2nd August 2007, 05:20 PM
Whilst I agree with those whom state that archaeology is a highly disciplined profession taking years of study etc. one cannot forget those interested at the grass roots level! After all they have fueled the media hype with anything archaeological!! Archaeology, I believe, belongs to the people and should accessible to all at a grass root level.
Archaeology has always been famous for providing opportunities for those without acdemic qualifications resulting in some outstanding archaeologists (our mr hosty for example, god bless him)! One has only to look at the IFA membership book to reealise this. Conversely, there are MIFAs, AIFAs etc qualified to the hilt with BA's MA's, PhD's whom really don't know a soil change from a clothes change... a munsell colour to a hair colour..... Is the profession really going so far backward up their #### in striving acdemic respectibility???
I remember one company director (now MIFA) who stated in a staff review that 'the company had not reached lower grades, ie diggers, as "anyone could do their jobs"'....
Also, an ex county mountie from eastern counties has been quoted "they prefer short term contracts as they keep people on their toes???"
Archaeology was formed by the people, and belongs to the people.... Don't let anyone forget that!!
Of course we need standards but not at any expense....
Archaeology has always been famous for providing opportunities for those without acdemic qualifications resulting in some outstanding archaeologists (our mr hosty for example, god bless him)! One has only to look at the IFA membership book to reealise this. Conversely, there are MIFAs, AIFAs etc qualified to the hilt with BA's MA's, PhD's whom really don't know a soil change from a clothes change... a munsell colour to a hair colour..... Is the profession really going so far backward up their #### in striving acdemic respectibility???
I remember one company director (now MIFA) who stated in a staff review that 'the company had not reached lower grades, ie diggers, as "anyone could do their jobs"'....
Also, an ex county mountie from eastern counties has been quoted "they prefer short term contracts as they keep people on their toes???"
Archaeology was formed by the people, and belongs to the people.... Don't let anyone forget that!!
Of course we need standards but not at any expense....