Monday, 21 January 2008

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)

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