Archaeological Finds Intro
Post-Excavation Taster Days
Dates: TBC
No previous experience is necessary just bring along an enthusiasm to learn.
PLEASE NOTE: this is subject to the BRP receiving enough bookings to make the days viable (more information on this below).
What is post-excavation?
Archaeology is not all about digging. In order to turn the data gathered through excavations or surveys (for example) into information that can be used to interpret a site and/or plan further investigations, archaeologists must process this data during the ‘post-ex’ phase.
This includes recording the artefacts recovered, processing the environmental samples taken, digitising the drawings and survey information, for example. This work generates a physical and digital archive, which connects all the pieces of information together. It takes far longer (in most cases) than the actual field work and often takes place in the lab or at the desk.
Post-Ex at the Bamburgh Research Project
Here at the BRP we have generated a lot of post-excavation work in the last 30 years. We undertake much of the initial post-ex on site, where we wash and process the small and bulk finds, we process our environmental samples and we catalogue much of the records and photographs we take. However, there is still much work that is undertaken during the off-season by our staff and more that is sent away for specialist analysis. After running a successful taster weeks the last three years we are continuing to bring some of this ‘behind the scenes’ work back to the Castle and share it with a small cohort of interested individuals for two weeks this year.
What is the Post-Excavation Taster Week?
We offer quality training in archaeology with an emphasis on practical hands-on experience. The post-excavation taster week will use the BRP’s extensive archive, which consists of material from the prehistoric to the medieval periods, as the basis for an introduction to the different post-excavation techniques and research methodologies employed by the project.
We are still planning the daily schedule but the week will include:
- a general introduction to finds processing (bulk and small finds)
- hands-on training to record, draw and photograph artefacts from the site
- live demo and handling session with a medieval textile specialist
- introduction to environmental sampling and processing
- guided tour of Bamburgh Castle and the archaeological work to date
- guided tour of the Anglo-Saxon burial ground and the new ossuary and Bamburgh Bones exhibition
- live demo and handling session with a human osteology specialist
- live demo and handling session with a zooarcheology specialist
- hands on introduction to pottery from clay to fired pot
Who is it for?
Our training is open to people of all skill-levels and abilities, so no need to have a background in archaeology all you need is and interest to learn. In fact we particularly wish to offer a fun and educational experience to beginners and non professionals.
Please get in touch with us if you have any questions about access, facilities, etc.
BRP is open to anyone aged 18 and over.
Who will be teaching me?
Professional field archaeologists and post-excavation specialists.
How much does it cost?
TBC
How do I book a place?
- Fill out the Application Form
- You will then receive an email from the BRP staff to confirm availability
- Pay the fee to secure your place (see below for more information)
Contact details for the project can be found on the Contact Us page.
Any questions? Email: graemeyoung@bamburghresearchproject.co.uk