Archaeology Travel
Why The Two Are A Perfect Match
Look at the image above of Emperor Augustus's bust known as the 'Meroe Head'. Augustus ruled Ancient Rome and it's territories after Julius Caesar, and he is compelling with eyes that hold yours and it is quite dificult to look away. This isn't your average Roman emperor’s bust, it was found in Sudan - the then Ancient Kush capital of Meroe buried by the Kushite army beneath the steps of a victory monument, built to celebrate victory over Rome. The buried head - a two fingers up to Ancient Rome who occupied Egypt at the time. This bust lives in the British Museum in the Roman Empire Gallery Room 70, waiting to lay his eyes on you.
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Are There Black Archaeologists?
I admit it. I am an archaeology geek, I love everything about it. But I should be more specific – I really love archaeological excavations also commonly known as ‘digs’. One archaeologist described it as 'the most fun you can have with your trousers on', all true of course!
It’s quite unusual for someone of my background – Black British to be within archaeology and even more unusual to see a person of colour on a British excavation. Unfortunately, it’s part and parcel of the discipline and I really felt and noticed this wherever I practised archaeology, especially so at the British Museum. While I was volunteering within the Ancient Nubia department in 2014, one evening I was told by the cleaner - an African aunty that I was the only black person she had seen working in the curatorial department in all her years working at the museum. 'I can't be' I replied. She may have been right, as I only had to look at the staff canteen as a metric - the only black person I saw was serving in the canteen. But we both could have been wrong, not that I doubted her more so I couldn't believe the British Museum core values and practises were still literally stuck in the twentieth century, but should I have expected anything different from such an institution? I hope this certainly isn't the case now. Update June 2020: It still is, and this is straight from the horse's mouth the director of the British Museum himself :
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-53219
Tut
Tut
Oh King Tut!
To date there are zero black British archaeologists BUT there is an Haitian American archaeologist: Dr Peggy Brunache currently at Glasgow University. Moreover, in the Americas there is a community of black archaeologists - Society of Black Archaeologists, some of whom whose work I am familiar with; Dr Terrance Weike's study of runaway slave maroon communities, and Dr Alexandra Jones's Archaeology in The Community organisation. There are two British Asian female archaeologists – Shahina Farid, who is considered the ‘best field archaeologist in the business’ and Raksha Dave of Time Team fame. I've only come across four females of colour while digging, one of which @Tash_Archaeo is doing the damn thing sharing and disseminating her career as a field archaeologist, please check her out. Why is there a lack of representation? I honestly don’t know and it’s not for lack of the discipline trying, as there are many engagement projects associated with the big museums and YAC – Young Archaeologist Club, which I have been part of. Maybe minorities are not interested, maybe the lack of representation puts them off – whatever it is, it’s a vicious cycle.
I don’t want to lament on archaeology’s lack of colour, but I do want to celebrate my love of digging, and hopefully this will encourage others. I no longer dig anymore but wanted to share the places I have travelled as a young archaeologist, starting with Kenya below.
It’s quite unusual for someone of my background – Black British to be within archaeology and even more unusual to see a person of colour on a British excavation. Unfortunately, it’s part and parcel of the discipline and I really felt and noticed this wherever I practised archaeology, especially so at the British Museum. While I was volunteering within the Ancient Nubia department in 2014, one evening I was told by the cleaner - an African aunty that I was the only black person she had seen working in the curatorial department in all her years working at the museum. 'I can't be' I replied. She may have been right, as I only had to look at the staff canteen as a metric - the only black person I saw was serving in the canteen. But we both could have been wrong, not that I doubted her more so I couldn't believe the British Museum core values and practises were still literally stuck in the twentieth century, but should I have expected anything different from such an institution? I hope this certainly isn't the case now. Update June 2020: It still is, and this is straight from the horse's mouth the director of the British Museum himself :
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-53219
Tut
Tut
Oh King Tut!
To date there are zero black British archaeologists BUT there is an Haitian American archaeologist: Dr Peggy Brunache currently at Glasgow University. Moreover, in the Americas there is a community of black archaeologists - Society of Black Archaeologists, some of whom whose work I am familiar with; Dr Terrance Weike's study of runaway slave maroon communities, and Dr Alexandra Jones's Archaeology in The Community organisation. There are two British Asian female archaeologists – Shahina Farid, who is considered the ‘best field archaeologist in the business’ and Raksha Dave of Time Team fame. I've only come across four females of colour while digging, one of which @Tash_Archaeo is doing the damn thing sharing and disseminating her career as a field archaeologist, please check her out. Why is there a lack of representation? I honestly don’t know and it’s not for lack of the discipline trying, as there are many engagement projects associated with the big museums and YAC – Young Archaeologist Club, which I have been part of. Maybe minorities are not interested, maybe the lack of representation puts them off – whatever it is, it’s a vicious cycle.
I don’t want to lament on archaeology’s lack of colour, but I do want to celebrate my love of digging, and hopefully this will encourage others. I no longer dig anymore but wanted to share the places I have travelled as a young archaeologist, starting with Kenya below.
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Archaeological Projects For Students
Overall, archaeological excavations are a great way to see the world. It is a chance to live and work in remote places off the beaten track. Locals will be intrigued by you and are usually very hospitable, however, don't forget you are there to WORK. If you are working on a British run excavation it is most likely you will be working six days a week, depending on if it is a temperate climate then you would start your work day at 9am - 5pm, however if it is a tropical climate, your work day would start around 6am to 2pm due to the heat factor. A day off is a much-needed happy release and usually consists of a day trip within the surrounding area. Beware you will be living with complete strangers, some will become good friends and others will get on your nerves, but it’s a good lesson in people skills.
Most local British digs are free and encourage participation to those that have an interest. BAJR - British Archaeological Jobs Review is a a great source for digs for the summer, jobs and news. If you have an interest in archaeology but you're not a student, I would strongly encourage local digs, as it’s quite unlikely a project abroad will take you on unless you are experienced. On the other hand, if you are a student and think you can handle digging abroad – GO FOR IT.
Most local British digs are free and encourage participation to those that have an interest. BAJR - British Archaeological Jobs Review is a a great source for digs for the summer, jobs and news. If you have an interest in archaeology but you're not a student, I would strongly encourage local digs, as it’s quite unlikely a project abroad will take you on unless you are experienced. On the other hand, if you are a student and think you can handle digging abroad – GO FOR IT.
​Tips for archaeological digs abroad:
1) You should never pay for a dig. You are a volunteer, in fact you're a glorified labourer! if you weren't there a member of society would and be getting paid for it. I strongly object to volunteerships that require money. It’s wrong! So, stay away from American digs – they usually require payment. Most British Digs are free.
2) You will need to pay for a flight and any personal expenses, but everything else will be free, including food, accommodation, travelling to work.
3) Learn as much as you can across the different field excavation methods.
4) Get to know the locals – the opportunity will present itself.
5) Most Importantly have fun! It’s a great way to spend the summer.
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Read about my Kenya dig below