The King in the Car Park

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Littlestone L
Littlestone Feb 7, 2013 14:55:52
Replying to VBB

VBB wrote:
Archaeology doesn't just pop up in dedicated archaeology progs and magazines, look at Dick 3 this week, exceptional but period dramas, advertising, the historic environment, archaeology is everywhere.

Agendas - a reference to our individual backgrounds that shape our interests. To engage with archaeologists on subjects at which a member of the public is at odds, tackling their cited sources gets at the roots.

Can I go for lunch now - I've missed Bargain Hunt, Flog it, and the Antique Roadshow, all awash in archaeology!

Archaeology is far from being everywhere. It’s not in schools where its absence is a major gap in raising awareness among the young of its importance. The Richard III documentary was an unusual one-off. Period dramas may draw on archaeological research but are just as likely to rely on mainstream interpretations of history. Can’t think of any major advertising campaigns that draw on archaeology. The historic environment is a good one, though could be greatly improved - Avebury being a good example of that where, unless one is prepared to pay to enter the AK Museum or the Barn there is no on-site info to educated the (casual) visitor.

You’ve lost me on the agenda’s issue, except to say that the opportunities to ‘engage with archaeologists’ are few and far between, especially for those living outside areas with an active archaeological agenda (that’s something where the internet could play a much more interactive role).

As for Bargain Hunt, Flog it, and the Antique Roadshow, it’d be interesting to know what percentage of objects that appear on those shows originate from archaeological activities. The impression is that most of the objects are either family heirlooms, chance finds in people’s attics or bought for a bargain in a local auction house – hardly places awash in archaeology.

V VBB
VBB Feb 7, 2013 16:49:12
Replying to Littlestone

Littlestone wrote:
VBB wrote:
Archaeology doesn't just pop up in dedicated archaeology progs and magazines, look at Dick 3 this week, exceptional but period dramas, advertising, the historic environment, archaeology is everywhere.

Agendas - a reference to our individual backgrounds that shape our interests. To engage with archaeologists on subjects at which a member of the public is at odds, tackling their cited sources gets at the roots.

Can I go for lunch now - I've missed Bargain Hunt, Flog it, and the Antique Roadshow, all awash in archaeology!

Archaeology is far from being everywhere. It’s not in schools where its absence is a major gap in raising awareness among the young of its importance. The Richard III documentary was an unusual one-off. Period dramas may draw on archaeological research but are just as likely to rely on mainstream interpretations of history. Can’t think of any major advertising campaigns that draw on archaeology. The historic environment is a good one, though could be greatly improved - Avebury being a good example of that where, unless one is prepared to pay to enter the AK Museum or the Barn there is no on-site info to educated the (casual) visitor.

You’ve lost me on the agenda’s issue, except to say that the opportunities to ‘engage with archaeologists’ are few and far between, especially for those living outside areas with an active archaeological agenda (that’s something where the internet could play a much more interactive role).

As for Bargain Hunt, Flog it, and the Antique Roadshow, it’d be interesting to know what percentage of objects that appear on those shows originate from archaeological activities. The impression is that most of the objects are either family heirlooms, chance finds in people’s attics or bought for a bargain in a local auction house – hardly places awash in archaeology.

Whilst at the shops for a tin with a lion on it beset by bees, I picked up a leaflet 'Discover Avebury' and 'Discover Stonehenge Landscape'. Had I time I would have snapped all the prompts inside the restaurant at Avebury, inside the Lion, the stuff on the parish notice board. I would like to see something outside The Lodge prompting memory of Sir John Lubbock, but I accept that there are those against the idea. Depends on how narrow one wants to define archaeology. Last time I drove through a certain village in Wiltshire the shop had more treasure/detecting mags than history and archaeology mags together, but arguably in the mix.

H Howburn Digger
Howburn Digger Feb 7, 2013 20:18:49
Replying to Littlestone

Littlestone wrote:
Archaeology is far from being everywhere. It’s not in schools where its absence is a major gap in raising awareness among the young of its importance.
At the school where I work, and for much of the scottish curriculum (24 years in Education Work this year), the earliest history of Scotland is demonstrated through an examination of the discovery and excavation of Skara Brae. Archaeological methods, finds and contexts are looked at in respect of THE outstanding site of a very early scottish settlement. It is a great example. However Skara Brae must play its part in the wider curriculum for History which looks at proper History like... Who writes History? What is Evidence? Primary sources... Secondary sources etc. Later Historical Period stuff like The Normans and The Scottish Wars of Independence are taught through examining sources and artifacts as well as looking at remains/ reconstructions of historical sites (like Motte and Baileys, Castles etc.). The artefactual evidence of history and archaeology (ie. the "things") play their part in Schools but in the Historical Period they take a less important role and therefore so does the archaeology. Then the shift has to go on to more modern themes like Industrialisation, Highland Clearances, WW1 and Monsters like Hitler, WW2, The Holocaust etc.
If you are looking to teach schoolchildren archaeological methods of excavation, I'm not sure just how many sites could be ripped open for them to practise on... or who would pay for consolidation, preservation of finds or archaeological supervision. Let alone transport to and from sites. And when will they learn to read and write or bake cakes, play music or do sums?
Trowelling can be "taught" in about five minutes and kids are brilliant at it. They are also exceptional at finding "sharp and shiny" flints better than ageing adults can...

http://www.biggararchaeology.org.uk/eu_020509.shtml

Littlestone wrote:
the opportunities to ‘engage with archaeologists’ are few and far between, especially for those living outside areas with an active archaeological agenda (that’s something where the internet could play a much more interactive role).
If ANY "interested party" who wants to ‘engage with archaeologists’ uses a computer... there is a popular "search engine" for "the internet" which will quickly direct any "interested party" to their nearest Archaeological Society who are ALWAYS wanting diggers, fieldwalkers and trowellers. There they will be able to engage all they wish.
I was an active member of a local Archaeology Group for many years, helped with the Young Archaeology Group, was on hand First Aider (H&S I'm afraid), was taught trowelling in 5 minutes, given thoughtful encouragement by many archaeos and diggers who were soooo knowledgeable and experienced that I felt I should have been paying for the privilege of digging.
A few years back after I made a nifty RA discovery, I found myself engaging with a wide range of "archaeologists" across Scotland's various agencies (Historic Scotland, RCAHMS, WOSAS etc). Their knowledge of my inquiry ("my agenda" if you like) varied... some knew lots, some little, some hee-haw and some sweet FA about Rock Art. Some engagement was done in person but much was through emails and "the internet". Some of it simply involved sending Jpegs and a covering email. Some were less helpful, interested or knowledgeable than others... but that is Life in every kinda way.
I suppose they won't come chapping on your door...