18th September 2012, 10:30 PM
I consider myself an archaeologist. But realistically I can't get much field experience at the moment because there isn't any work in it where I am and also temporary contracts just don't cut the mustard any more. I'm actually greatly sadden to read the sentiment that people want to start making divisions within what is already a small profession. So we have an institute for field archaeologists and then another institute for the 'other' archaeologists??
I know institutes by their every nature are exclusive organisations but could we not at least try to include those who would define themselves as professional archaeologists whether they wield a mattock or not? What about those of us who survey? Or if you tend to do more desktop stuff but you still go out and walk the landscape?
I do agree that the specialism of field archaeology does desire to be recognised but lets just keep it within the one happy bickering family...
I know institutes by their every nature are exclusive organisations but could we not at least try to include those who would define themselves as professional archaeologists whether they wield a mattock or not? What about those of us who survey? Or if you tend to do more desktop stuff but you still go out and walk the landscape?
I do agree that the specialism of field archaeology does desire to be recognised but lets just keep it within the one happy bickering family...