4th February 2012, 02:48 PM
It seemed to me that the TAG session was about 3 things. One, humour in archaeology exists in the records/ archive. Two, this humour rarely finds its way into the 'official' site publication. Three, behind the largely 'gallows' humour that does exist in the record, lie some important aspects of the excavation. This might be comments on Health and Safety, the relationships between management and staff, descriptions of the weather, site contexts area descriptions etc etc. All of which round out the site record and may (in the opinion of some of the speakers) tell us more about archaeology in years to come than the site record on its own. Sketches, cartoons and drawings. All these seem to me to be valid.
There was no attempt at dissecting humour or analysing jokes. But perhaps the captive audience understood the context, so further analysis was unnecessary.
There was no attempt at dissecting humour or analysing jokes. But perhaps the captive audience understood the context, so further analysis was unnecessary.
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...