Functions of an Archaeologist

Other functions:
Other than, the general branches of study, an archaeologist can specialise in the study of a specific historic period (Biblical, Classical, Medieval archaeology, and so on) or geographical location such as Egyptology (study of Egyptian civilizations), Sinology (study of Chinese history), and so on. They can also gain expertise in a particular area of research such as battlefields, underwater archaeology, geology, culture, flora, and fauna.Above all, archaeology is about people. It is truly a science for the humanities.

Archaeology is the study of past human behaviour through the systematic recovery and analysis of material or objects. Either large or small, they are the evidence of past cultures. These artefacts are proof of those before us and serve as a physical connection to our past.

Archaeologists study past cultures of different groups of people through surviving physical remains such as bones, teeth and hair, as well as artefacts including clothing, art, cookware, buildings, weapons and any other remnants of the past.
The primary functions of an archaeologists includes,
• Excavation:
• Data Collection
• Conservation
• Publishing and Teaching

Excavation:
An archaeologist’s job involves fieldwork, part of which entails carefully digging, or excavating, of artefacts. Where and when an excavation takes place is contingent upon the archaeologist’s research project and the local weather. Excavation season is typically during the summer and archaeological “digs” typically last one week to three months. Archaeologists need sufficient stamina and strength to carry out physical tasks such as digging, dusting and moving around. With the help of a team, they employ the use of tools such as trowels, wheel barrows, pick-axes, brooms, dust pans, brushes, buckets and sometimes bulldozers to cautiously uncover artefacts.

Data Collection:
Before, during and after an excavation, they collect data about the archaeological site, record interviews and make notes of their observations. Some types of data include photographs, maps, soil samples, measurements, drawings and detailed reports about the excavation. Archaeologists also survey the site using GPS technology and other electronic devices and input data into databases.

Conservation:
Artefacts discovered and obtained through excavation undergo a conservation process in a lab. They are cleaned and restored by trained conservators, and as the items are stabilized, additional notes are made to record their characteristics. Archaeologists are typically actively involved in conservation activities and may also take measures to ensure laws exist to preserve the sites. They want to protect cultural heritage by ensuring sites and remains are properly safeguarded.

Publishing and Teaching:
Upon examining all of the materials they have collected and interpreting the data, archaeologists make conclusions based on evidence and research. They connect the pieces of the “puzzle” together and present their findings through books, reports and journal articles.

Why do archaeologists excavate?
Archaeologists investigate sites and artefacts to answer a specific research question or to save cultural resources from destruction, either from human or natural forces. Archaeologists strive to investigate and preserve the finite and fragile clues of former cultures in order for us to understand our link to the past.

Archaeology is the scientific study of human life by looking at artefacts, at the man-made objects that people who lived long ago have left behind. Palaeontologists are not archaeologists; they study fossils. Historians are not archaeologists; the mostly study written records. Archaeologists are the scientists who study artefacts, man-made objects that people have left behind.

Archaeologists are like detectives. By looking at artefacts, they try to figure out how long ago people lived, how they governed themselves, what art they created, their religious beliefs, their technology, science, and invention, and their daily life. Clues archaeologists use to answer these and other questions about past civilizations can sometimes be found in the artefacts they dig up.

While looking for artefacts to study, archaeologists can find themselves in some very dangerous situations:
 Archaeologists have explored ruins deep in jungles;
 Dug up remains of villages in dangerous deserts; and have even
 Searched underwater

But archaeologists are so curious about the past, that they are willing to brave the dangers of poisonous animals and plants, of unclean conditions, or an unfriendly political climate, to discover more about human life through the study of artefacts.

Role of archaeologists:
 In addition to the process of excavation, archaeology is linked with lots of other disciplines — history, geography, biology, chemistry or sociology.
 Archaeologists work with the material remains of past activities including artefacts, such as pottery or coins, built structures, refuse from all sorts of activities, industrial wastes, trace molecules and isotopes, and even the remains of the people themselves.
 Archaeologists frequently work with historians concerned with ancient texts such as letters, court records, king-lists and political documents.
 Archaeologists are interested in patterns of settlement, communications and trade, and much of our work is based on mapping in one form or another
 Like physical geographers we need to understand past processes of erosion and deposition, and the implications of climate change for past societies.
 The biological sciences have much to offer archaeology because people in the past adapted their lives to the environment utilising plants and animals around them for food and other purposes which is defined as ‘Past Human Ecology’.
 Aspects of archaeology and forensic science also coincide in methods used in crime-scene investigation or in determining the ‘age at death’. Archaeological methods are employed by police forces to solve crimes.
 The physical sciences are involved as well, whether in the means of locating sites by surveying minute differences in the Earth’s magnetic field, or the analysis and conservation of artefacts in order to ascertain the technological processes in their manufacture.

Archaeology as a Career:
Archaeology is the perfect career for people who derive self-satisfaction in discovering a part of history and culture long lost in the dust of time. It is a profile that is very demanding since archaeologists have to spend umpteen hours and days camping and undertaking field work at excavation sites and in laboratories. An archaeologist therefore must have the patience to work on a project that may take months and even years to compete.

Abundant knowledge of history, an avid reading habit, excellent penmanship, and an analytical and focussed mind are some essential skills that make a good archaeologist. In this occupation fame and recognition often weighs more than monetary benefits.
Advantages of having a career in Archaeology:
This is an ideal profession for people who want to make a career in unravelling mysteries of the past
• .A famous discovery often catapults the status and reputation of an archaeologist to iconic proportions.
• There is an insatiable quest to find and bring to light hitherto undiscovered historical sites.
• This is one way of enriching the society as people come to know about the rich heritage of our country.
Disadvantages of having archaeology as a Career:
• Inclement weather and tough and hazardous working conditions are a perpetual challenge to professionals engaged in field work.
• Other perils include chance encounters with wild animals, dacoits and robbers, local land mafia, disgruntled villagers, and anti-social elements.
• Arduously long working hours in the field and constant travelling can be punishing on the mind and the body.
Places of Work:
• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
• Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)
• National Museums
• Universities and colleges
• Government and private museums and cultural galleries.