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Archaeologist
Archaeologists deal specifically with the pursuit of uncovering and recording human history through the excavation of sites, commonly known as "digs". They study the history and culture of earlier societies with the aid of recovered artefacts, tools, art, dwellings, and other remains from the past.
They reconstruct records of extinct cultures and study them. They then classify and interpret these in order to obtain a better insight into the history, culture, social, spiritual and technological activities of earlier societies.
Archaeologists' work can be divided into broad categories:
Fieldwork: which includes excavation of archaeological sites, drawing up of site plans, recording, sorting, numbering and photographing of objects.
Laboratory work: including scientific analysis of objects.
Reports: interpreting findings and writing of reports, which may be published in journals.
An integral part of archaeological knowledge is obtained from the ground through scientific excavations. A variety of tools, such as shovels, picks, trowels, brushes and paintbrushes are used in excavations. The ground or deposits that are excavated are sifted so that all the objects found in it can be sorted, packed and sent to a laboratory for further analysis.
Findings at archaeological sites are recorded and assessments made, after which possible events are reconstructed and theories noted. Fossils are studied and photographed on site, then packaged for laboratory analysis. Detailed descriptions are vital, and meticulous care of findings (stones, bones, pottery, utensils, fossils, tools, etc.) is essential. Detailed documented recordings of findings contain the type of items found and their exact location, as well as their historical significance.
In the laboratory the archaeological materials are cleaned and classified according to type, for example stone implements, iron implements, bone implements and different kinds of pots. Some of the items, such as potsherds, are preserved. Laboratory work, such as radiocarbon dating of charcoal and bone to determine the age of the site and finds, are sometimes done by specialist organizations.
Excavations sometimes require the archaeologist to visit isolated places and camp out. Processing all the data and material found takes two to three times longer than the excavation itself and therefore archaeologists, during a year, usually spend only three to four months in the field. They spend much of their time deciphering, dating and drawing conclusions on the findings.
Satisfying Aspects
- understanding past lives and life styles
- contributing to the preservation of recorded and nrecorded history
- educating others with regard to human history
Demanding aspects
- the high level of self-discipline required
- often very little to show for years of work and patience
- sometimes physical inconvenience, for example being exposed to the sun, cold, etc
- frequent work away from home
Requirements
An archaeologist should:
- be versatile in completing a wide range of tasks
- be very observant
- be meticulous, systematic and logical
- be sensitive to social issues
- have patience
- be self-disciplined
- have above-average intelligence
- be dedicated to preserving the past
- be able to learn foreign languages
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Science
Recommended Subjects: History, Languages, Geography
Training
Degree: BA or BSc, with Archaeology as a major, e.g. UCT, UP, Wits, UNISA, plus an honours degree in Archaeology, UNISA, Wits. Other recommended degree subjects are: Anthropology, Cultural History, History of Art, Geography, Zoology, Botany, Palaeontology and Languages - UNISA, UP, UZ.
Post-graduate training: As job opportunities are limited, students are advised to further their studies to masters and doctorate level. Correspondence courses are offered by UNISA to people working in museums.
Employer
Employment opportunities for archaeologists are extremely rare and positions for them really only exist in museums and at universities.
Self-employment opportunities for archaeologists are limited. Archaeologists, who want to work for themselves, must be able to think creatively and comprehensively and generate their own opportunities and market their services. They can, for example, work as specialist tour guides on a freelance basis and thus combine archaeology with tourism.
Contact
The South African Archaeological Society,
P O Box 15700
Vlaeberg, 8018
The Southern African Society of Archaeologists
Department of Archaeology
University of Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, 7600
www.sama.museums.org.za
South African Museums Association (SAMA)
P O Box 699
Grahamstown, 6140
Tel: (041) 582-2634 Fax: 086 509-9783
samaweb.org.co.za
Northern Flagship Institute
P O Box 413
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 322-7632 Fax: (012) 322-7939
www.nfi.org.za
www.anthro.net/guides/africa.shtml