Life Experiences

Those of us who have come onto the program are quite lucky in the fact that if we put in the time and effort into our projects (whether they be archaeological or other...), we are rewarded with more than archaeological training.

On the Friday 25th January, the excavation team were given permission to go to St Kitts, a nearby island. While the boat ride was about 1 3/4hrs and at times I thought I was going to hurl but the trip was definitely worth it.



Our ride to St Kitts


We wandered around town and noted while there was a lot more tourism (and shopping possibilities!). The locals were not as friendly as the Statians but that is to be expected. However, prices weren't too over the top as long as you had your wits about you. We also visited Brimstone Hill Fort. This fort was built by the English and is up on a very steep hill but our driver was more than up to the task of getting us up there... It was beautiful and hopefully we'll visit again.



Wandering around town


View from fort
(In photo: St Eustatius)



Restored cannon



(in photo:Cate, Amy, Gudrun, John and Angie)


But wait there's still more...
Today we were lucky enough to have to opportunity to go snorkeling in a small sheltered bay called Cora Cora. Opportunities are rare so we were glad that the Director let us go. We saw plenty of colourful fish and a few sharks... unfortunately all the photos are waiting to be developed... maybe one day we'll post a few!

Have you found any gold yet?

No, we haven't yet but here is a sample of the range of artefacts that can be found in one 1x1m square on Statia.



Mochaware, tin enamel ware, afro-Carribean ware (locally made by the slaves and traded by slaves), pearlware (willow pattern and polchrome), English salt glaze, burnished coarse earthenware, variety of glass bottles from France, England, Holland, Germany, metal nails and sheets (possibly for making musket balls), 18th century lead crystal wine glasses with a fancy swirl inside and of course, if you're very lucky...




blue beads. They were used for trade by the Dutch and apparently the slaves of Statia wore them as bead necklaces. However, when the slaves were set free they would throw their necklaces into the sea. People who find them washed up along the shores are allowed to keep them but they must return to Statia every year... So keep your eyes peeled!

Toto, I don't think we're in the Caribean anymore...

After beautiful weather for the 1st 2 weeks of the SECAR excavation experience, the weather has turned freakish like the coast of England. It has been raining since Friday (but cleared up in time for the beach party on Saturday!). However, despite the rain, the island still looks beautiful.



Beach weather
(in photo: Amy, Cate and Davey)

vs.



The wet and choppy.

During the wet weather, our time is spent in the lab sorting artefacts i.e. first separating into material: glass, ceramic, metal etc and then different types e.g ceramic: coarse earthenware, creamware, pearlware, stoneware etc. While it may not seem as fun as being out in the dirt, every good archaeologist know that you only spend approx 10% of your time in the field. The rest of your time is dedicated to cataloging, analysis, report writing and (hopefully) publishing.

Anyway here are some action shots of the team which I hope you'll enjoy! So far we've opened 4 1x1 m squares on a site on the edge of town which may be the site of a Free Blacks Village. Test excavation conducted mid last year has uncovered building foundations and we are currently trying to find the extent of the site.



Our site almost has a view to the beach but it has been blocked by the "Hurricane Shelter" - that story we might explain some other time!
(in photo: Elizabeth)



Students receiving instruction from our Director
(in photo: Grant, Cate and John)



Cate working the Total Station and is now a real pro at leveling the legs and instrument.



All loose soil is sifted
(in photo: Amy)



Day in the lab
(in photo: Cate, Elizabeth, John, Grant, Gudrun & Amy)

Archaeologists of the Caribbean... ARRRGGGHH

Skull, crossbones and hour glass on the tomb of Jan De Windt (amended 22/01/2008)not Johannes De Graaff - sorry!), Governor of St Eustatius. De Windt worked towards maintaining a peaceful relationship between the Jewish communities on the island. The skull, crossbones and hourglass is believed to be a Jewish symbol meaning death before one's time.


Welcome to everyone who have come to view the SECAR blog!

The intention of this blog is to bring together a collective of written and photographic memories (and of course experiences) shared by those who have come all over the world to this little island (8km by 4km!) in the Caribbean, and to tempt you into joining us!

There are currently 6 participants in the SECAR excavation program (3 student volunteers and 3 interns) whom are staying on Statia between 3 weeks to possibly 3 years! Most are staying for 3 months and it is currently the 2nd week into the program. So far we have conducted a historical tour around town (and parts of the island), began test excavation of a probable Free Black Village site (our focus for 2008) and had an overview of the ceramics and glass found on the island.

During our free time we've gone hiking on the Quill (the volcano of the island) and swam almost every day in the Caribbean. Life is quiet and quite sleepy, but it's relaxing and absolutely beautiful. To loosely paraphrase the Director of SECAR, Dr. R. Grant Gilmore III, the Excavation Experience should also be a Life Experience.

Hope you'll keep coming back to read our entries and visit Statia one day!




View of Oranje Bay from Fort Oranje.




View of Zeelandia from Quill




View of the Quill, the (dormant) volcano




View of St Kitts from Fort De Windt
(In photo: Gudrun and Cate)




View of Statia's 1739 Synagogue Honen Dalim




Sunset along Oranje Bay
(In photo: John)




(In photo: John, Angie, Cate and Elizabeth)