Past HorizonsOnline Journal of Volunteer Archaeology and Training

Investigating the Iron Age Underworld Excavations at High Pasture Cave, Skye

Past Preservers Heritage Conservation Lascaux Threat Graffi ti Archaeology

Issue 1 : March 2008

past horizons2

Volume I : No. 1March 2008

Editors: Felicity Donohoe Maggie Struckmeier

Layout: David Connolly

Past HorizonsTraprain HouseLuggate BurnHaddingtonEast LothianEH41 4QA

Tel: +44 (0)1620 861643 Email: editor@pasthorizons.comFind us on the web: www.pasthorizons.com

Contributors: Steven BirchAnnie EvansNigel HetheringtonJamie DonahoeRona Walker

Additional Material: StrevoCraig SwansonJon WelshHans Hins

Front Cover: Excavating within the Bone Passage(credit: Steven Birch)

DisclaimerPast Horizons can give no endorsement of any listed project or guarantee the accuracy of the information supplied. The editors accept no responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience sustained by anyone using the resources contained within this magazine and/or the websites mentioned herein. When considering a project, be sure to contact the director with any questions you might have about conditions, travel, health issues, etc. Check for references from previous participants, seek advice where possible and select a project that will be of the greatest benefi t to you, the project and the team.

High Pasture Cave: No ordinary settlementSteven Birch takes us into an Iron Age Underworld

10 cover story

8Lascaux - Cave Art Under ThreatA shocking article on the fungus that is literally eating away the ancient cave paintings

past horizons3

5 Editorial

6 NewsRecent news stories from around the world

21 ViewpointDavid Connolly challenges us to examine the long term effects of volunteer archaeology

27 Dig in....A selection of volunteer projects around the world from the Past Horizons website

28 Dig CookAnnie Evans on culinary escapades during fi eldwork with a delicious recipe each issue

30 Profi leWe interview Professor David Kennedy of the University of Western Australia 31 Crossword and CartoonsHave a break and try this archaeology crossword

Regulars

History in your HandsJamie Donahoe introduces us to the work of Heritage Conservation Network

An Israeli AdventureRona Walker shares her experiences on a volunteer fi eldwork project

Putting the Past into PerspectiveNigel Hetherington on bridging the gap between heritage experts and TV production crews

Graffi ti : Writing on the WallA look at the importance and historical potential of what many see as vandalism

16 18

22 24

Contents

past horizons 4

past horizons 4

Eastern Sicilyin spring

Pompeii in summer

Western Cretein autumn

11-18 May 2008 £1100 (Sgl Supp £95)

with Dr Michael Metcalfe

21-28 July 2008 £995 (Sgl Supp £145)

with Dr Andy Fear

7-14 Oct 2008 £1100 (Sgl Supp £120)

with Dr Georgina Muskett

Bare Bones Tours We offer carefully planned itineraries with your own specialistarchaeologist, so that you can explore the ancient world - not just thehighlights, but also lesser-known sites, and really understand them.

The Bare Bones formula allows you individual freedom within a groupstructure, so there is plenty of free time and the opportunity to goexploring alone, but enjoy like-minded company should you wish it.

A personal introduction by Dr Michael Metcalfewho lives in Syracusa and is Lecturer in AncientHistory there. All the highlights of the East of this large island,and cross the straits of Messina to see theamazing Riace bronzes.

The eruption of Vesuvius in AD79 devastatedlives and livelihoods throughout the Bay ofNaples. It also uniquely preserved the evidenceof those lives. Our hotel for this summer tour is close to thecoast, has wonderful views over the Bay, and apool!

This unusual trip includes all the highlights ofthe centre and west of the island of theMinoans, and a walk down the fabulous Samariagorge. Aptera displays the entire story of thearchaeology of the island in its continuousoccupation. An archaeological treat in beautifulsurroundings.

In the wide landscapes of northern Tunisia lie the ruins of Roman towns, more or lessunaltered since the 5th century AD. This is a trip of superlatives, exploring world-classsites in romantic landscapes and seeing mosaic art at its most sophisticated andcolourful. The story of the fall of Carthage, read from the vantage point of the Romanforum, will remain with you long after you return!

Ring for further details, or visit our website...01722 713800 tours@andantetravels.co.uk www.andantetravels.co.uk

Archaeology in Tunisia

26 Oct - 2 Nov 2008 £950 (Sgl Supp £45) with Dr Denise Allen

AITO - ATOL 3552

past horizons5

Editorial

EditorialWelcome to the first edition of Past Horizons online magazine, dedicated to volunteering in archaeology and heritage conservation around the world.

Our main feature (pg 10) takes a look at the enigmatic High Pasture Cave on the Scottish island of Skye, where archaeologist Steven Birch takes us on a fascinating journey into the Iron Age underworld.

In Cave Art Under Threat (pg 8), we investigate the damage that has been done to the famous Lascaux Cave in France and the ongoing dispute concerning the protection of this unique site.

We all have concerns about the way archaeology is presented in the media. Nigel Hetherington describes how his company, Past Preservers, bridges the gap between heritage experts and TV production crews in this article (pg 16).

We move onto building conservation, written by Jamie Donahoe of American organisation Heritage Conservation Network. She describes the positive effects that volunteering can have both for individuals and the local community (pg 22).

In the next article Graffiti: Writing on the Wall (pg 18) David Connolly gives us a background story on the subject of graffiti and offers some advice on the range of techniques that he uses to record it.

Finally, Edinburgh archaeology graduate Rona Walker writes about her experiences while volunteering on an excavation in northern Israel (pg 24).

In addition to the features there will be the regulars for you to enjoy each quarterly issue. The News and Small Finds section lets you know what’s happening in the world of archaeology, while the Viewpoint written by David Connolly of British Archaeological Jobs and Resources will provide a thought-provoking challenge, guaranteed to open up discussion.

We are proud to present to you Annie Evans, Dig Cook, who will provide us with one of her mouth-watering recipes every issue, while Profile will feature a question-and-answer session with a leading archaeologist.

Do the crossword, laugh at the cartoons and most of all enjoy the read……. we hope to hear from you with your views.

Maggie StruckmeierMaggie Struckmeier

past horizons 4

Eastern Sicilyin spring

Pompeii in summer

Western Cretein autumn

11-18 May 2008 £1100 (Sgl Supp £95)

with Dr Michael Metcalfe

21-28 July 2008 £995 (Sgl Supp £145)

with Dr Andy Fear

7-14 Oct 2008 £1100 (Sgl Supp £120)

with Dr Georgina Muskett

Bare Bones Tours We offer carefully planned itineraries with your own specialistarchaeologist, so that you can explore the ancient world - not just thehighlights, but also lesser-known sites, and really understand them.

The Bare Bones formula allows you individual freedom within a groupstructure, so there is plenty of free time and the opportunity to goexploring alone, but enjoy like-minded company should you wish it.

A personal introduction by Dr Michael Metcalfewho lives in Syracusa and is Lecturer in AncientHistory there. All the highlights of the East of this large island,and cross the straits of Messina to see theamazing Riace bronzes.

The eruption of Vesuvius in AD79 devastatedlives and livelihoods throughout the Bay ofNaples. It also uniquely preserved the evidenceof those lives. Our hotel for this summer tour is close to thecoast, has wonderful views over the Bay, and apool!

This unusual trip includes all the highlights ofthe centre and west of the island of theMinoans, and a walk down the fabulous Samariagorge. Aptera displays the entire story of thearchaeology of the island in its continuousoccupation. An archaeological treat in beautifulsurroundings.

In the wide landscapes of northern Tunisia lie the ruins of Roman towns, more or lessunaltered since the 5th century AD. This is a trip of superlatives, exploring world-classsites in romantic landscapes and seeing mosaic art at its most sophisticated andcolourful. The story of the fall of Carthage, read from the vantage point of the Romanforum, will remain with you long after you return!

Ring for further details, or visit our website...01722 713800 tours@andantetravels.co.uk www.andantetravels.co.uk

Archaeology in Tunisia

26 Oct - 2 Nov 2008 £950 (Sgl Supp £45) with Dr Denise Allen

AITO - ATOL 3552

past horizons 6

NE

WS It is not often that archaeologists get to open the lid of a

Roman coffin, but in December 2007 Wessex Archaeology announced just that.

It was during an excavation at Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, England that they discovered the three ton undisturbed stone coffin. With great excitement they removed the soil from around the coffin and looked inside with an infra red camera. On the removal of the lid to their surprise they found that the inside was free of soil and in an excellent state of preservation. The coffin touchingly contained the skeleton of a woman with a young child cradled in her arms.

The unique environment within the coffin has allowed some of the clothing to survive even after 1800 years. The woman was wearing fur-lined luxury deerskin and cork slippers imported from the Mediterranean, while the child was wearing soft calf skin shoes. The woman also wore a necklace of Whitby jet and a bronze ankle bracelet. By her head had been placed a small lustrous pot imported from France, the contents of which would have provided something to drink for the final journey to the next world.

The sarcophagus, dating to around 220 AD, is the earliest burial that Wessex Archaeology have excavated in this cemetery. The other coffins, clustered around it, were all made of wood. In contrast, their occupants wore hobnail boots and were furnished with locally made copies of imported pottery.

Wessex Archaeology have now released a video, filmed as they were removing the lid. To watch the video, click play button on the controls above and then zoom in.

Hyperlinks : (click to view)

> Wessex Archaeology : http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/ > Entire film of the Boscombe Down Coffin excavation : http://tinyurl.com/28ggfa

Remarkable Roman remains

past horizons7

Archaeologist ‘Strikes Gold’ with fi nds of ancient Nasca iron ore mine in Peru“A Purdue University archaeologist discovered an intact ancient iron ore mine in South America that shows how civilizations before the Inca Empire were mining this valuable ore”Read Full Story: http://tinyurl.com/27bqk9 (Science Daily)

Ancient mass sacrifi ce, riches discovered in Chinese tomb“A 2,500-year-old tomb containing nearly fi fty victims of human sacrifi ce has been excavated in China, yielding a treasure trove of new insights into customs during the era of Confucius”Read Full Story: http://tinyurl.com/yrepw8 (National Geographic)

New tests on rare polar bear fi nd in Scotland“Scientists hope to unlock secrets contained in the DNA of what are believed to be the only polar bear remains to be found in Britain dating to 18,000 BCE.”Read Full Story: http://tinyurl.com/yt9wvh (BBC News)

Found at last: the world’s oldest missing page“Fifth-century Christian text turns up under fl oor in Egypt, bringing early church martyrs to light. It is the oldest dated Christian text in existence”Read Full Story: http://tinyurl.com/2nl4zn (The Independant)

Gene studies confi rm “Out of Africa” theories“Two big genetic studies confi rm theories that modern humans evolved in Africa and then migrated through Europe and Asia to reach the Pacifi c and Americas.”Read Full Story: http://tinyurl.com/2fmhal (Yahoo News)

Royal goddesses of a Bronze Age state “More than 30 years after Italian archaeologists found a vast archive of 17,000 cuneiform tablets, the Bronze Age site of Ebla in Syria is still surprising those who work there. ”Read Full Story: http://tinyurl.com/2dzx64 (Archaeology.org)

Unlocking mysteries of the Parthenon “Over 2,500 years, the Parthenon endured earthquakes, fi re, explosions, looting & misguided preservation. The Athenians built it in just nine years. Repairing it is taking longer!”Read Full Story: http://tinyurl.com/39vy8n (Smithsonian Magazine)

For more news stories that are updated constantly, try:Past Horizons News Blog: http://pasthorizons.wordpress.com/category/news-and-articles/ Stonepages Weekly News and Podcast: http://www.stonepages.com/news/CBA Archaeology News Feed: http://www.britarch.ac.uk/newsfeed/

Small FindsSmall Finds

past horizons 8

The Cave of Lascaux in the Dordogne region of SW France is famous for

some of the fi nest examples of Palaeolithic art ever seen.

But now, for the second time in a decade the Cave has had to be closed to allow scientists to treat approximately seventy grey/black blemishes which have appeared in the passages.

The initial problems arose in 2000 when it was decided to modernise the temperature and humidity regulator. Not long after this work was completed, a white fungus called Fusarium Solani appeared and began spreading across the walls and ceiling. This is a common fungus found around the Lascaux agricultural area, and one theory is that the people working on the system did not sterilise their shoes each day, thereby bringing the fungus with them. By 2001 the mould had formed a white mass over the fl oors and ledges of the painted chambers. The French heritage authorities agreed to the use of antibiotics and fungicides to try and stop the spread but it soon became clear that the fungus had developed a resistance to the sprays.

In a last ditch attempt to stop the spread, the authorities controversially poured quicklime over the fl oor. This aggressive treatment did have the desired effect but as a result the internal temperature of the cave rose. Compresses soaked in antibiotics and fungicides were then applied to the walls in a desperate bid to halt the growth.

In 2002 the fungus had retreated, but where it had been treated there were now blackish spots. Authorities controversially resorted to the highly invasive procedure of scraping away the fungal roots with scalpels.

From the beginning of the crisis the curator of Lascaux Jean-Michel Geneste has always denied there is a problem, stating that the cave is now stable, there has been no damage to the paintings and that the fungus has disappeared naturally. Furthermore, the decision to construct a car park over the top of it for visitors to Lascaux II could potentially harm the cave from the outside also, with the weight of cars, construction materials and exhaust fumes increasing stress on the already fragile environment.

by M StruckmeierImages by Hans Hins

The Cave of Lascaux was discovered on 12 Sept. 1940 when four friends and their dog disappeared through a hole. The boys had stumbled upon a vast cave, its walls decorated with colourful paintings of leaping stags, buffalo and prehistoric horses, believed to date to about 14,000 B.C.

The Cave itself consists of a large entrance chamber and two main “galleries” - the Great Hall of the Bulls and the Painted Gallery - with about 1,500 engravings and 600 drawings in yellow, red and black mineral pigments.

Lascaux: Art Legacy Facing Extinction

LINKSclick to view

International Committee for the Preservation of Lascaux:www.savelascaux.org/

World Heritage in Danger:whc.unesco.org/en/danger/

Lascaux Cave website:http://tinyurl.com/24zko

past horizons9

risk of being damaged beyond repair. The International Committee for the Preservation of Lascaux summarised the situation: “Unless change is undertaken quickly, the world stands to lose Lascaux’s irreplaceable masterpiece and its rich story of mankind’s place in time.”

This signals the urgency that now surrounds Lascaux and the need for fi rmer direction in deciding the cave’s future. Until now, the French government has failed to stem

the tide of erosion and damage, and it is perhaps time for an international body to step forward and demand changes in policy

regarding the preservation of Lascaux.

There is some hope, however. Unesco is sending a delegation of specialists to the cave to determine whether Lascaux should be included on the World Heritage in Danger list. If this should happen, the protection of the caves may well fall into the care of stronger, more knowledgeable hands, preserving the heritage and beauty of Lascaux for future generations to enjoy.

When the problems were pointed out to the French ambassador to the United States, apart from blaming global warming, he stated that the visitors to Lascaux (over 2000 a day in the fi rst two decades of its opening in 1945) were the ones responsible for bringing the fungus into the Cave.

In 1998, lichens were found to be growing in the cave, with the implication that they had lain dormant in the stable conditions of the atmosphere from the opening of the Cave in the 1940s. The government took no action against the lichen and instead decided to swap the old passive-air system which re-circulated air naturally for a forced-air system which may have activated the spores.

No-one seems to be willing to accept responsibility for the failure, and with four different goverment departments charged with the Cave’s care, it is diffi cult to fi nd out what the full story is and who took the fi nal decision to replace the system.

Lascaux is an important site which is at

“the World stands to lose Lascaux’s

irreplaceable masterpiece”

Below, left to rightThe Fleeing Horse bracing at the edge of a precipice over which another horse has just fallen, Axial Gallery

Fungicides and antibiotics used in multiple and ineffective massive sprayings inside the cave.

Art restorer manually removing fungus from the Red Cow, Axial Gallery

Antibiotic compress applied to Lascaux’s painted walls.The Falling Cow over the Frieze of Ponies, Axial Gallery

Lascaux: Art Legacy Facing Extinction

One of the most recognisable pieces of art in the world, this panel is in the Hall of the Bulls.

past horizons 10

By Steven Birch Co-Director High Pasture Cave & Environs ProjectImages by Steven Birch

Adult inhumation in top of backfi lled stairwell

High Pasture Cave on the Isle of Skye is a natural limestone cave that contains a diverse assemblage of archaeological deposits of prehistoric age. However, although the cave appears to have been the focus of the site during prehistory, fi eldwork carried out between 2004 and 2007 indicates use of the site from the Mesolithic through to the Post-Medieval period – around 6000 years of activity. Although much work remains to be done, investigations and post-excavation analysis suggests the cave formed an important part of the wider prehistoric landscape in Skye between the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age periods.

Archaeological material recovered from the cave includes a series of structured deposits, such as a wide range of votive offerings, ad while much of this would have been available locally, some of the fi nds point to wider cultural contacts. The assemblage of materials has produced several signifi cant fi nds. Features uncovered include pits and post-holes, and a number of cellular stone-built structures and revetment walls associated with a large burnt mound. There are also indications that fi re played a major role in activities including its use in cooking and feasting, in the possible cremation of animals, and in industrial processes such as metalworking.

Access to the cave from the surface was initially through a natural entrance, comprising a walkway over abandoned river-washed gravels and boulders. Through time the entrance was modifi ed; at fi rst this included a series of small steps and a paved surface leading along a dry and abandoned passage and down a steep ramp

Investigating the Iron Age Underworld

past horizons11

to a junction with the underground stream. Around the 4th century BC, a more elaborate entrance was constructed comprising a steep stone-built stairwell, over which was built a corbelled roof.

It is most probable the site was utilised periodically, and its function, particularly the cave, changed through time. A study of the small fi nds and their distribution, along with the variation in the deposition of faunal remains, butchery techniques and quality of preservation, provides clear evidence of this.

The earlier phases identifi ed within the cave, dating to the 9th century BC, provide evidence for the structured

deposition of small fi nds, especially within the liminal zone where the paved walkway entered the natural cave entrance. Here, caches of bone points and pins, spindle whorls, whetstones and a large saddle quern stone were recovered. This deposition continued along the walkway in the cave where a cache of seven tuning pegs from a

musical instrument were placed in a gap between the paving stones, while nearby a socketed iron axe and an adze of similar form was recovered.

Later phases of use, including that identifi ed above the upper paved granite fl oor in the cave, which has been radiocarbon dated to between the 4th and 2nd century BC, indicates the continued deposition of material comprising domestic-type midden. Included with this mix of materials are elements from the burnt mound that was accumulating at the surface throughout the use of the cave, including deposits of fi re-cracked stone, charcoal and heavily burnt bone. However, by this phase the distribution of small fi nds is more even and widespread throughout the archaeological deposits, with less emphasis placed on zonation within the cave.

The range of small fi nds from the upper contexts in the cave on the whole comprise similar types of material including spindle whorls, bone pins, items manufactured from antler, a range of iron objects,

continued over the page

Above (left to right): Ink drawing of bone and antler pins and socketed adze from Bone Passage (before conservation).

“ fire played a major role in activities including cooking and feasting,

the possible cremation of animals, and in industrial processes such as

metalworking. ”

Investigating the Iron Age Underworld

Entering Bone Passage from base of stairwell.

past horizons 12

Excavations in the burnt mound at the surface

and stone tools including grinders, hammers, palettes, whetstones and quern stones. However, within these deposits we also recovered glass beads and residues relating to metalworking including hearth slabs, slag deposits, hammer-scale, and crucible and tuyere fragments, the latter indicating the processing of copper-alloy. Although it appears likely that the metalworking was taking place on site, or at least somewhere close to High Pasture Cave, we have not yet found any evidence for these activities.

These fi nds are augmented by a rich and varied faunal assemblage, the remains of fi sh and shellfi sh, and burnt plant remains, most likely relating to feasting at the site, or deposited as votive offerings in activities centred on the cave. It is the unusual composition of the bone assemblage, including a predominance of domesticated pig and evidence for unusual butchery practices, that sets it apart from the other animal remains recovered from the site, and to animal bone assemblages generally recovered from Iron Age sites in Scotland.

During these periods, archaeological evidence supported by radiocarbon dates suggests the burnt mound was accumulating in a horseshoe shape around the cave entrance to form a major component of the site. Small fi nds are less numerous but metalworking residues, waste from the manufacture of shale objects, stone tools, ceramics and lithics have been recovered, and the distribution map shows a strong bias in favour of the cave entrance and bone passage

Radiocarbon dates indicate the intense use of the site between 850BC and 100BC, and it appears to have been formally ‘closed’ around 100BC. This included the

partial backfi lling of Bone Passage with organic midden, deposits of fi re-cracked stone and granite boulders, and the complete backfi lling of the stairwell. The fi nal closing act was performed when human and animal remains were placed in the top of the backfi lled stairwell. These included the extended inhumation of a woman aged 30-40 years, the combined remains of a perinate aged 7-9 months, a foetus aged 3-6 months, and the remains of a foetal pig. Preliminary analysis of the remains suggests excarnation may have been used before deposition of

the remains in their fi nal resting place, while isotope analysis of the human remains indicates that the perinate and foetus were most likely directly related to the woman. After the deposition of the human and animal remains in the stairwell, the area around the cave entrance and the surface of the burnt mound was landscaped using granite and limestone boulders. This fi nal act may have been an attempt to disguise

the site from view, erasing the cave and its stairwell entrance from Skye’s Iron Age landscape.

It is clear that High Pasture Cave is no ‘normal’ domestic settlement. There is no evidence for dwellings and the site is set apart from the pattern of settlement identifi ed through landscape survey in Strath Suardal. The cave appears to have been the main focus at the site, a place where a surface stream plunges underground into a network of natural passages. As shelters, depots, landmarks and tombs, caves have been focal points for human ritual and subsistence activities. As such, archaeological evidence from caves allows a glimpse of past societies’ cultural understanding of natural places in the landscape, while the use of caves throughout human history transcends chronological divisions, suggesting they were re-used, re-invented and re-contextualised over millennia.

Post-medieval shielings

“ The cave appears to have been the

main focus at the site, a place where a surface stream plunges

underground into a network of natural

passages. ”

past horizons13

souterrains and so-called ‘wells’ remain a mystery. At Mine Howe in Orkney, the construction of stone-built chambers and inter-connecting stairwells created an underground space, or artifi cial cave. Excavations have revealed evidence for feasting, metalworking and the deposition of the dead – at a location in the landscape set apart from the normal domestic realm.

Is it possible that these sites are a form of shrine, a place where people gathered together on special dates in the Celtic calendar to hold feasts and make offerings to their Gods? After all, Iron Age shrines used into the Early Roman period have been identifi ed in southern England. With such discoveries, it now appears that we

Volunteer Sophie Laidlaw in Trench 14

continued over the page

Therefore, how do we start to interpret the High Pasture Cave site primarily from the domestic domain? As archaeologists it is diffi cult to differentiate between economic and symbolic activities, especially at a site where the mode of deposition and the range of materials changes through time. Items found in specialised contexts are often types that are directly associated with the domestic domain within the settlements themselves. Thus, the crucial distinction is not between different kinds of object or between the roles that they had played in daily life, but rather, the manner in which they were deployed when their use came to an end. Maybe it is the form of deposition we are identifying at High Pasture Cave that sets these items apart from those employed in domestic life, providing them with a new emphasis.

It has been suggested that these special activities needed to happen in special places, potentially in locations cut off from normal domestic activities or whose signifi cance was marked by the presence of some special form of monument.(1) The cave at High Pasture could be classed as a special type of monument in its own right – a passage leading into the earth containing fl owing water. In the Late Bronze Age in particular, water sources such as springs, lakes, rivers and bogs, were revered as special localities in the landscape. Votive offerings were, and still are, tossed into these natural places, which are believed to possess healing powers and were also believed to be entrances to the Otherworld. Bone Passage provided a ready-made chamber, allowing continuous access and repeated use, and through use the site was monumentalised.

The use of underground passages and chambers is well known in the Iron Age landscapes of Atlantic Scotland, most of which have been constructed by humans. However, the function of many of these structures including the

“Is it possible that these sites are a form

of shrine, a place where people gathered

together on special dates in the Celtic

calendar to hold feasts and make offerings to

their Gods?”

Stairwell entrance to cave

past horizons 14

are dealing with an entirely new group of sites within the wider Atlantic Iron Age landscape, and with the excavations at High Pasture, we have the opportunity to take these initial interpretations forward and shed light on a little-understood aspect of Iron Age life in Scotland.

Martin Wildgoose and Steven Birch are freelance archaeologists based on the island of Skye. They hope to conclude fi eldwork in 2009 with a view to publishing in 2012.

With thanks to partners Historic Scotland, the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Highland 2007 Fund, Skye and Lochalsh Leader, university archaeology departments, post-ex specialists and the volunteers.

For further details see www.high-pasture-cave.org.

Reference1. Bradley, R., Ritual and Domestic Life in Prehistoric Europe, Routledge (2005).

“ it now appears that we are dealing with an entirely new group of sites within the wider

Atlantic Iron Age landscape ”

Excavating in Bone Passage

Granite saddle quern recovered from base of stairwell

past horizons15

past horizons 16

Putting the Past into Perspective

Are there pyramids in Luxor? Did the Pharaohs have electricity? Was Cleopatra a Hollywood beauty? Was there really a mummy’s curse? Was there a mummy on the Titanic? Most experts would say the answer to all these questions is no, but we have seen the contrary in many documentaries and fi lms throughout the years. Yet nobody actually sets out to make a bad show or mislead the public, but these mistakes are normally made because of either a lack of time or knowledge.

A lot of research work is done at home and polished by interviews with experts on location. But what happens when the crew goes home and the experts go to bed?

A new business operating out of Cairo and London has hopefully fi lled a market niche. Past Preservers is the fi rst historical and cultural consultancy company

for production teams working in documentary and fi ction. Launched independently by archaeologist Nigel Hetherington in 2005, Past Preservers provides historical and archaeological consultancy and professional support to the media industry.

After fi ve years working for Avid Technology as a fi nancial manager, Nigel decided to go back to university to study a life-long passion; Egyptology. Little did he know that his new interest would bring him back to working in the media fi ve years on. A BA and a Masters from University College London later, Nigel was working as an archaeologist in Egypt where the fi rst concept for Past Preservers was born. He was working with world-renowned archaeologist, Dr. Kent Weeks, at the Valley of the Kings in Luxor and met many production companies coming to the Valley to fi lm and looking for expert

Past Horizons talks with Nigel Hetherington

past horizons17

opinion on aspects of Egyptology from talking heads and local experts. The opportunity to make a business around guiding production teams in their choice of locations and check that they did not make any archaeological blunders was apparent.

As the idea germinated in the back of his mind, Nigel had more contact with the media through his work for The Theban Mapping Project and became increasingly set on the idea of creating some kind of hub between the often misunderstood archaeological world and the media. “I wanted to see quality programs about the history of Egypt being made; it is such as well-loved topic that it deserves to be portrayed in a way that all can appreciate without glossing over the details,’ says Nigel. ‘I saw an opportunity to provide expert counsel throughout the creative process.”

Recent examples of on location work include a live telecast from the Valley of the Kings in Luxor where the crew debated over the location of the cameras. Tutankhamun’s tomb was the fi nal choice because Past Preservers informed them that it was the only tomb with a royal mummy in situ. A recently commissioned biographical documentary for Channel 4 did most of its research at home, but needed someone like Past Preservers to give a local interpretation to the desk-based work.

However, when the footage comes home and post-production get their hands on it, the link between the local research knowledge and the editing suite can be lost. Nigel comments that, “Time restrictions and money issues can force us to play a hand that, even with the best of intentions, might give an inaccurate portrayal of a topic. The recent BBC scandals over mis-information

in documentaries are keeping us all on our toes.”

Post-production review of material might just keep the scandal hungry at bay. Most companies can get the ground work done at home, but a company like Past Preservers can give a programme the authentic edge it needs in a increasingly competitive environment.

The company has now diversifi ed beyond the limits of Egyptology and has a database of experts and talent broad enough to cover most historical and cultural questions a production team might have.

Even with the producer and director involved in post-production, the sequence of events and narrative put together in the editing suite are prey to misconceptions and errors that can affect the quality of the fi nal product. How many programmes have suffered from a lack of critical review at the last moment? In our present day market perhaps a more holistic approach is needed to ensure a competitive advantage.

From modest beginnings Nigel hopes to take the company further. “We have worked with some big names now, but I would like to look further into the possibilities of working on our own treatments for production companies as well as offering guidance after the idea has already been conceived.”

For more details visit www.pastpreservers.com LINKS

click to viewPast Preserverswww.pastpreservers.comTheban Mapping Projectwww.thebanmappingproject.com/

past horizons 18

17th Lancers Graffi ti on the Gate of Nations , Persepolis, Iran

byDavid Connolly

Graffiti

past horizons19

From earliest times, humans have found the need to leave their mark, as an expression of self, a statement

that they existed. Graffi ti, as we understand it today can range from a scratched name on a wall to spray painted gang names declaring territorial rights. Modern materials of course make it much easier to make graffi ti on a huge scale, but whatever the method it will always sit in a grey area between vandalism and social commentary.

From an archaeological point of view graffi ti can be of great historical interest as it can provide a more honest glimpse into the lives of ordinary men and women within society, their hopes, feelings, likes and dislikes. Instead of the offi cial accounts of history written by those in power, it can tell us about political ambitions and affi liations of the time, provided in often direct and frank statements.

One of the earliest examples of ‘modern graffi ti’ depicting the oldest job in the world can be found at Ephesus in Turkey and is thought to lead the reader to a nearby brothel. In fact there are many references to prostitution in the graffi ti of the classical world which opens a debate on the differences in attitude to that particular trade in ancient times.

The fi rst person to look at graffi ti seriously was an Italian Antonio Bosio. In 1632 he published a systematic description of all the offi cial and non-offi cial inscriptions (he never referred to them as graffi ti) to be found in the Roman Catacombs. Interestingly, he then went on to leave his own signature in the Priscilla Catacomb. The graffi ti found in the catacombs helps inform researchers about the extent of knowledge these early Christian pilgrims had of the names and events mentioned in the Bible.

In 1856 archaeologist Raphael Garucchi actually used the word graffi ti when researching Pompeii. He wanted to make a distinction between offi cial inscriptions found on the walls and the unoffi cial inscriptions of the ‘common people’. The common graffi ti often used colloquialisms not found in the offi cial language, and consisted of curses, magic spells, literary quotes, political slogans and declarations of love.

Perhaps some of the most interesting graffi ti that archaeologists have examined is that of the prisoner graffi ti at Edinburgh Castle. Carved into one of the doors of the cells is thought to be one of the earliest depictions of the American Stars and Stripes. Another

shows a gallows with the inscription ‘Lord North’, the British Prime Minister during the American Revolution. The defi ant etching was in response to his proposal that American prisoners be categorised as pirates or rebels, rather than prisoners of war with all the attending privileges. In this way they could be held indefi nitely unless they enlisted with the Navy

Graffi ti is universal, it is a social comment on who we are and what we stand for. Although we might wince when we see it, we should not forget the legacy that it leaves for the future. Whether it is ‘Ban the Bomb’ or part of an expression and catalyst for the Rose Revolution in Georgia, there is obviously a desire by some to be represented in this way. Viewed from this angle, the preservation of graffi ti by formal recording will be a valuable resource for the future.

Vandalism or social commentary, it can all depend on your viewpoint. Graffiti has been with us since the first humans made marks on cave walls

Past Horizons investigates and also provides a simple guide to recording graffiti

“Graffiti is a social comment on who we are and what we stand for”

Opposite page top, from left: brothel advert, Ephesus, c. 1st century AD. Above, from left: Roman political graffi ti, Pompeii,c 79AD; Stars and Stripes, Edinburgh Castle, 1778/9; Hand prints in Beza, Spain, 20th century AD; Rose Revolution graffi ti, Tbilisi, 2003

continued over the page

byDavid Connolly

past horizons 20

Making a record of graffi ti is an easy activity to carry out, and will be a real benefi t to future researchers. The three main types of graffi ti are scratched/etched, drawn with pencil or chalk, painted/sprayed.

As with the example below-right, the scratched names are only visible with a raking light to catch the shadows and then the letters picked out in red, using Photoshop.

Most graffi ti is best recorded with a camera and with a note of the date and location as well as the material used to create it. Some graffi ti needs quite a bit of work to make it visible like the ship drawing to the right. This was achieved by manipulating the original photograph and then overpainting in Adobe Photoshop.

You never know what you will fi nd or record! For example, below, the political graffi ti demanding “Independence for Scotland” is written in chalk and will disappear in a matter of days, but when photographed, the social history of a moment in time is recorded.

Political graffi ti in Edinburgh; Image courtesy of Strevo:http://www.fl ickr.com/photos/strevs/

Pen drawing of ship from Edinburgh Castle

Before and after: Photograph using a raking light on graffi ti, with overlaid transcription.

Recording Graffiti

Right: KELBURN Castle Graffiti ProjectThe idea is simple and original: take the vibrant and often transient art form of Brazilian graffi ti out of its predominantly urban context, and apply it to the ancient and permanent walls of a historic rural castle in Scotland

To watch the video, click the play button on the controls above and then zoom in.

http://www.thegraffi tiproject.net/

past horizons21

Where does our responsibility Start?Many of us who have worked abroad will recognise this scene. We arrive in a dusty village and take up residence for a month or two. The villagers are friendly and make us welcome, inviting us into their lives as we excavate their past. We employ them as the labour force and stay in their houses, but what is the lasting effect on the local population beyond this?

In many of the sites I have worked on abroad (but by no means all), I have seen a dislocation of purpose between what we want from the experience and what the locals might expect. This forms the basis of my challenge. Surely we have a responsibility to these often impoverished communities which goes beyond the bounds of the trench?

To illustrate this, in 2004, I was privileged to visit a joint Anglo-Georgian expedition to the site of Nokalakevi in western Georgia where investigations continued on the Hellenistic, Byzantine and Colchian city. Students from both Southampton and Tbilisi were trained by professionals, and a well formed research strategy underpinned the expedition ( http://www.nokalakevi.org/ ). Whilst there, it became apparent that the infrastructure of the village was in need of serious overhaul, and the museum, which once served the site, had been badly damaged by the fi ghting of the 1990s. The museum had been given computers by an international aid agency, but with intermittent electricity they could not be used. The dig houses and research building had been damaged in the fi ghting and moral was understandably low.

After discussion with the local museum staff and villagers, it was decided that the minimum requirement would be a generator, fuel and money to repair the roof and windows of the museum, with additional funds to allow the dig house to be upgraded. An appeal fund was created and soon donations came pouring in. The Georgian government was so impressed by the commitment, it also decided to provide funding, including the resurfacing of the pot-holed road to Nokalakevi. The museum was restored, an education room created that could make use of the computers, the dig house refurbished, and work began on the research centre.

The benefi ts to the community were tangible and lasting, and given time, a sustainable future for the village will have been built on the foundations laid by an archaeological project.

David Connolly

Should this be one of the primary objectivesfor all expeditions?

What do you think? If you want to comment, write to us at editor@pasthorizons.com

Discussions on local issues, Nokalakevi.

These examples show how archaeology can benefi t more than just archaeologists: Çatal Höyük in Turkey www.catalhoyuk.comButrint in Albania www.butrintfound.dial.pipex.com Crow Canyon Archaeological Centre in Colorado www.crowcanyon.org/index.asp

VIEWPOINT

An isolated case…?

past horizons 22

by Jamie Donahoe

Archaeologists and conservation professionals know fi rst hand the thrill of uncovering something from our past, whether it’s a fossil or a hidden room concealed by long-ago changes. For non-professionals and students, volunteer vacations provide an exciting way to participate in this process of discovery and preservation. These vacations are a meaningful way for volunteer travellers to give something back, make a positive contribution, and in some cases, improve other people’s lives and livelihoods.

Heritage Conservation Network, a building conservation non-profi t group based in Boulder, Colorado, enables volunteers to put history in their own hands. HCN volunteers helped bring the Francis Mill in Waynesville, North Carolina, from near collapse to working condition and saved the beautifully detailed wooden porch at the Kornthal Parsonage in Jonesboro, Illinois. Looking globally, HCN has worked in Europe and Africa and is now planning its fi rst projects in China. Information on HCN projects, past, present and future, is available at their website;www.heritageconservation.net

A pioneer in the fi eld of conservation volunteer vacations, HCN uses a “Habitat for Humanity-style” model to match volunteers

to conservation projects around the world. Groups of 8-10 gather at a site to work with preservation professionals to accomplish the task at hand, such as repairing adobe walls or restoring a historic masonry bridge. Volunteer groups often include students heading into the fi eld of historic preservation, but no expertise is necessary to join an HCN team. Workshop participants receive training and work directly with building conservation professionals. Tasks on site can vary, and volunteers can choose a vacation based on the type of work that matches their interests and abilities. Participants sometimes know each other before the workshop, but often they arrive as strangers to leave as friends. This makes HCN workshops a great team-building opportunity for colleagues, co-workers and community groups.

The primary goal of each HCN project is the restoration of a historic building, but volunteers soon learn that their work is about more than the building itself. HCN volunteers help save buildings that might otherwise be lost, restoring them to their original use or equipping them for a new purpose such as a community center. They help jumpstart cultural heritage tourism in economically depressed or undeveloped areas. They restore people’s homes, their lives, and their pride in their heritage. This is especially true in regions affected by natural disaster. In 2006, HCN brought fi ve teams of

left to rightPainstaking paint removal revealed the original silver, gold and cream paint scheme of the chapel of a 17th century Manor house in Oplotnica, Slovenia. The municipality has gone on to complete the restoration initiated by HCN and their local preservation partners. credit: Judith Broeker

Led by preservation contractor Bill Black, Jr. of Paducah, Kentucky, volunteers worked to save the delicate detailing of the Queen Anne-style Kornthal Parsonage. credit: Katie Dorn

The 1887 Francis Mill in Waynesville, North Carolina, in July 2004 before the fi rst HCN workshop. credit: Kelli Gantt

The Francis Mill with restoration almost complete after four years of hard work by HCN and the Francis Mill Preservation Society. credit: Tanna Timbes

HCN volunteers prepare a historic adobe wall for a new coating of lime plaster, Mesilla, New Mexico. credit: Judith Broeker

History in your Hands

past horizons23

volunteers to work in historic neighborhoods in New Orleans and Bay St. Louis which were among those hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina.

Founded by two conservation specialists with a passion for educating the general public about the importance of historic preservation, HCN has been putting history in the hands of volunteers for the past six years. HCN teams have completed projects at 23 sites in fi ve countries, and at present, another 15 workshops are in the planning stages. In 2007 alone, volunteers slung mud in New Paltz, New York, slapped on white wash in Virginia City, Montana, and documented wall paintings in Serravalle, Italy. They also helped restore a stone chief’s house in a village in Ghana.

Volunteers do not need to be in tip-top physical shape as there’s a way for everyone to participate at each project. Where physical strength and stamina are essential, this is noted clearly in the project description. Volunteers range in age from 18 to 80 and often report that the mix of participants is one of the highlights of the experience.

The backlog of projects waiting for HCN’s volunteers and technical experts continues to grow. Planning is currently underway to restore the Naa Laingoye House in Accra, Ghana, to be used as a bed and breakfast

with a catering school to train local residents. Workshops are also being planned for Bijapur, India, and Kaiping, China. To meet the needs of these projects, and more importantly, these communities, HCN has launched a major drive for volunteers, for donations of materials and supplies, and for scholarship funds.

If you would like to be involved with HCN or join any of its projects, let HCN know.

They can be reached at +1303 444 0128 or via email at info@heritageconservation.net.

Heritage Conservation Network

HCN volunteers and local residents and participants at the Ablekuma chief’s house in Ghana. Photo courtesy of Sarah Hatcher

LINKSHeritage Conservation Network www.heritageconservation.net

International Hands-on Workshops for Architectural and Site Conservation

past horizons 24

by Rona Walker

Rona undertook 10 weeks of fi eldwork in Israel as a volunteer before recently completing her degree.

I have had a love of archaeology from an early age and chose to study a combination of Archaeology and Ancient History at the University of Edinburgh. During my four year MA degree I took the archaeology fi eldwork choice.

Where you chose to excavate was up to you, and due to my love of sun and the unpromising Scottish summer I decided I wanted to excavate abroad. A poster for a Canaanite site in Israel caught my eye; it looked like it would be an amazing opportunity and experience. As a student, I had to make sure that the university approved of the site but after that it was up to myself to organise everything else. I emailed the supervisor of the excavation, introduced myself and begged to be part of his team.

Up until that point I hadn’t even thought about how to fund it but that was obviously the next step. Volunteers are generally expected to pay for their travel, accommodation - everything really! Archaeology students are given a small payment from their universities to help towards their excavation placements but as I chose to go to Israel, obviously this covered just a fraction of what I had to pay. I wrote to different organisations explaining my hope to excavate, especially at the Canaanite site (you can use the internet or a library to fi nd out about local organisations or rotary clubs that offer fi nancial help). People were extremely supportive and between my own savings, the university and cheques I received, I funded my entire trip to Israel.

The excitement of visiting Israel and being able to excavate with such big names in Israeli archaeology quelled any worries I had about the trip and travelling by myself.

My plan was to excavate for a full two months at Tel Hazor, a major biblical-era site in North Israel in the Galilee, but due to the outbreak of the war between Israel and Lebanon I had to leave this site and fi nished my excavation experience at Tel Yarmuth, a site further south. Despite this, it was a truly rewarding experience which opened my eyes to the in-depth workings of fi eld excavation.

The excavations were similar. Hazor features in the narrative of the Bible (for example: Joshua 11:10) concerning the Israeli conquests and the fall of the

Iron Age pottery from the excavation.

Hazor at dawn

An Israeli Adventure

past horizons25

late Bronze Age Canaan. Yadin Yagael, the fi rst main excavator of Hazor, was motivated by the desire to confront this Biblical narrative, and concluded that the history of the site was faithfully refl ected by the account in the Bible. Amnon Ben-Tor, from the University of Jerusalem, headed the renewed excavations from 1990, which were intended to ‘check’ Yadin’s strategic observations on which he based his conclusions.

Tel Yarmuth is also a Biblical-era site, which has been identifi ed as the ‘Yarmuth’ mentioned in Joshua 10 due to its location and settlement history. Nestled in the Judean foothills fi ve kilometres south of the modern city of Beth Shemesh, it was initially excavated in the 1970s by Amnon Ben-Tor of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and of course, Hazor. Yarmuth covers 600 acres and consists of a fortifi ed small acropolis and larger lower city.

Excavations were being carried out in the lower city under the supervision of Pierre de Miroschedji of the French Centre National de la Recherche Scientifi que, and were funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The excavations addressed why Yarmuth was so prosperous, why it was eventually abandoned and

attempted to understand its relationship and status in the process of urbanisation in the Southern Levant.

The excavating could at times be nerve-wracking: I constantly worried about hacking through something of relevance! However, the professionals took a step back now and then to allow us amateurs to ‘go for it’, which helped gain experience, build confi dence and increase a connection with the trench. This increased incentive and heightened excitement about the excavation as a whole. As mentioned earlier, the Israeli and Lebanon war

“it was a truly rewarding experience which opened my

eyes to the in-depth workings of field excavation”

continued over the page

Hazor at dawn

A fellow volunteer carefully excavates a complete pot..

An Israeli Adventure

past horizons 26

Choice of excavations:Anyone of any age can join an excavation as a volunteer and there are many to choose from. I began my search to fi nd excavations on the internet sites such as

www.pasthorizons.comwww.britarch.ac.uk/archabroadwww.archaeological.orgwww.archaeology.co.uk

“Other good places to look are in up-to-date archaeological journals. If you are at university, the archaeology department usually has posters up advertising different excavations.”

The work:“Work included practical excavation, administration and post excavation work. We did pottery washing and “pottery reading”, activities that I believe are important for student and archaeology-lover alike, allowing time for everyone from different areas of the excavation to be together.”

The variety of people:“The staff consisted mainly of Israelis with the odd Canadian, Russian and Spanish. The supervisors ranged from those who were qualifi ed in archaeology to those who just

loved local archaeology but all had been excavating at Hazor for a number of years.”

Social life:“Excavations provide the chance to visit new countries and meet people who are enthusiastic about similar things as yourself. We worked fi ve or six days a week and this allowed me time to explore places and do the ‘touristy’ things, such as visit the Dead Sea. The social aspect was also great for hearing about different archaeological experiences, past and present, and hearing others’ archaeological anecdotes is defi nitely a good learning process.”

broke out whilst we were excavating in the north of the country. Due to rockets being fi red a little to close for comfort we were forced to move down the country town by town until it was eventually decided that we would take refuge in Jerusalem. I moved to Tel Yarmuth soon after to excavate until I returned home. Despite this trouble, Israel was a positive experience, and my time at both sites can only be described as amazing. Excavations are hard work, especially in hot countries, but the whole process, from letter-writing, to the hard excavation, to the weekend travels, was well worth it!

Reasons to volunteer…

The excavation at Tel Hazor

The author has a break on site

past horizons27

This is only a small selection of scores of sites, many more can be found here:Past Horizons: www.pasthorizons.comArchaeological Institute of America: www.archaeological.org/webinfo.php?page=10015

Russian Federation: Giant Prehistoric Dolmen with PetroglyphsThe project aims to study, restore, protect, and eventually present a unique prehistoric megalithic tomb “Dzhubga” to the public. 20 July – 20 September 2008Website: www.dolmens.spb.ru

Transylvania: Dacian FortressExcavation of the fortifi ed acropolis of the Piatra Detunata site will continue and expect to expose a signifi cant part of the fortifi cation system. 1 June – 5 July 2008Website: www.archaeotek.org/dacian_fortress

Belize: Maya Research ProgramA unique adventure, new learning and personal challenges and an opportunity to play an active role in furthering our understanding of the Maya culture. 26 May – 27 July 2008Website: www.mayaresearchprogram.org

Macedonia: Heraclea Lyncestis Excavation ProjectFounded in the 4th century B.C. by Philip of Macedon this was one of the key urban centres on Via Egnatia road connecting Rome and Asia Minor. 16 – 30 July 2008Website: www.bhfi eldschool.org/bh2007.hlexc.html

Scotland: Scottish Episcopal Palaces Project - FetternearThe summer palace of the medieval bishops of Aberdeen. The site forms part of a project designed to study the development of bishops’ palaces. 30 June – 25 July 2008Website: www.lamp.ac.uk/archanth/staff/dransart/fetternear.htm

Portugal: Evoramonte Axis MundiCastle and fortifi ed town that may have once been the lost town of Dipo that existed during the Romanization of the region of Lusitania. 30 June – 1 August 2008Website: www.portanta.com

Kazakhstan: Geoarchaeological Study of the Talas ValleyThe volunteer archaeology camp aims to continue a full geoarchaeological study of the valley of the Talas river. 15 July – 30 August 2008Website: www.lgakz.org

England: Combe Martin Silver Mine Research and Preservation SocietyA community archaeology initiative carried out by volunteers who are taught the skills necessary for quality excavation and is inclusive and accessible to all. 12 – 20 July 2008Website: www.cmsmrps.org.uk

Italy: Valcamonica Archaeology and Rock Art Fieldwork Active rock art centre that organises annual archaeology fi eldwork at Paspardo, giving the opportunity to research and study the rock art of Valcamonica. 14 July – 4 August 2008Website: www.rupestre.net/fi eld/index.html

Dig In..... get involved with archaeological projects around the world

past horizons 28

as well as the fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and/or fi sh needed for the fi rst day or two. About halfway through the season you need to start winding down on your food stock – and without doing any damage to the quality of the food produced. The goal of any good fi eld cook is to leave the site with very little of the provisions still unused. The last thing you want on the closing day of a project is a fridge stuffed with perishables and unused packages of fl our, herbs, or anything else.

I hope in future editions of this column to explore some of the other issues that I’ve experienced in ten years of cooking for archaeologists but for my entrée piece here’s a dish that exists in two worlds: that of the carnivores and the vegetarians. By keeping

the meat component separate, both in the cooking and on the table, people can please themselves which version to eat. The recipe that follows is composed for thirty to thirty-fi ve people but quantities can easily be bulked up for larger numbers. It can be adapted to local produce anywhere in the world.

This is a hearty, healthy and tasty dish that all of my dig families love.

Annie Evans

Dig Cook’s website (click to view):http://www.digcook.com/

There’s more art to cooking for fi eld projects than you might expect. Sure,

it’s a challenge to work in the kind of basic kitchens that make most good cooks cringe but there are other issues to be considered.

With the usual blended workforces of people from many parts of the world, fi eldwork cooking also requires a degree of culinary tact. You have to deal with and satisfy people whose taste runs from bland to hot and spicy, as well as the carnivores and the vegetarians. And let’s not forget the project director with a sharp eye on the budget.

Finding the Right Ingredients

Above and beyond all of these issues there are questions of supply. Finding the right ingredients in village shops, markets or supermarkets, where cultural differences mean that ingredients you normally pick up really easily are simply not to be found, poses a problem that sometimes requires a little imaginative ad-libbing. A determined search for hokkien noodles for a popular Asian dish in a Nicosia supermarket a few years ago came up with no result. This store was totally noodle-less. The work-around was to substitute thick spaghetti and the resulting dish - chicken with ‘hokkien’ noodles - was a great success.

A less obvious issue for the fi eld cook is the fact that most projects run for around six weeks. At the start, after a colossal clean-up of the dodgy old kitchen which is the usual run of things at most sites, there’s a big shopping expedition. Here’s where you stock up on all of the basics,

Annie EvansThe Dig Cook

Recipes for Archaeologists

Best of Both Worlds

past horizons29

Ingredients

2 kg (4lb) couscous grains (very fine wheat pasta)1 1/2 kg (3lb) dried chickpeas, soaked overnight125ml (4ozs) peanut oil (ground nut oil)1kg (2lb) sliced onions10 cloves garlic (crushed)2 small hot red chillies or 4 mild long red chillies1kg chopped green capsicum (bell peppers)1/2 kg chopped red capsicum (bell peppers)1kg carrots, sliced into rounds1kg courgettes (zucchini) sliced into rounds2kg (4lb) potatoes, cubed1kg (2lb) pumpkin, cubed (optional), or sweet potato5 litres (8 pints) water500g (1lb) sultanas2kg (4lb) broad beans, okra or green beans4tspn cayenne pepper8tspn ground cumin4tspn paprika200gms (7ozs) butter4kg (9lb) local sausages, such as chorizo, loukaniko or similar, cut into rounds

MIDDLE EASTERN VEGETABLE STEW ON COUSCOUS WITH CHICKPEAS AND (OPTIONAL) LOCAL SAUSAGE

Method

Drain and wash soaked chickpeas, cover with salted water. Bring to the boil and simmer until tender. Drain and set aside.

Place couscous grains in a large bowl and pour over 1 1/2 litres (3 pints) boiling water. Season with salt and pepper. Allow to stand for 30 minutes, then stir through with a fork to separate the grains. Add more boiling water if necessary and stand again. Couscous should be plump and separate, not sticky.

In a very large, deep, thick-based saucepan heat peanut oil. Add onions, garlic, chilli, peppers and carrots and fry gently until onions are soft. Stir in the diced potatoes and pumpkin or sweet potato and pour over the water. Bring to the boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

Add sliced courgettes, okra or beans and cook another 15 minutes. Stir in re-served chickpeas, sultanas, cayenne pepper, cumin, paprika and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer again. Put couscous in a muslin-lined colander, set on top of vegetable stew saucepan and allow to heat through. Add butter to the couscous and stir through. Taste and adjust seasonings. Test vegetables for tenderness.

While the couscous is heating through and the stew is finishing off grill or oven bake the sliced sausage and have crisp and ready.

Serve vegetable stew on a bed of couscous, topped with sausage for the carnivores, or just as it stands for the vegetarians.

past horizons 30

PROFILE

What was your fi rst archaeological experience?A test-trench across a Roman road at Sandbach in Cheshire, England in 1971

What is your current obsession?Shifting my Aerial Archaeology in Jordan Project to a higher “plane” – so to speak

Are you dirty hands or inky fi ngers?Both

What is your most satisfying archaeological moment?The fi rst fl ight I was able to take over Jordan for archaeology after twenty years trying

Do you prefer teaching or doing?Mainly doing

Will you always be an archaeologist?Probably!

Have you had any life or death moments?Plane struck a petrol-bowser landing at a small Polish airport and we all had to be evacuated down slides

If you could go back in time, where would you go?Nowhere earlier that did not have decent anaesthetics at the dentist. Probably last Tuesday just before I went through that speed trap

What is your best travel tip?Relax – there is nothing more you can do till you land

What is the last book that you read?Cullen Murphy, Are We Rome?

Where do you go on holiday?Port Bouvard 80 km south of Perth (Australia)

What has been your ultimate fi nd?Haven’t found it yet!

How do you want to be remembered?Frequently

What keeps you awake at night?Worrying about how many e-mails I will have in the morning before I can get to the business of the day

What is your most treasured possession?My copy of Poidebard’s La trace de Rome dans le Désert de Syrie, 1934

Which person do you most admire?Aung San Suu Kyi

What is the worst job you have done?Joint fi rst: an excavation in Warrington in 1972 and cleaning toilets in Wolfson College Oxford in 1974

How do you relax?Reading, walking, cycling, music

What is your favourite country and why?Italy – stunningly beautiful in so many places

What makes you angry?People who drop their rubbish in our landscape

If you weren’t an archaeologist, what would you be?Lawyer

Professor David Kennedy lectures at the University of Western Australia, Classics and Ancient History Department. His current projects are aerial archaeology in Jordan and the Jarash Hinterland Survey.

past horizons31

5. Wooden defensive boundary (8) . 8. Former summer palace of the Bishop of Aberdeen (10). 10. (5) Mound, prehistoric British/Irish feature of debatable function. 13. Heraldic charge animal (4). 14. Or Myanmar (5). 15. Viking god (4). 16. Extinct giant armadillo (10). 18. Receptacle in the wall of a columbarium (5). 21 . University which hosts the Centre for Manx Studies (9). 23. See 4 down. 27. Town on Slovak-Hungarian border (4). 28. Believed to be largest Iberian villa (5,2,5). also 42 across. 29. Form of landscape art found in Tarapaca (8). 30. Type of Roman ceramic (8). 32. Pithouses found in Fraser Valley, BC (6). 33. (5) Glava, Serbian copper mining site, possibly oldest in Europe. 35. Research project looking at WWI archaeology in Jordan (5,4,6,7). Also 36, 26, and 25 down. 38. Area in China where traditional cave dwellings are still occupied (5).

39. Early medieval Slavic fortress town (5). 40. Largest lake by volume (6). 41. A grove of Oiana and two of Caligula’s pleasure barges were found here (4). 42. See 28 across.

1. (2) Fa, Gallo-Roman site. 2. Loch-dwelling (7). 3. See 4 down. 4. Relict landscape in France associated with salt-making (10,2,2,6). Also 23 across and 3 down. 6. British living history park (11) . 7. A people of southern Alaska (7). 8. An area of the Western Sahara (4,4). 9. Largest medieval Welsh city (8). 11 . Square fort found in Kazakhstan (7). 12. Largest reconstruction project in North America (8,2,10). Also 17 down. 17. See 12 down. 19. Direction used in site grid (4). 20. Source of decomposed organic matter which can be dried for fuel (3). 22. Chilean desert, driest on Earth (7). 24. Ziyaret (4), Assyrian city site. 25. See 35 across.

ACROSS

Craig Swanson (c) at www.perspicuity.com

Down

26. See 35 across. 29. Hoard-rich island (7). 31 . Roman fort, thought to be supply depot for Hadrian’s Wall (6). 32. Old Norse epic (4). 34. Chemical compound first made in England during post-medieval period (4). 36. See 35 across. 37. Statues on Rapa Nui (4). 38. One of the Warring States of China (3).

Come back next issue for the answers.compiled by J. Welsh

HINT: Some of the answers can be found on Past Horizonswww.pasthorizons.com

Scribble pad

past horizons 32