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I think its a good idea as well, after all it may well be the archaeology of tomorrow. My only concern is that those participating cannot help but approach it with preconceived ideas which must influence any assumptions made.
http://www.detector-distribution.co.uk
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Have a look at "Pragmatic Archaeology -Theory in Crisis" edited by Gaffney and Gaffney, publshed by BAR.
These kind of issues are well known, documented and discussed in volumes such as the above
Peter
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Thanks for all your comments, and apologies for not responding over the weekend. However...
1. Funding. This project is not funded by anyone, all the participants are doing it in their spare time. The project has been supported in kind by organisations such as Ironbridge (for the van), the AA (for the transport) and the University of Bristol (for the space to excavate). As others have pointed out, 90% of funding for archaeology in the UK comes from developer-funded projects. I don't think that this project will affect the future plans of UK property developers.
2. Excavation. The idea is to excavate the van itself under 'forensic' archaeological conditions in a laboratory at the University of Bristol. As well as archaeologists, the team also includes forensics experts. The project will be looking at the kind of things that BAJR Host and Peter Wardle have suggested, but also (as I understand it) will strip down the mechanical components to look at internal wear and tear.
3. Is it archaeology? Everyone involved has mixed feelings about this. Certainly we are taking an 'archaeological' approach to the study of this particular artefact, but it may well be that the end result is closer to ethnography or even sociology. As Peter points out, one of the benefits of using this particular vehicle is that we have a whole museum full of people who can provide an oral history.
Interestingly some of the most violent objections have come from archaeologists. Non-archaeological 'members of the public' are on the whole much more open to the innovative nature of the project.
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So to my mind, I wish it all success and look forward to watching the project evolve...
good luck there.
Another day another WSI?
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Whilst contemporary Archaeology is well out of my field and something I wouldn't really pretent to know a great deal about, I think that it is an excellent way to push the boundaries if you like. The forensic side seems to have a lot of value and I am sure that there is plenty of theoretical stuff for people to get their teeth into (like I say, not an expert).
Besides, I can't be too critical since it seems there are a few Bristol types that I know working on it
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For those who are uncertain about the origins, aims and objectives of the project, the University of Bristol team have now produced a
Draft Project Design which is available for download.
http://www.ironbridge.org.uk/downloads/THE%20VAN.pdf
Please note that this is only a draft version and may be changed as the project progresses, your comments are always welcome.
Thanks very much.
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Have they discovered the matress yet or the used condoms ?
Rob
