But I thought you used toothbrushes?!

[Beardstroker]

quote:Originally posted by archae_logical

Here's 2 questions from a non archaeologist

1. Why use one form of geophys equipment on gravel which does not give a worthwhile reading when there are other forms of geophys that would give better readings (Ok probably cost, but don't try telling us the results have any meaning)

2 Why treat all members of the general public as though they know nothing of archaeology, some of us do understand and can see when we're being told rubbish. (not referring to this forum but to a book my friend was reading recently on Roman roads and Henges which was complete rubbish but we were informed by an archaeologist that, because it was written by an archaeologist, it must be right.)
If you want details of this I can supply

Trying to present the average archaeological site to the public isn't always the easiest task in the world, particularly when your doing it "on the hoof" as it were,while trying to get the digging and recording done before time and money runs out.It's certainly been a while since I've worked on a project thats had a "public face" to it with display boards, etc.

There's also the problem that site staff are not always briefed that well on the project their working on.Even though my lot are fairly good about briefing staff on the background, there's usually something that somebody forgets to tell us.

Also, some people are just better at communicating with the public then others are, just as in other walks of life. I can do it if pushed but I have to be in the mood to do it well, and often site conditions and pressure's often leave me with a sour disposition more and more these days

[Alfie]

26. Can I speak to the archaeologist? (developer- standing in a field with 110 archaeologists)
27.Whats the best thing you've ever found?

[Venutius]

28. How do you determine is archaeology is nationally important?
29. Who informs English Heritage when remains of potential national importance are discovered?
30. How do you determine the setting for a site?
31. Why are all features not excavated?
32. In 100 years time, how will archaeologists view the records? Will they still be accessible and will the artefects still exist?

Save the Thornborough Henge Complex - http://www.timewatch.org

[freelance]

Venutius,

29 ? As far as I can recall I?ve only worked on one site where remains of national importance were unexpectedly discovered. In that instance the unit I was working for informed English Heritage. Because of the nature of the remains and the circumstances surrounding planning consents etc., English Heritage funded much of the work in excavating and reporting the discovery.

31 ? Most specifications state that all features must be excavated, though not totally. The usual spec. will state 50% sampling of discrete features such as pits/postholes, and 10% sampling of linears such as ditches. In most cases this is sufficient to date and characterise the archaeology, though on quite a few of the sites I?ve worked on 100% excavation has occurred.

32 ? Who knows how they?ll be viewed, but probably much better than records from 50 years ago are now. The artefacts are much more likely to exist than if they were left in the ground to either decay naturally or be damaged by ploughing, and huge amounts of time, money and effort go into conserving what we dig up. Regarding accessibility of records, these all get deposited along with the artefacts in the relevant museum, and with advances such as the Archaeological Data Service things have improved dramatically.

[troll]

33. Senior Citizen asks "found anything yet?" I explain the reason for my position two metres below her.."very nice" she says,"my great uncles cousins sister Mary had this dog right, or,well, it could have been my sisters great auntie Mavis found this bone...
an hour later senior citizen declares " right, I`m off cos I`ll miss the bus". Bless.Used to come by every week fer a natter and tell us the same story.Could`ve taken her home...
34. One of my all time favourites was a passing fisherman on the cliffs on Portland-"waste of fekkin taxpayers money that is, you should be ashamed of yourselves".

[the invisible man]

35. Why is old stuff always buried? Is the world getting bigger? (True).

36. Can you sell anything you find?

We owe the dead nothing but the truth.

[Cautionary Tale]

37. Why should I be interested in what you're doing? (from the site agent on the first day of my first watching brief). Its a wonder i turned out so balanced [:p]

(I really have worked in the field)

[troll]

I would`ve succumbed to an overwelming desire to call for a taxi.

[Cautionary Tale]

what makes you think i didn't

(I really have worked in the field)

[leg11aug]

My fave..(site included a bathhouse) "is that the Roman holocaust?"

When the going gets weird...the weird turn pro.