Can You Dig It?

by Jack Herron

The history of archaeology is filled with examples of amateur contributions. Indeed, much of the original work that defined the field was done before the existence of prescribed studies created individuals who could be referred to as "professional" archaeologists. In these early days of "plunder or perish", professionalism was not a reference to qualifications, but merely to the fact that these early field workers were frequently funded and motivated by the profits derived from their often illegal quarrying of antiquarian treasures.

We live in better days now, and research is largely restricted to dedicated scholars. These highly trained, educated and dedicated individuals are extremely careful to preserve and record these artifacts of the past. This is a much better state of affairs, and little that is discovered today is trashed by the act of discovery. The search for knowledge predominates, and the accent is on understanding the context of the finds, deriving an understanding of the lives and times of the people who left these objects, and far less on the objects themselves.

But it would be a mistake to think that there is no longer a niche for the dedicated lover of history and pre-history whose professional credentials do not include the classical prerequisites of the archaeologist. Opportunities abound for those who are willing to invest time and effort in the quest for knowledge, although I should make clear early on that the rewards are but rarely monetary, and must be taken in the coin of satisfaction and pride in having contributed to Mankind's body of knowledge.

Recently a lawyer with a passion for Egyptology participated in the recovering of what will most likely turn out to be the largest tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Don Kunz's fascinating story is covered elsewhere in this issue. Another amateur, whose expertise is in the financial field, found a way to express his ardor, and secure a position on a professional expedition. Fired by an amateur's enthusiasm, but lacking marketable archaeological skills of a classical nature, Dick Harwood made himself valuable to the team by taking classes in photography, thus establishing an academic credibility which opened his personal door to the temples and tombs of ancient Egypt. My wife and I conducted measurements of tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and countless other amateurs dig, catalog, photograph, clean and restore archaeological finds around the world. The enterprising amateur is faced with a huge array of opportunities, but there are some realities to be faced.

First, you must face the fact that the opportunities are all under the auspices of legitimately credentialed and permitted researchers. Your name will not likely be recorded by history as another Howard Carter. The research will be defined by the expedition director, and the resulting publication of the work is unlikely to even list your name. Your reward for your hard work must be the personal satisfaction of having contributed and participated in the effort. Monetarily speaking, not only do these positions seldom pay, but you are frequently expected to bear your own financial burdens. Equipment is often provided, but travel, sustenance and shelter will likely come out of your pocket. The further afield and the more exotic the locale, the more it is likely to cost you.

Thirdly, it is most likely HARD work. Most of these openings involve field work. And field work is done, well, in the field. You must expect an environmental challenge. Extremes of heat or cold and limited and frequently primitive housing must be endured while performing fatiguing and physically challenging work. If you go into one of these operations with the attitude of a paying customer on a tour, expecting to be catered to, you will be sorely disappointed. You will be a detriment to the expedition, and a detriment to other amateurs whose opportunities will be diminished by your failure to be realistic about the demands.

Last, but most important, these are not opportunities for personal collecting! The purpose is the expansion of knowledge, not the enhancement of private collections. Just the mention of such a thought of illegal activity is enough to totally destroy consideration of your involvement, and shadows the earnest efforts of other amateurs. Don't even consider it!

I would be remiss if I did not point out that a number of countries, and Egypt is at the head of the list, no longer permit amateur involvement in the archaeological exploration of their national treasures. A long history of cultural rape and plunder by England, America, Italy, Germany and other socalled civilized countries has resulted in growing nationalistic protectionism by many custodians of the cradles of early civilization. And they can hardly be blamed. Still, opportunities are rife in most of the world, and many are practically in your own back yard.

The above descriptions can certainly be accused of being negative, and I will admit that I have attempted to discourage the faint-of-heart, the dilettante, and the pocket-filling private collector. The true lovers of the science who sincerely wish to contribute will not be dissuaded by the realities. It is to these I speak. They will be amply

rewarded by the thrill of participation and discovery. These are little enough, it would seem, but I speak from personal experience of the enormous dividends and pride I have derived from my contributions, however modest.

Do you have a hankering to participate in archaeological discoveries? Perhaps the best place to start is as close to home as you can find. Natural history and American Indian habitation, as well as the remains of early European exploration, have ensured that there is something to discover in every portion of our nation. Throughout the country universities and other institutes of higher education are involved in varying degrees in the exploration of our past. They frequently are in need of volunteers for many tasks, and are an excellent place to start. State and county organizations are frequently involved in such research, and chronically underfunded and short-handed. The California Archaeology Project, covered in previous issues, and below, is but one such local operation. Contact with your local government officials will lead you to local opportunities. Are there museums in your area? These are another excellent source. Trade magazines, such as the excellent Archaeology, keep you up-to-date on digs around the world, and provide another source of leads. Archaeology publishes an annual listing of operative digs, and maintains an excellent Website with many interesting links for those with Internet access.

There is an art to approaching some of the more desirable sources as well. Don Kunz's use of humor to open a closed door is an excellent example, but should be used only as a last resort. At the risk of seeming oxymoronic, the amateur should take a professional attitude. You need to convey both your desire to be an asset, and the unlikelihood of your whining or requiring extra support that will detract

from the goals of the expedition. You are marketing yourself If you can do so in such a way that there is no reason not to include you, and at the same time demonstrate a number of positive benefits of your involvement, you greatly increase your chances of being included. While there is a need for careful and painstaking workers for the simpler jobs, you will be rewarded for considering any possible allied skills you may have and pointing these out. Knowledge in surveying, backgrounds in geology, structural engineering or any of dozens of disciplines can prove fruitful in the field and increase your value to the expedition. The University of Arizona's Egyptian Expedition receives 60 to 100 applications from volunteers each year, of whom, thanks to current Egyptian requirements, precisely NONE are accepted without special skills of value to the mission. Requirements elsewhere and in this country are much less stringent, but as in any job marketplace, demonstrable skills enhance desirability. Do not be disheartened, however, if you lack special qualifications. There are many opportunities for those willing to work hard and cheerfully!

I have tried to make these suggestions for finding involvement as general as possible, so that they will be applicable to any reader anywhere. I confess also that I can't report what I don't know about, and I would be glad to receive, and happy to report on, opportunities elsewhere. Just to show what is available in one area, here are some of the openings just in the San Diego vicinity.

Dr. Susan Hector of the San Diego County Parks and Recreations Department heads an SAS focus group called the California Archaeology Project. The long term goal is to use amateur talent to rewrite our understanding of ancient Californians. Initially, the pro

ject has been focusing on sites on Volcan Mountain, about 70 miles northwest of San Diego. Ultimately this project will involve sites all over California. Lisa Chaddock has been reporting on this work here in the Bulletin. SAS members and family members have a hot line to this one.

The Center for Spanish Colonial Archaeology, among other activities, is sponsoring the San Diego Presidio Dig-In October 4th through October 12th. This is an opportunity for amateurs to participate in archaeology, under supervision, at the on-going.excavation of the San Diego Presidio. This 18th century site has yielded thousands of artifacts. Call (619) 524-0577 for recorded information about registration.

The Archaeological Institute of America, San Diego Society, hosts a variety of lectures and activities, and publishes The Glyph, a most informative quarterly available to Society members, and to interested non-members for $15 per year. Their web site has just received Four Star recognition for web site excellence, awarded by a team of professional anthropologists from most of the continents of the world.

Other Sources

Archaeological Institute of America
Boston University
656 Beacon Street, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02215-2006
Tel: 617-353-9361 FAX: 617-353-6550

http://www.archaeological.org/

This large organization has over 10,000 members, many local societies, and publishes Archaeology.

(Subscription Service, RO. Box 420423, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0423 (800) 829-5122.) e-mail: <suscription @ archaeology.org $19.97 pre volume, bi-monthly.

Done Some Digging?

If you do go to a university, or local community college, to search for archaeological digs in your area, call on professors in the Anthropology or History departments; they are your most likely sources of information.

Also check out local commercial environmental engineering and planning firms.

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