Sharing their piece of history

 

Gina Carroll

Week 1-2:

During the first two weeks of classes, we not only learned about excavation theory (excavation techniques, archaeological reconnaissance, surface survey, etc…), but were also given the opportunity to incorporate in-class knowledge into real-life experience. This deviated from what I expected the first few weeks to entail, since the majority of us had never even held a trowel, let alone actually excavated an actual archaeological site! 

Despite the speed at which we were allowed to begin excavating, the entire process was monitored rather closely by our Professor, Dr. Walde, our T.A, Lance

Evans, and our group leaders (students that had previously taken Arky 306, and were now enrolled in the more advanced class).

On the first day in the field, each group was designated a specific portion of the Archaeological site, and that portion was further subdivided so that each student (3-4 students in a group) were assigned their own one metre by one metere unit. These units were areas where previous excavation had been started last field season, but had not been completed. We removed the surface soil which had been placed over the units to protect whatever artifacts, ecofacts and features may be present from the weather, vandals, and wildlife, and prepared to go all “tomb raider” on our units (obviously convinced that our unit would hold the vital component to understanding the function of the site!). As the week progressed, we learned how to excavate properly (i.e-how not to hold our trowels like crazed gardeners digging for tubers), how to catalogue our finds, and perhaps most importantly, how to patiently avoid/ignore the mosquitoes.

By the second week, we had improved dramatically! Instead of bowling our floors (digging more in the middle, while leaving the outsides at higher elevations) and creating strangely crooked walls (the sides of the units), we had learned to dig down at even levels (1 cm for some, 5 cm for others, depending on the unit) and straightened our walls as we went deeper and deeper. Personally, I was extremely happy and surprised about how my skills went from “could probably dig an OK hole at the beach” to “pretty darn good” in so short a time. A lot of this had to do with my Professor and his T.A, since they let me in on some of their own “tricks of the trade” when I went to them, discouraged, over my complete lack of ability. While they probably don’t realize how much their words of encouragement meant to me, I owe them a lot. I was terrified that, since I excavated about as well as a blind monkey with a switch-blade, I would never be able to be an archaeologist-since, excavation is a huge part of the profession. They taught me that it’s OK to be bad at something you love, as long as you work hard at bettering yourself, and listen to criticisms instead of taking it personally and giving up.

Week 3:

Week three didn’t involve a whole lot of “out in the field” learning, since it rained pretty much everyday. Instead of going to excavate at the site, we stayed in the classroom and learned other skills essential to being a great archaeologist. We learned about mapping (UTM system, legal land division system, declination etc…), GPSing, taphonomy and methods of dating, among other things. We also spent time practicing using and setting up a piece of equipment called the “total station”, which allows you to measure distances with extreme accuracy (we often use this to find the Easting and Northing of a feature, artifact or ecofact in our units). While all that sounds rather boring, it’s actually quite interesting and fun.

Overall:

Overall, my experience so far has been extremely positive. I feel like I’ve learned a lot, and that I will continue to learn more and more as each day goes by. Personally, I’ve not made any ground breaking discoveries, unless you consider 2 charcoal flecks the absolute best thing of life. I did “find” a feature called a postmold (or, squishy as we so perceptively call them since they are squishier than the ground around them), which is basically the remnants of an old post. I didn’t really discover it, since the person who began excavating my unit last year came across it first, but I am excavating it. Next week I’ve been told I will move to the unit directly south of me, and excavate the portion of the postmold occupying that section. After that, I will move on to starting my own unit, and will hopefully come across some interesting objects then. Indiana Jones, watch out!

 

Ryan Jevons

Week 2:

In the second week my colleagues and I learned about one of the unfortunate aspects of archaeology. Weather is important. In the second short week, rain prevented excavation and relegated us to the classroom and to cataloguing our finds.

We covered the theory and practiced our mapping skills, as well learning about the cataloguing system, which will be incredibly helpful for when we can get back to the field. It was all very enjoyable still however thanks to the good company of friends, and interesting nature of what we are actually studying.

That being said, I’m hoping for slightly better weather next week.