommodations, health

or travel insurance, or any expenses not directly related to this 10-day program and its

itinerary. Contact the Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads for further clarification***

Tibetan inscription at the Rashaan

Khad site, Khentii Province


8

Program Staff FIELD INSTRUCTORS

GUEST LECTURER

Dr. ERDENEBOLD is a professor at the Mongolian University of Science and

Technology. A distinguished archaeologist, Dr. Erdenebold has led numerous field

expeditions throughout Mongolia and serves on the national archaeological field research

supervising committee. He specializes in the archaeology of medieval Mongolia and ceramic

analysis.

SUPPORT STAFF

Our field instructors will be assisted by Mongolian support staff tailored for the needs

of the program team. The staff will at a minimum include a cook and a driver. Additional

support staff, such as a Mongolian program assistant and more drivers, will join our team if

necessary. The program’s support staff is responsible for the well-being and daily needs of

the team.

PROGRAM LANGUAGE

The Ar Janchivlan Valley & Khentii Province field program’s official language is

English. However, our Mongolian support staff and the local community members will have

little or no English-language communication skills. The field instructors together can carry

out most necessary translation but program participants should be comfortable traveling,

Emma HITE (MA) is a doctoral candidate in the Department of

Anthropology at the University of Chicago and a 2014-2015

Fulbright-Hays Fellow conducting dissertation research on the

Elst Ar site. Ms. Hite specializes in bioarchaeology,

zooarchaeology, and archaeological theory. A Seattle native, she

has been working in Mongolia since 2005.

Vanchigdash CHULUUNKHUU (MA) is a lecturer at the

Mongolian University of Science and Technology and a doctoral

candidate at the National University of Mongolia. Mr.

Chuluunkhuu supervises the Ancient Technologies Research

Center and specializes in physical anthropology. He is a native of

Zavkhan Province and has previously conducted fieldwork at the

Bishreltiin Am site in the Ar Janchivlan Valley.


9

working, and socializing in contexts where English is not spoken. Part of the cultural

immersion that comes with field experiences involves being comfortable with gaps in

understanding and miscommunications. Our program staff will provide some basic

Mongolian language instruction so that participants can engage more meaningfully with the

staff and community members. Participants can acquire introductory Mongolian skills –

greetings, simple phrases, key vocabulary – through the course of the program. Moreover, in

all ethnographic encounters, good will and a positive attitude are much more important than

language skills.

Health and Safety

ULAANBAATAR

While in Ulaanbaatar, please stay with the CSEN team and let the program staff know

if you plan to conduct any activities separate from the group or the program itinerary.

Travelers are regularly targeted for pickpocketing, robbery, and scams in the city. There are

some issues with anti-foreigner sentiments in Ulaanbaatar, particularly after dark or from

drunks (alcoholism is a serious problem in Mongolia), and it can be difficult to predict how

serious or risky an encounter is before it is too late. Our program staff will be happy to

provide you with tips and instructions to increase the chance that your time in Ulaanbaatar

will be pleasant and uneventful. However, the best strategy is to stay with the group at all

times.

IN THE FIELD

Access to healthcare in rural Mongolia is very limited and medical care quality in

Mongolia is not comparable to that in the US. Minor problems will be dealt with as well as

possible by program staff and field instructors. Program participants need to bring some

supplies with them: Band-Aids of all sizes, antibacterial disinfectant (Neosporin, iodine

wipes), Ibuprofen (or comparable), Tums, Pepto-Bismol tablets, Imodium, insect repellant,

Aloe gel, and any prescriptions and personal healthcare items that you made need for the

entirety of your time in Mongolia. Please consult the List of Required and Recommended

Items for more on this subject. More serious problems and injuries will be stabilized as best

as possible until the injured party can be transported back to Ulaanbaatar.

All program participants must have Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage for the

duration of the program. Proof of Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage must be


10

presented to one of the field instructors on the first day of the program. Any participant who

fails to present appropriate proof will forfeit their contribution and be dismissed from the

program. This policy is for your own safety, health, and well-being. Mongolian healthcare

providers usually do not accept foreign insurance coverage. You will need to discuss the

particulars of your situation with your health insurance provider so that you know what

would be involved if you needed emergency or regular medical care in Mongolia. This is

your responsibility to organize and pay; CSEN, the field instructors, and Mongolian support

staff will assist you but the program and CSEN are not liable for any accident, injury, or

illness you suffer as a program participant. Please consult the CSEN 2015 field program

Waiver (Release/Assumption of Risk form) for more information about insurance and health

issues.

Travel Information

International travel and any trips not specifically included in the 2015 CSEN field

program in Mongolia are not covered by the program contribution. If you are delayed at any

point during your travel to Mongolia, please contact the CSEN and/or program staff via e-


11

mail and/or phone. We will provide you with emergency contact numbers before you leave

for Mongolia.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND HEALTH WARNINGS

Mongolia does not officially require foreigners to present any verification of

immunizations for entry into the country. Mongolia’s extreme continental climate means that

most of the more dangerous infectious diseases transmitted by insect/pest, air, food, and/or

drink are not an issue. The programs recommends but does not require the following

vaccinations: Hepatitis A&B, rabies, tetanus, typhoid, and diphtheria. Program participants

should consult their healthcare provider and the Center for Disease Control

(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/mongolia) for more information

about health and medical issues related to their participation in the 2015 field program.

AIR TRAVEL

Flying is the easiest way to get to Mongolia. Flights from Beijing, Seoul, Hong Kong,

Tokyo, and Moscow arrive and depart from the Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport in

Ulaanbaatar. There are no direct flights from the Americas or Western Europe to Mongolia at

this time. Check with your airline company about baggage fees (some airlines require you to

pick up and re-check your bags in your connecting city), transfer policies, and visa

requirements for your city/cities of transit.

A program representative will meet you at the airport in Ulaanbaatar after you’ve

gone through passport control and claimed your baggage. After you claim your baggage, do

not leave the waiting area or your bags, and do not go with anyone unless they are a project

representative and/or a Mongolian official. You will have the cell phone contact information

for our program staff should you need to contact us while at the airport in Ulaanbaatar. We

encourage you to pack your passport and an emergency set of items (change of clothing,

toiletries, your money, etc.) in your carry-on luggage or on your person (whichever is safer)

in the event that your checked luggage gets lost.

OTHER OPTIONS

Travelers can reach Ulaanbaatar by train from Beijing or via the Trans-Siberian

railway. These options are more time-consuming but worthwhile if you are up for an

adventure. Please notify program staff well in advance if you do not intend to fly to Mongolia

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/mongolia


12

so that we can plan to pick you up at the main passenger train station in Ulaanbaatar. A

Russian or Chinese visa is required for US citizens traveling via train, depending on the

route; please plan accordingly.

GETTING AROUND ULAANBAATAR

A program representative will be available to pick you up at the airport the day before

your program starts and drop you off at the project guesthouse/apartment in Ulaanbaatar. If

you decide to arrive in Mongolia more than 24 hours before the program starts, you will need

to let us know and make your own arrangements to join up with the team on the evening

before the program starts.

Downtown Ulaanbaatar is traversable on foot and is also served by buses,

trolleybuses, and taxis. As noted previously, program participants will not have a lot of time

to explore the city on their own before our team conducts first day activities (Gandan

monastery visit, guided tour of the National Museum of Mongolia, and lecture by Dr.

Erdenebold) and heads out to the field. You are advised to stay with the program team or

other participants if you want to explore Ulaanbaatar. Be prepared for delays and difficult

traffic conditions when traveling in, out of, and through Ulaanbaatar by car or bus.

FIELD LOGISTICS

Our team will travel in 4-wheel drive vehicles, depending on the size of our group, on

a combination of poorly-maintained paved roads, dirt tracks, and off-road in Mongolian

backcountry. There is some decent paved road leading out of Ulaanbaatar but expect difficult

traffic while getting out of the city and rough road (or off-road) conditions after a certain

point. Some days our team will spend a significant amount of time driving in order to reach

interesting and remote locations. Riding in program vehicles is not particularly comfortable,

especially when going off-road, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. Those prone to carsickness

are recommended to take precautions.

VISAS

US citizens do not need a Visa to stay in Mongolia for 90 days or less. US citizens

staying longer than 30 days in Mongolia must register with Mongolian Immigration. Please

bear this in mind when planning your participant in the CSEN program. If you are not a US

citizen, it is your responsibility to look up the Visa requirements for your country of


13

citizenship as they apply to Mongolia. There are no citizenship requirements to participate in

the CSEN field program.

In The Field

The Ar Janchivlan Valley & Khentii Province field program involves living in steppe

and khangai (wooded backcountry) environments over the course of 10 days (8 nights in

tents). Fieldwork in rural Mongolia is rewarding but challenging, as plans and conditions can

change, for better or for worse, at the drop of a hat. A positive, flexible outlook is essential

for all volunteers! Volunteers should be in good physical condition and prepared to undertake

a variety of physical tasks related to archaeological research and life at basecamp while

remaining in good spirits. Emma Hite, our US field instructor, has previously worked with

international volunteers and participants ranging from senior citizens to first-year college

students on previous archaeological and other field projects in Mongolia; her experience is

that a volunteer’s a cheerful attitude and a good work ethic are far more valuable than their

physical prowess or previous experience. We want everyone involved to have a positive

experience this summer.

2014 temporary basecamp near Khurkh River, Khentii Province.


14

BASECAMP

During the majority of their program participation, volunteers will live in temporary

program basecamps set up along our route through rural Mongolia along with the rest of the

program team (field instructors and Mongolian support staff). Field conditions in rural

Mongolia are beautiful but rugged, as the project is located a considerable distance from any

towns, permanent infrastructure, or utilities services. Weather is unpredictable and volunteers

should be prepared for the extremes of all four seasons. Please consult the List of Required

and Recommended Items, as this list will be your best guide to proper preparation for your

time in the program.

SLEEPING

Participants should plan to bring their own tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats for

camping; however, they may also rent this equipment here in Mongolia for the duration of the

program. Our program can secure these rental items for you but they are very likely to be of

lower quality than what you can bring with you.

Temperature in Mongolia fluctuates rapidly from night to day, even during the height

of summer, and our area may experience high winds, rainstorms. During the height of

summer, snow and frost are not unheard of during a cold snap. Mongolia is known as the

Land of Blue Sky and Mongolians consider themselves blessed by Eternal Blue Heaven. The

brilliant blue sky and glorious cloud formations are as beautiful as the sunlight is intense.

While Mongolia is generally quite arid, July and August fall during the rainy season. We

recommend that you bring a tent that can withstand high winds and heavy rain. While you

may get too hot during the day, your sleeping bag should be able to withstand the cold and

you should have a decent sleeping pad to insulate you from the ground. Just because it is

summer doesn’t mean that it won’t get very cold, especially at night!

We strongly urge you to bring enough clothing to deal with all extremes and types of

weather. You should bring at least one set of thermals or long underwear, cold weather hat

and gloves, socks of both thin and heavy weight, sweaters or Polar Fleece zip-ups, long pants,

a rain slicker or poncho, and other clothes for layering. Layering is the key to dealing with

Mongolia’s temperamental weather! Please consult the List of Required and Recommended

Items for more details.


15

EATING AND DRINKING

Our program cook will prepare, serve, and clean up after three meals a day, from

staples of the traditional Mongolian diet: mutton or goat, rice, noodles, and potatoes,

supplemented with vegetables. However, as members of a field team, everyone is expected to

help with camp duties when asked. Prospective program participants with special dietary

requirements should consult with us during the application process.

Program participants are encouraged to bring some favorite spices and seasonings

from home (like A-1 sauce or curry powder) to liven up camp meals. Bringing some favorite

snacks and treats from home is a great idea: dried fruit, peanut butter, Nutella, hard candy,

powdered drink flavoring, and other small, light items will improve your experience in the

field. Tums and multi-vitamins, though more medicinal, will help you adjust to a different

diet. All program participants will share communal utensils, dishes, bowls, and cups. You

may bring a personal set with you, but don’t be surprised if others use it or parts go missing

(the nature of communal living!). There may be opportunities to buy snacks and cold drinks

from small towns as our team travels across the countryside.

Ancient burial on the sacred mountain,

Bayan Tsogt, near Ar Janchivlan Valley


16

When visiting the homes and festivals of local herders, you may be fortunate enough

to be offered samples of traditional Mongolian cuisine, such as aruul (sweet hardened cheese

curds), suutei tsai (‘milky tea’ – the recipe varies by region and household), uruum (cooked

cream spread), and airag (fermented mare’s milk). Our field instructors will educate program

participants on the relevant etiquette and traditions before each visit, but participants are

expected to politely sample and praise the home-cooking of our generous Mongolian hosts.

Mongolia is an arid country. The program will draw its water from wells and rivers

along its route for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. Participants are strongly recommended to

bring a personal water purification system with them from home: a filtration pump, water

purification tablets, and at least one sealable container that can hold over 1L of water. The

program will provide bottled water to all participants and staff, but this process increases the

amount of waste our team leaves in local communities and CSEN aims to make as little

impact on the ecosystem as possible. Thus, the more water that we can draw from wells and

rivers and purify for ourselves, the better. Staying hydrated is hugely important, especially

while working under the hot summer sun. You need to drink at least 3 liters of water every

day, likely more if it’s particularly hot or you’ve been particularly active (pedestrian survey,

horseback riding).

The meat in our diet will come primarily from goat and sheep purchased from local

herders, which will be slaughtered and butchered by our Mongolian staff with the help of

these locals. These animals lead free-range, all-natural lives and their meat should be

appreciated. If you are uncomfortable with animal slaughter, butchery, or seeing parts of an

animal hanging to dry, you should reconsider your plan to join the program. These activities

and sights are a fundamental reality of the mobile pastoral lifeway in modern Mongolia, so

you may see them at basecamp, during visits to the homes of local herders, or during other

program activities. As a participant in a CSEN program, you will be expected to keep any

negative reactions or opinions to these and other aspects of Mongolian life yourself in order

not to offend or upset our Mongolian staff and hosts. The Center for the Study of Eurasian

Nomads is committed to positive, ethical relations with the local communities involved in

any of our programs, and as program team members, participants will act accordingly

FACILITIES

Clean is a relative term. Fieldwork and adventuring involve getting dirty and being

comfortable with few amenities, lower standards of cleanliness, and breaking out of your


17

normal routine. All of this will be especially true for our time in rural Mongolia. Most days

our team will have no access to major water sources; there should be opportunities to bathe in

small rivers at several points during the program. Our team will overnight in a ger camp on

August 20th

and showers (not necessarily hot or up to high standards) should be available.

There will be no plumbing once our program leaves Ulaanbaatar. Our team will have

opportunities to bathe in rivers and lakes upon occasion, but not daily. Bring a swimsuit,

sandals, biodegradable and environment-friendly soap, a towel, and other personal hygiene

supplies (toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, deodorant, moisturizing lotion, chapstick: see

the List of Required and Recommended Items) as necessary.

‘Facilities’ in rural Mongolia include: pit toilets with varying degrees of privacy,

‘steppe toilets’ (a convenient spot far from others), and occasional outhouses. In addition to

other personal supplies, volunteers are encouraged to bring soft toilet paper from home and

travel-sized containers of hand sanitizer, Handi-wipes, facial wipes, and Kleenex. Those who

are overly modest or concerned about cleanliness are encouraged to think hard about the

realities of fieldwork and travel in Mongolia.

Program participants should not bring any electronic items that cannot be powered by

batteries, as there will be no available electrical source at basecamp or within the project area.

Bring enough batteries to power your personal devices, especially your flashlight. Please also

include some extra batteries (AA and AAA) for emergencies and to share with other project

participants. You may wish to bring a solar charger for your batteries or electronics, as many

local herders in the area power their TV sets and charge their cell phones in this way. There is

neither internet access nor reliable cell phone reception within the project area. Our program

participants can make calls from county seats, but these are several hours away by car and

international calling rates apply. Program participants should not count on communicating

with the outside world while on the project.

All program participants will need to wear good supportive footwear while in the field

to protect their feet, stay warm and dry, and to make outdoor activities easier.

Reconnaissance and survey may require walking up to 5 miles a day over uneven, sometimes

hilly terrain while carrying some items (at least 1L of water, personal supplies, field

notebook) in your daypack. Field expeditions in rural Mongolia require decent physical

condition and include a regular amount of activity, but having a good attitude is much more

important than being in good shape. Those with chronic health problems or medical concerns

should consult CSEN and their physician for their own safety and comfort before joining the


18

program. As noted elsewhere, the weather is extremely variable in Mongolia but intense

sunlight and hot days are the norm during summer time. In a steppe environment there is no

natural shade or cover from the sun. Thus, a brimmed hat is required and sunglasses, light-

weight, light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants are highly recommended. Volunteers must

bring and wear adequate amounts of sunscreen (SPF 30+) in addition to staying hydrated

throughout the day.

Animals are an important part of nomadic life in rural Mongolia. People with a fear

of animals are discouraged from attending, as herd animals and dogs roam free in rural

Mongolia and occasionally through basecamp. All program participants will be respectful and

polite when local herders drop by for unannounced visits as good relations with our hosts and

neighbors is a key part of the Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomad’s philosophy. Our

team will have opportunities to engage with these animals several times during the program.

These may horseback riding, camel riding, helping to herd sheep and goat, milking mares,

and perhaps holding young livestock. None of these activities are required and team

members undertake them at their own risk (see the Release/Assumption of Risk form in the

application). If at any time you feel uncomfortable with a program activity or event, please

let the field instructors and Mongolian staff know so that they can make changes accordingly.

Community relations in Khentii


19

FIELD ACTIVITIES

Reconnaissance and Pedestrian Survey

Our team will take a variety of approaches to discovering, identifying, and

documenting sites of archaeological, historical, and/or cultural significance in the Ar

Janchivlan Valley and through parts of Khentii Province. The field instructors will teach

participants all methods necessary to carry out these tasks, provide detailed information about

the cultures, historical periods, and belief systems relevant to each site, and lead the actual

fieldwork.

Visits to Nomadic Families

Families in the countryside primarily live in traditional Mongolian ger. Our field

instructors and Mongolian staff will introduce proper Mongolian and ger etiquette, basic

useful greetings and phrases in Mongolian, and other pertinent topics to all participants

before and during these visits. Spending time with local families is one of the most enjoyable

and authentic ways to learn about Mongolian culture. The team’s time with local nomadic

families will be our primary mode of ethnographic learning and experience.

Guests arriving at a family’s ger are traditionally offered some snacks and drinks and

guests in turn offer something for the family. We recommend that you bring candy, gum, or

small treats as a ‘guest gift’ to the family, although our program staff will have a small store

of these as well. These visits are contingent upon the availability and receptiveness of local

herding families. Most importantly, program participants are expected to be on their best

behavior during home visits.

Optional Activities

Our program participants will have the opportunity to ride horses near Binder in

Khentii Province. This is an optional activity but a great chance for fun and adventure.

Optional hiking and swimming apart from the program’s main schedule will be available a

few times during the 10 days in the field.

Festivals Organized by Local Communities

Summer is Naadam season, the main summer holiday in Mongolia, celebrated in

Ulaanbaatar this year from July 11th

–13th

. Naadam traditionally includes the Three Manly

Sports – wrestling, archery, and horse-racing – some of which we may see at local Naadam


20

celebrations in the vicinity of Ar Janchivlan Valley and in Khentii Province. This time of

year there are also small airag (fermented mare’s milk) festivals and horse races held

throughout rural Mongolia. These events are rare opportunities for foreigners to experience

rural community life in Mongolia and celebrate the best of summer with our generous hosts

and neighbors. Most such events are rarely publicized and therefore we cannot guarantee

which events we will attend, if any. However, our program will take every opportunity to

engage with Mongolian culture and will alter the program schedule in order to accommodate

possibilities for such once-in-a-lifetime events.

LIST OF REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED ITEMS

Required Items In the event that a CSEN field program participant does not have the Required Items

by the date stipulated below, the participant will have to withdraw from the project and forfeit

his/her contribution. This policy is for the safety and well-being of the participant, as it will

be an extreme hardship or even impossible to participate in the Ar Janchivlan Valley &

Khentii Province program without the Required Items. Please contact us with your questions

before leaving for Mongolia ([email protected]).

Ovoo worship site near Khurkh

River, Khentii Province


21

With your final and full contribution to CSEN (August 1st)

-Proof of medical insurance coverage for duration of project participation that specifically

includes Emergency Medical Evacuation

-Signed project Waiver (Release/Assumption of Risk form)

-Signed volunteer Code of Conduct

On August 13th

-Tent that can withstand high winds and rainstorms

-Sleeping bag warm enough for temperatures below 32F

-Sleeping mat suitable for your sleeping bag.

***Participants may rent a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat from a CSEN affiliate

company in Mongolia for the duration of the program. However, you must let us know well

in advance if they will need to rent this equipment so that CSEN staff can obtain it in time for

the program start date. CSEN and program staff cannot guarantee that the quality of these

items will meet individual standards, although they should be serviceable for a 9-day field

program***

-At least one water bottle or sealable container that can hold at least 1L of water

-Flashlight

-Close-toed shoes for fieldwork (hiking boots, steel-toed work boots, etc.)

-Hat with brim for protection from sun

-Rain slicker/poncho with hood

-Adequate clothing (see Recommendations below and be prepared for all possible weather

conditions!)

-Small daypack

-Field notebook and writing implements for taking notes, recording data, and keeping a

personal journal during the program

-Any personal medications or prescriptions that you are currently taking or will need while in

the field; you will not be able to get them in Mongolia

-Sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum)

-Insect repellant. Khentii Province is one of the lushest in Mongolia, thanks to an abundance

of streams and rivers throughout the countryside. The downside of all the wildflowers is the


22

mosquitoes. In additional to bringing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and gloves, you’ll be

more comfortable if you bring some bug spray.

-Additional personal supplies (see Recommendations below)

Recommended Items

These recommendations are based on the personal experiences of Western volunteers

on previous archaeological expeditions in Mongolia. Many of the items listed below are

Required Items for most participants but your individual mileage may vary. Use your

judgment when preparing for your time in Mongolia, as this list is not intended to be

exhaustive. We want our team to have the best possible experience in Mongolia this summer;

you will have a much better time if you’re properly dressed and equipped! Do not count on

being able to borrow the items listed below from other program participants or necessarily

being able to purchase them in Ulaanbaatar. Please contact us before you leave for Mongolia

if you have any questions.

-Water purification system – filter and/or tablets, bottle(s) that hold a combined minimum of

3 liters. This will help cut down on waste associated with buying bottled water in rural

Mongolia

-Field research supplies (optional): personal GPS unit, clipboard, compass, camera

-Field mess kit: bowl, spoon, fork, and cup that will get put into rotation in the kitchen tent.

The cup should be able to handle hot liquids. These items do not have to be high-quality

CLOTHING:

Participants should plan to layer their clothing so that they can stay comfortable during the

daily fluctuations from hot afternoon sun to bitterly cold midnight, and withstand whipping

winds, dust storms, and sudden rain showers. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE HOW COLD

IT GETS AT NIGHT IN THE MONGOLIAN COUNTRYSIDE. Nighttime temperatures

may drop below freezing even after a 80F day. Please prepare accordingly!

-Full-length canvas or khaki pants for project work (at least 2 pairs)

-Old men’s dress shirts in light colors to wear for protection against sun, dirt, and mosquitoes

-Short-sleeved shirts and/or tank tops

-Long-sleeved shirts

-Shorts


23

-Thermals or long underwear

-Hiking socks

-Sunglasses

-Polar fleece or wool sweaters

-Swim suit

-Bandanas

-Sandals for relaxing at basecamp and bathing in the river

-Gloves and hat for cold nights

PERSONAL:

-Ibuprofen, Advil

-Tums, Pepto-Bismol tablets

-Band-Aids of all sizes

-Neosporin, antiseptic/antibacterial wipes for cuts and scrapes

-Personal Rx for Ciprofloxacin

-Personal First-Aid kit (which may contain much of the above)

-Bar laundry soap

-Personal soap

-Shampoo and conditioner

-Pads, tampons

-Toilet paper (the softer stuff from home)

-Travel packs of Kleenex

-Liquid hand sanitizer

-Travel packs of Wet Wipes

-Moisturizer

-Toothpaste, toothbrush, floss


24

-Chapstick

-Towel – a quick-drying travel towel is preferable

-Hairbrush or comb

-Other toiletries as needed

OTHER:

-Immunizations: Hepatitis A&B, Typhoid, Rabies. The Center for the Study of Eurasian

Nomads recommends but does not require any vaccinations or immunizations for

participation this summer. However, you should consult with your healthcare specialist and

the CDC for more information

(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/mongolia)

-Secure travel purse or wallet

-Camera

-MP3 player

-Batteries for any electronic devices

-Portable solar charger

-Travel alarm clock

-ATM card, preferably VISA: you should be able to withdraw Mongolian tugrug from ATM

in downtown Ulaanbaatar. It is not possible to purchase Mongolian tugrug in the US at this

time. If you choose not to bring an ATM card, bring one or two new, crisp $100 bills to

exchange. An old, wrinkled, and or tattered $100 bill will be rejected by both Mongolian

banks and money changers! To be on the safe side, you may wish to bring both $100 bills

and an ATM card with you to Mongolia. You may need Mongolian tugrug in case of

emergency. Moreover, you may wish to have a small amount of spending cash for personal

expenses, souvenirs, and treats not covered by the program (i.e., candy, snacks, drinks, etc.

bought in small towns in the countryside, alcohol). You will not be able to change money

outside of Ulaanbaatar or reliable use an ATM or credit card

-Favorite snacks, especially candy, from home to share

-Candy, gum, or stickers to give as a guest present to local herding families and their children


25

Program Suggested Readings

***There are no required readings for the 2015 Ar Janchivlan Valley & Khentii Province

program***

Interested participants may wish to consult the following scholarly sources in order to

enhance their experience in the field. All sources are in English.

Allard, F., & Erdenebaatar, D., 2005. Khirigsuurs, ritual and mobility in the Bronze Age of

Mongolia. Antiquity 79, 547-563

Allsen, T.T., 1996. “Spiritual Geography and Political Legitimacy in the Eastern Steppe.” In: Claessen, H.J.M.,

and Oosten, J.G. (Eds.), Ideology and the Formation of Early States, Brill, Leiden, pp. 116-135.

Barfield, T., 1989. The Perilous Frontier: Nomadic Empires and China. Basil Blackwell, Oxford and

Cambridge, MA.

Biran, M., 2013. The Mongol Empire in World History: The State of the Field. History Compass 11/11, 1021-

1033.

Brosseder, U., & Miller, B.K., 2011. Xiongnu Archaeology: Multidisciplinary Perspectives of the First Steppe

Empire in Inner Asia. Bonn Contributions to Asian Archaeology, Vol. 5. Vor- und Frühgeschichtlich

Archäologie, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Bonn, Germany.

Charlier, B., 2015. Faces of the Wolf: Managing the Human, Non-Human Boundary in Mongolia. Brill.

Davydova, A.V., 1968. The Ivolga gorodishche: a monument of the Hiung-nu culture in the Trans-Baikal

region. Acta Archaeologica Scientiarum Hungaricae 20, 209-245.

Di Cosmo, N., 1994. Ancient Inner Asian nomads: their economic basis and its significance in Chinese history.

Journal of Asian Studies 53(4), 1092-1126.

Di Cosmo, N., 1999. State formation and periodization in Inner Asian history. Journal of World History 10 (1),

1-40.

Di Cosmo, N., 2002. Ancient China and its Enemies: The Rise of Nomadic Power in East Asian History.

Cambridge University Press.

Frachetti, M., 2008. Pastoralist Landscapes and Social Interaction in Bronze Age Eurasia. University of

California Press.

Fijn, N., 2011. Living with Herds: Human-Animal Coexistence in Mongolia. Cambridge University Press,

Cambridge.

Hanks, B., 2010. Archaeology of the Eurasian steppes and Mongolia. Annual Review of Anthropology 39, 469-

486.

Honeychurch, W., Amartuvshin, Ch., 2006. “States on Horseback: The Rise of Inner Asian Confederations and

Empires”. In: Archaeology of Asia. Blackwell Publishing, MA. pp. 255-278.

Honeychurch, W., 2013. The nomad as state builder: historical theory and material evidence from Mongolia.

Journal of World Prehistory 26, 283–321.

Jacobson-Tepfer, E., 2006. “The Rock Art of Mongolia.” The Silk Road 4 (1: Summer 2006), 5-13.

Park, J.-S., Eregzen, G., Yeruul-Erdene, Ch., 2010. Technological traditions inferred from artefacts of the

Xiongnu Empire in Mongolia. Journal of Archaeological Science 37, 2689-2697.


26

Rogers, J.D., 2012. Inner Asian states and empires: theories and synthesis. Journal of Archaeological Research

20, 205-256.

Rogers, J.D., Erdenebat, U., Gallon, M., 2005. Urban centres and the emergence of empires in Eastern Inner

Asia. Antiquity 79, 801-818.

Sima Qian [Watson, B., 1993]. “Chapter 110: the account of the Xiongnu”. In: Shi ji [Records of the Grand

Historian]. Columbia University Press, New York.

Skaff, J.K., Honeychurch, W., 2013. “Empire building before the Mongols: legacies of the Türks and Uyghurs”.

In: Genghis Khan and the Mongol empire, pp. 84-89.

Sneath, D., 2007. The Headless State: Aristocratic Orders, Kinship Society, & Misrepresentations of Nomadic

Inner Asia. Columbia Press, NY.

Tumen, D., Navaan, D., & Erdene, M., 2006. Archaeology of the Mongolian period: a brief introduction. The

Silk Road 4 (1), 51-55.

Waugh, D., 2010. Nomads and settlement: new perspectives in the archaeology of Mongolia. The Silk Road 8,

97-124.

Sunset at Rashaan Khad, Khentii Province


27

2015 APPLICATION FORM INSTRUCTIONS: 1) Fill out the Volunteer and Medical Information sections of this form 2) Complete the Short Response (250-500 words) either by typing into this form or attaching them as a separate file 3) Submit a recent photograph of yourself (jpeg format preferred)

4) Include your full name on all application materials 5) Make the check to: “CSEN” and write: “2015 Ar Janchivlan Valley/Khentii Province

program deposit” in the Subject/Detail line. In the event that you are not accepted as a

participant or that the program is cancelled, your deposit will be fully refunded.

Mail your $250 deposit and a copy of the Participant Information section of your application

to:

Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads c/o Jeannine Davis-Kimball, PhD 2158 Palomar Ave Ventura, CA 93001

***The Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads prefers to receive contributions as checks. However, if this is a problem, funds can be transferred via PayPal. If you use PayPal there will be an additional charge of $7.55 to cover the cost of PayPal for the $250 deposit and an additional $54 for the $1220 remaining due. Therefore, if paying via PayPal, the deposit cost is $257.55 and the final payment is $1,274.00 . These additional PayPal charges cannot be refunded in the event of an applicant’s rejection or program cancellation*** 6) E-mail your completed application form and all attached documents to: [email protected] If you are accepted into the CSEN 2015 field program in Mongolia, you will need to pay the remaining program contribution ($1,220) by August 1st, 2015. Funds must be received by this date. Please add five days from posting your check for regular USPS delivery. Signed copies of the Volunteer Waiver (Release/Assumption of Risk form: page 32) and the Code of Conduct (pages 33-36) will be due by August 1st. Electronic signatures will not be accepted. DEADLINES July 15th, 2015: application and $250 deposit ($257.55 if paying via PayPal) August 1st, 2015: remaining program contribution ($1,220) ($1,274 if paying via PayPal) Please let the CSEN know if you have any questions about the application form, necessary attached documents, or the application process. We prefer to contact you by e-mail ([email protected]). Please notify us if your e-mail address changes after you have submitted an application.




28

1. Participant Information

First name:

Middle name:

Last name:

Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY)4:

Citizenship:

Current address:

City:

State/Province:

Country:

Zip/Postal code:

Mailing address if different from above:

Home phone:

Work phone:

Mobile:

E-mail address:

Social Security Number:

Driver’s License:

Sex:

Height:

Weight:

Passport number:

Type:

Expiration date:

Employer or school:

Address of employer/school:

Emergency contact

Name:

Relationship:

4 Program participants aged 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian. CSEN field programs do

not accept applications from children under the age of 12. There is no maximum age limit for participants; enthusiasm, attitude, and overall health are more important than numerical age.


29

E-mail:

Telephone:

Address:

Contact number for employer/school:

If retired or unemployed, former employer’s or most recent school’s contact information:

Any additional pertinent information (hobbies, personal interests, profession, technical skills,

degrees held, etc.):

How did you hear about our program? Please check all that apply:

CSEN website (csen.org)

AIA AFOB

CSEN Facebook page

CSEN Twitter account

University website

Other website

Area Studies center

Friend, colleague, or acquaintance

Other (please describe below)


30

2. Medical Information

Medical treatment will not be equal to the norm in the US. The remote nature of the

program’s field component means that participants cannot expect quick or easy access to

medical care. Please be sure to list all special medical conditions you may have. You must

bring any prescription or over the counter medications that you require for the full extent of

your time in Mongolia. See the Waiver (Release/Assumption of Risk form: page 32) for

more details.

a) List any medical condition that you have or have had in the past five years, including hospitalizations and medical procedures (with their dates).

b) Participant health information -Blood type: -Date of last physical examination: -Do you wear corrective or contact lenses? -Loss of consciousness [please explain the circumstances and give date(s)]:

-Special diet or foods5:

-Other health concerns, such as a bad back, trick knee, etc. (please describe in detail): -Any other pertinent medical or health-related information:

-Current type of health insurance coverage6:

5 If your dietary requirements are different than noted in the information provided in this document, you should

plan on bringing any required (or desired) foods. Please discuss your dietary restrictions with CSEN staff well in advance of your arrival in Mongolia. Our field program may not be able to accommodate some special diets. 6 By the time you arrive in Mongolia, you must have insurance coverage that explicitly includes Emergency

Medical Evacuation for the duration of your participation in the program. Participants who do not present proof of their insurance coverage on the first day of the program will have to withdraw and forfeit all fees. This is for your own safety and well-being, and the CSEN will not willingly or knowingly allow its participants to put themselves in jeopardy.


31

c) Check and describe any that are applicable -Diabetes: -Epilepsy: -Allergies (please list):

You may attach additional pages as needed to complete the information requested in the first

two sections.

3. Reasons for Applying

In 250-500 words, please describe your interest in the CSEN 2015 Ar Janchivlan Valley &

Khentii Province field program, what you hope to learn in the course of your time in

Mongolia, and what kinds of experiences you hope to have in the program. You may type

your response into this form or attach it as a separate Word or PDF document.


32

RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

For and in consideration of the opportunity to participate in the 2015 Ar Janchivlan

Valley & Khentii Province field program run by the Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads

in Mongolia, I release Emma Hite, Vanchigdash Chuluunkhuu, Jeannine Davis-Kimball, and

the Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads from any and all liability for property damage,

personal injury, or expenses incurred as a result of injury, illness, or accident that I may

experience in the course of this program. I understand that there are many dangers and risks

in participating in this program, both because of physical and economic conditions in

Mongolia and arising out of archaeological fieldwork in general. These include but are not

limited to health risks (rabies, Hepatitis, Giardia), dangers in the environment, extreme

weather conditions (flooding, storms, low or high temperatures), injury from other

participants (accidental or intentional), injury during the course of archaeological fieldwork

(all activities associated with pedestrian survey), injury during normal activities in rural

Mongolia (horse-back riding, wrestling, hiking, swimming, interacting with herd animals and

guard dogs, interacting with wildlife), inaccessibility to medical care, political unrest, food

and water safety, and vehicular accidents. I do not expect the program staff or field

instructors to protect me from such risks and dangers and I accept full responsibility myself

for any and all injury, damage, and associated costs and expenses that may result to me from

my participation in the Ar Janchivlan Valley & Khentii Province program run by the Center

for the Study of Eurasian Nomads.

Date Participant signature

Print participant name


33

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads Code of Conduct for the 2015 Ar

Janchivlan Valley & Khentii Province field program is designed to foster a positive

experience for all program participants and staff by preventing any misunderstandings

upfront and outlining the program’s expectations of its participants. The Code of Conduct is

also intended to support the Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads’ broader goal of ethical

interactions and productive collaboration with local communities during fieldwork. Thus, all

program participants must read and sign the Code of Conduct in order to be eligible to

participate in the 2015 field season. In the event of a Participant’s withdrawal or expulsion

from the Ar Janchivlan Valley & Khentii Province program for reasons listed in the Code of

Conduct, the Participant will forfeit his/her contribution and be personally responsible for all

associated expenses, including but not limited to local transportation costs. Print your name

below, read through the entire Code of Conduct, and date, print name, and sign below to

indicate that you accept the Code of Conduct and will follow its contents throughout your

participation in the CSEN 2015 Ar Janchivlan Valley & Khentii Province field program.

I, , hereafter the Participant, do agree to abide by the following Code of Conduct for participants in the Southern Bulgan Province program as stipulated below:

1. Required documents: the Participant will provide all documents required by Program

Staff as listed in the application form by the dates stipulated therein. In the event that

the Participant fails to present all required documents, the Participant will have to

withdraw from the program.

2. Zero-tolerance policies:

a. The Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads has a zero-tolerance policy

regarding illegal substances, objects, and activities. These include but are

not limited to: participation in the trade of undocumented antiquities, use

or transportation of illegal narcotics, weapons, or remains of endangered

species, and involvement in any aspect of the sex trade. The Participant

consents to follow all official laws and regulations of the nation of

Mongolia while participating in the project. More details of these laws

and regulations can be found at the Embassy of Mongolia to the United

States (http://mongolianembassy.us/) and the US Embassy in Mongolia

(http://mongolia.usembassy.gov/service.html).

3. The Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads has a zero-tolerance policy regarding

violent behavior. Any program participant who engages in violent behavior will

http://mongolianembassy.us/

http://mongolia.usembassy.gov/service.html


34

either be severely reprimanded or immediately required to leave the program,

depending on the severity of the behavior and the judgment of the program staff.

4. The CSEN 2015 Ar Janchivlan Valley & Khentii Province field program is led by two

field instructors: Ms. Emma Hite and Mr. Vanchigdash Chuluunkhuu (hereafter Field

Instructors). The Field Instructors reserve the right to require a Participant to

withdraw at the Participant’s own expense from the program at any time should the

Participant’s behavior, conduct, or condition threaten the health, safety, or welfare of

any program participant, or impede the program’s operation or attainment of its

research objectives.

5. The Participant acknowledges that he/she is responsible for bringing the Required,

selected Recommended, and any personal items needed by the participant with

him/her to Mongolia. The Participant understands that, should he/she fail to have any

of the Required Items by the evening of the first day of his/her session, the Participant

will have to withdraw from the project and forfeit his/her volunteer contribution. As

these items will be essential for the Participant’s health, well-being, and ability to

participate in the program, the Participant agrees that his/her failure to bring all such

items is grounds for withdrawal. The Participant acknowledges that the Required

Items list is not exhaustive and that it is his/her individual responsibility to come to

Mongolia properly prepared for the 2015 field program. Therefore, the Participant

will consult the Recommended Items list, the Field Instructors, CSEN staff, and

his/her own judgment in preparing and bringing all necessary items for participation

in the 2015 field program before departing for Mongolia.

6. The Participant agrees to resolve all conflict, with the assistance of the Field

Instructors and Mongolian support staff, in a productive and reasonable manner while

a team member on the Ar Janchivlan Valley & Khentii Province 2015 CSEN field

program

7. The Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads and the Field Instructors are

sympathetic to the stresses associated with archaeological fieldwork and travel in

rural Mongolia. However, Participant understands that it is not acceptable to make

negative or hostile statements, engage in negative, hostile, or aggressive behaviors, or

to take his/her emotions out on other program participants, program staff, or members

of the local community.

8. The CSEN 2015 field program is safe-space and a harassment-free educational

expedition. While there are cultural differences between Mongolia and the US, the

Field Instructors will do their best to prevent harassing or discriminatory speech or


35

behavior from all program participants, including the Participant, and to reprimand or

expel serious or serial offenders from the program.

9. The Participant promises to maintain a positive attitude, a flexible approach, and a

good work ethic to the best of his/her abilities throughout the Ar Janchivlan Valley &

Khentii Province program. The Participant acknowledges that fieldwork is a stressful

undertaking and that the unpredictable conditions in rural Mongolia can exacerbate

such stressors. Therefore, the Participant will comport him/herself in a friendly,

polite manner towards all other field program participants and staff, and members of

the local community irrespective of whether it is a difficult day or if the Participant is

not feeling his/her best.

10. The Participant agrees to be on his/her best behavior when interacting with members

of the local herding communities in rural Mongolia. The Participant pledges to abide

by the Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads’ overarching commitment to ethical

and friendly interactions with our Mongolian hosts.

11. The Participant will inform the Field Instructors in the event that he/she feels unwell

or has experienced an injury. The CSEN 2015 field program is not equipped with a

medic but intends to provide its participants with some basic medical care, such as

Band-Aids, an emergency blanket, and antiseptic wipes. It is therefore in the

Participant’s interest to bring a personal basic First-Aid kit. The Participant must

immediately inform the Field Instructors and Mongolian support staff of any injury,

health issues, or concerns. The field program staff will do their best to stabilize the

Participant for his/her transportation back to Ulaanbaatar, where better medical care is

available. However, the Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads, Field Instructors,

and Mongolian support staff are not liable for any accidents or illnesses that befall the

Participant during the program. Any costs or expenses associated with a CSEN field

program participant falling ill, getting injured, or having an accident during the course

of transportation or their participation in the program will be his/her sole

responsibility.

12. The Participant has read, understood, and signed the Waiver/Release and Assumption

of Risk form, which contains more information on this point.

I, the above-named Participant, have read through the Code of Conduct for the CSEN 2015

Ar Janchivlan Valley & Khentii Province field program in Mongolia in its entirety. I

understand all of its contents and hereby agree to abide by the Code of Conduct for the

duration of my participation in the CSEN field program. I understand and agree that my

violation of the Code of Conduct is grounds for reprimand or even expulsion from the


36

program depending on the severity of the offense and the judgment of the Field Instructors. I

have already addressed my questions about the Code of Conduct to a member of the CSEN

staff and/or the Field Instructors and fully understand the nature of my agreement.

Date Print participant name Participant signature

CSEN Ar Janchivlan Valley & Khentii Province Field Program...Xiongnu/Khunnu cemetery of Bishreltiin...

Documents

Transcript of CSEN Ar Janchivlan Valley & Khentii Province Field Program...Xiongnu/Khunnu cemetery of Bishreltiin...