Professional Archaeologists Research Articles

A Framework for a Sustainable Archaeology Field School in South Florida

Entry into the profession of archaeology generally requires the completion of an archaeological field school, which teaches proper field, laboratory, and curation methodologies. Archaeology as a discipline has been making strides towards integrating cross-disciplinary methods to increase the depth and breadth of the subject and enhancing inclusivity. These efforts have been mirrored in the approaches of some archaeological field schools, but not necessarily in a systematic fashion. This paper presents a cohesive framework for an archaeological field school that integrates cross-disciplinary training and inclusivity by model of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), specifically SDGs 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, 13: Climate Action, 4: Quality Education, and 11: Reduced Inequalities. Both how the framework could be implemented across a variety of archaeology field schools and how it has been implemented in the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) field school held in Jupiter, Florida, are discussed. Furthermore, we present preliminary survey data from field school participants to demonstrate how this field school supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Polska szkoła archeologii śródziemnomorskiej w audycjach Polskiego Radia (1971–1980). Nowe źródła w studiach nad historią dyscypliny i jej społeczną recepcją

The article provides an overview of radio programs dedicated to Mediterranean archaeology broadcast on Polish Radio during the 1970s and 1980s. This analysis represents the first such endeavor in Polish literature and aligns with the public archaeology trend, which examines the political, cultural, and economic dimensions of archaeological practice and its societal reception. By exploring this category of sources, the text offers a historical perspective on radio broadcasts, presenting them as a novel and previously untapped resource for studying the history of archaeology. Drawing from these sources, the article discusses the dissemination of knowledge concerning the activities of Polish researchers, the media portrayal of the archaeological profession, and the unique phenomenon of the Polish School of Mediterranean Archaeology in the context of Polish scientific history. It delves into the distinctive features and historical background surrounding its establishment. Additionally, attention is given to Kazimierz Michałowski, the visionary behind this initiative, and the strategies he employed to promote public awareness of the research conducted within the Polish School of Mediterranean Archaeology.

Exploring materiality and sensory experience through Viking Age reenactment

ABSTRACT Sensory archaeology explores how past individuals engaged with their world through all their senses. The use of senses is also a cornerstone in Viking Age reenactment. We argue that research on Viking Age material culture can benefit from the knowledge and experience of Viking Age reenactors, particularly when studying the sensory dimension of using and crafting objects. The traditional dichotomy between archaeologists and reenactors can also be challenged, as many individuals can be professional archaeologists but also reenactors. The application of reenactment in archaeological research is nevertheless situated on the boundary between subjective experiences and objective academic research. For this kind of research to work, methodological rigour and a theoretical framework is required to ensure the reliability and validity of interpretations. By applying a relevant theoretical framework, for example one that embraces the theories of sensory archaeology, while acknowledging the nuanced interplay of authenticity and subjectivity, Viking Age reenactment can provide a unique tool to study Viking Age material culture.

LIDAR AND NEW DISCOVERIES OF HILLFORTS IN LATVIA

In the last four years, an explosion-like process of discovering new hillforts has been observed. This has been made possible due to the public availability of LIDAR relief maps and point-cloud data collected in the scanning process. This paper aims to describe the practical process of working with LIDAR data in discovering, describing and registering new hillforts, as well as look for answers to the question of why have so many hillforts (77 in the time from 2018 until 2021) only been discovered now and using remote sensing data. The paper gives an insight into the process of collaboration between professional archaeologists and history enthusiasts that spend countless hours going through LIDAR maps looking for relief transformations characteristic of hillforts. The result of this collaboration is an impressive number on new hillfort sites that change our views on settlement patterns and social processes in Latvian prehistory, especially in the Latgale region. This region has by far the highest number of new hillfort sites and it seems that the reasons for only discovering these hillforts with remote sensing data is related to the ethnic history of the region and the loss of hillfort folklore because of demographic and migration processes.

A Society for Professional Archaeologists in Tanzania: A Call for Action

A Society for Professional Archaeologists in Tanzania: A Call for Action

“We didn’t know we were doing science”: Engaging with science and mathematics in an archaeology afterschool program

An extensive number of empirical research studies support the engagement of young children and youth in out-of-school science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics learning experiences. In this case study, we add to this knowledge base through examining how rural middle school learners engage with science and math concepts and practices through an afterschool program that emphasized the development of STEM content, skills, and practices using the field of archaeology, as well as Indigenous knowledges, as mediums. Results highlighted how various syncretic approaches within the afterschool program afforded 61 middle school aged learners’ opportunities to engage with math and science concepts common to archaeologists and Indigenous peoples. We illustrate this through five “doings.” For example, learners engaged in similar science practices to Indigenous peoples through considering how local landscapes and the natural environment informed decisions regarding settlements. This study concludes with recommendations for professional archaeologists and educators to adapt and/or develop a similar afterschool program to support students’ participation as ARCH + STEM learners.

“Lies My Teacher Told Me”

AbstractA major problem in collections management is the lack of training about collections in all facets of archaeology. Ignorance about both ethical obligations and practical steps associated with collections is arguably the leading contributor to the ongoing curation crisis. This work summarizes shortcomings in collections training in academia and in cultural resource management, and it proceeds to identify some steps that can be taken to provide training for students and professional archaeologists. The overriding argument is that more training in all aspects of collections is absolutely essential to addressing and beginning to mitigate the overwhelming problems the discipline faces in caring for archaeological collections.

Accumulation of Information about Metal Mirrors from Altai Sites and the Formation of a Source Base in the 1920s — the First Half of the 1950s

The article is devoted to the history of the discovery and study of 20 metal mirrors recorded in the territory of Altai in the 1920s — the first half of the 1950s. It has been established that the vast majority of products come from the monuments of the Scythian period and the Middle Ages. An analysis of the available information about the finds allowed the author of the study to identify several trends that are characteristic of this stage. During this period, the leading museum institutions of the country (the Russian Museum, the State Hermitage, the State Historical Museum) organized a number of large expeditions led by professional archaeologists (S.I. Rudenko, S.V. Kiselev, M.P. Gryaznov). Most of the metal mirrors presented in the publication come from the archaeological complexes investigated by these experts. In addition, there is an active work of employees of local museums (M.D. Kopytov, S.M. Sergeev) in the study of the ancient past of the region. In particular, they assembled a series of metal mirrors that added to the collections of the State Hermitage and the Biysk Museum of Local Lore. Another important trend ofthe designated period was the first theoretical understanding of the findings. Thus, sections related to the cultural and chronological interpretation of metal mirrors found on the territory of Altai appear in the articles and monographs of archaeologists.

Transforming higher education: From Flipped lessons and MOOCs to lifelong learning for archaeologists

This paper explores the transformative impact of flipped learning and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on higher education, specifically in the field of medieval archaeology at the University of Padova. It delves into the implementation of these innovative approaches, their effects on student performance, and the valuable insights gained from student feedback. Additionally, it highlights the global reach of MOOCs created as a complement to these courses, including their multiple functions and implications also for lifelong learning. The findings suggest that blending online and traditional teaching can create a dynamic and inclusive educational experience that caters to the needs of traditional students, professional archaeologists who want to improve their skills and competencies and enthusiasts of archaeology.

Recording Data from Metal-Detecting Activities in the Czech Republic: The Portal of Amateur Collaborators and Register of Individual Finds (AMCR-PAS)

This article discusses the importance of the Portal of Amateur Collaborators and the Register of Individual Finds of the Archaeological Map of the Czech Republic (AMCR-PAS) in preserving data from metal-detecting activities in the Czech Republic. The context and legal framework of metal detecting in the country are explained along with the establishment of AMCR-PAS. The collaboration between amateur and professional archaeologists is also discussed. The recorded finds are analysed in terms of chronological, typological and spatial distribution. The AMCR-PAS system is recognised as a crucial tool for the preservation of data from metal detecting, and provides a valuable resource for national and transnational archaeological research, enabled especially by aggregation of AMCR-PAS data in the ARIADNE infrastructure. Overall, this article highlights the significance of the AMCR-PAS system and its potential to contribute to the understanding of the country's rich archaeological heritage. It also examines the shortcomings and challenges that accompany applying the system in practice.

Garnys: An underwater riverine site with delayed Neolithisation in the southeastern Baltic

This paper presents the first results of both dryland and underwater investigations at the multi-period Garnys riverine site situated on the Žeimena River in eastern Lithuania. There, during 2017–2020 a professional diver and amateur archaeologist collected hundreds of Mesolithic-Neolithic archaeological finds made of wood, bone, antler, stone, and ceramic from the riverbed and on its bank. Moreover, in eroded places of the riverbed, the wooden remains of several fish weirs were observed. In 2021 professional archaeologists continued the research, including field investigations followed by various laboratory analyses. These included AMS 14C dating of 16 various ecofacts, artefacts and wooden constructions, wood and animal taxa determinations, and the results of traceological analysis of the flint and osseous artefacts. Our research demonstrates that the site was intensively used for hunting, gathering and fishing during the Mesolithic and subsequent Subneolithic and Neolithic. Intriguingly, there was no evidence for agriculture, while the numerous Neolithic ceramics largely follow the Subneolithic traditions. The Garnys site is therefore unique and a clear example for delayed Neolithisation in a forested and lacustrine area in the eastern Baltic region. During the Metal Ages, the site had been used exclusively for stationary fishing.

Traditional ecological knowledge and practices for ecosystem conservation and management: the case of savanna ecosystem services in Limpopo, South Africa

ABSTRACT Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) aids ecosystem conservation and management. While recognising the importance of Western science and knowledge, we argue that TEK practices are not appreciated resulting in continued and accelerated degradation of ecosystem services. This is prevalent among rural communities who are disadvantaged as their livelihoods depend on these ecosystem services. Taking the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province in South Africa as a case study, we explored the TEK practices employed to conserve and manage savanna ecosystem services. Employing the socio-ecological analysis (SEA) theory, we examined the perception and value of savanna ecosystem services. Data were initially collected from interviews with a professional biodiversity expert, an academic biodiversity expert, and a professional archaeologist and cultural expert (n = 4). In phase two, interviews were conducted with tribal representatives, traditional leaders, and community members (n = 43) in the four villages of Ga-Dikgale, Ga-Matlala, Moletlane and Ga-Malebogo across Capricorn District Municipality. Field observations were also undertaken. The findings highlighted the interrelated forms of sociocultural practices for the conservation and management of savanna ecosystem services, including norms, taboos, myths, rules, and cultural lifestyles. There were age differences in valuing and using TEK where younger people perceived TEK as backward. They relied on Western scientific knowledge, which they lauded as contemporary and not in opposition with their religious values. In conclusion, TEK continued to provide best practices for ecosystem conservation and management. This was identified by the respect and attention from the community who were aware of TEK even if they did not practice the processes. However, TEK is under threat as rural communities become more urbanized.

Embedding Librarians in Archaeological Field Schools

AbstractParticipating in an archaeological field school is one of the only educational experiences that nearly all professional archaeologists have during their training. As a result, field schools are uniquely suited to provide experiential education in emerging skills that all archaeologists will need, such as information and data literacies at all stages of the contemporary research and publishing cycle. The “embedded” librarian program in the University of New Brunswick's Downeast Maine Coastal Archaeology Field School is an effective means to deploy that focused expertise to help students better understand the relationship between fieldwork, data, and dissemination. At the same time, being in the field provides librarians with the knowledge to respond more effectively to the complex data management and research needs of archaeologists. We encourage large research projects to consider librarians as specialist members of the research team.

There is Power in the Past

Heritage (and by extension, archaeology) is an important part of the Star Wars universe. Both the Jedi and the Sith share teachings revolving around sites and artifacts important to their heritage and identities, and archaeologists like Dr. Chelli Aphra have played important roles in the development and maintenance of such heritage. However, the politicization of sites and artifacts by many groups and individuals has also served as motivation behind significant schisms, battles, imperialism, and resistance. As professional archaeologists, we have become familiar with the ways these themes are also appearing within our real-world discipline. This paper will broadly examine the roles that archaeology and heritage play in the Star Wars universe. Using examples from both canon media and expanded universe (now referred to as Legends) lore, this paper will explore the ways in which political factions manipulate and weaponize heritage and archaeology to their benefit. These examples will then be discussed within real world contexts to illustrate how Star Wars is ultimately a perfect encapsulation of the political powers inherent in archaeology and heritage studies, and the resistance to the manipulation of these fields.

Working with Indigenous Site Monitors and Tribal IRBs

ABSTRACT Archaeologists have an obligation to conduct research that is relevant and responsive to the desires, interests, values, and concerns of Indigenous descendant communities. Current best practices for collaborative, community-based archaeologies emphasize long-term engagement and “full collaboration,” including the coproduction of knowledge and total stakeholder involvement. The present-day structures and demands of archaeology—especially in CRM and graduate student research contexts—can serve to make such fully collaborative work difficult, if not impossible. Oftentimes, these difficulties result in a complete abdication of collaboration or even consultation beyond the bare minimum required by law. However, professional archaeologists must strive in all instances to work alongside Native communities in respectful, responsive, and mutually beneficial ways even if this work may often fall short of the loftiest ideal. In this article, the authors present two case studies in collaboration from recent projects conducted in the North American midcontinent. These case studies clearly demonstrate how tribal fieldwork monitoring, working with tribal institutional review boards (IRBs), and other related forms of “imperfect” collaboration can still help move us toward a more ethical, inclusive, and respectful future archaeology.

Robert J. Walker: The History and Archaeology of a U.S. Coast Survey Steamship

Robert J. Walker: The History and Archaeology of a U.S. Coast Survey Steamship

A Letter from the Editors-in-Chief

A Letter from the Editors-in-Chief

Developing a Learning Organisation within the Field Archaeological Profession – The Case of England

Learning organisation is a concept well-proven to be beneficial in many business models but has rarely been employed in the field archaeological profession. In the case of the English commercial field archaeological profession, limited diversity and multichannel communication system, short-term contracts, and unclear customer needs are the challenges of implementing the concept. The difficulties can be solved by expanding worldwide volunteer and placement programmes, initiating professional practitioners exchange programmes, and establishing professionalism with a more rigorous selection mechanism.

Obsidian projectile point conveyance patterns in the lower Humboldt Valley, Nevada

Despite their ubiquity, surface occurrences of obsidian artifacts at archaeological sites throughout western North America have traditionally been viewed as unworthy of serious attention because of the difficulty in dating them. In the past 40 years, the time sensitivity of certain Great Basin projectile point types has been established, which brings the importance of surface collections more center stage. With the coming of age and refinement of geochemical methods, obsidian artifacts from these surface sites can now be analyzed using nondestructive instrumental methods and matched to their geological eruptive origin on the basis of congruence in trace and rare earth element chemistry. Many of these surface assemblages in the Great Basin contain considerable numbers of obsidian projectile points that, when matched to their chemical source of origin, open up entirely new ways to investigate change and continuity in past land use and social relations. The present study was conducted in the lower Humboldt Valley of western Nevada, where large numbers of obsidian projectile points have been collected by professional archaeologists over the past century and housed in academic institutions and museums. In this study, more than 900 obsidian projectile points and bifaces were analyzed from 24 sites and localities within the lower Humboldt Valley using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) to bring data to bear on the question of whether changes in obsidian source use occurred there over the past 5000 years (as determined by time-sensitive projectile points). Significant changes were identified in the direction and distance-to-source of arrow points vs. dart points, and in the source and direction of Humboldt series points and of Humboldt Basal-notched bifaces, which implicate directional shifts through time in social relations among peoples using—and during some periods living at sites in—the lower Humboldt Valley. These results provide independent data to evaluate current views about land use, artifact conveyance, social relations, and technological change in the western Great Basin and beyond.

Материалы Саяно-Алтайской археологической экспедиции 1935 г. в Национальном музее Республики Алтай им. А.В. Анохина

The Sayano-Altai archaeological expedition of 1935 of the State Academy of the History of Material Culture and the State Historical Museum under the general direction of S.V. Kiselev, working in two detachments, made a significant contribution to the study of archaeological sites of the Altai Mountains. The second detachment of the expedition was led by the director of the Oirot Museum of Local Lore (now the National Museum of the Altai Republic named after A. V. Anokhin), a professional archaeologist S. M. Sergeev, who conducted research near the villages of Tuekta and Bystryanskoye. The materials of the excavations near the village of Tuekta belong to the ancient Turkic culture; the materials of the excavations near the village of Bystryanskoe belong to the Bystryansk culture of the Northern Altai of the early Iron Age. All the materials and documents obtained during the excavations were transferred to the local museum and made up its “golden fund”. The vast majority of the finds from S.M. Sergeev’s excavations have not been published, which signifi cantly reduces the information potential of the collection. The article provides a brief overview of the materials, both documentary and subject series, obtained as a result of the work of the second detachment of the expedition, stored in the A. V. Anokhin National Museum of the Altai Republic.