Field Anthropology

About

The Irish Heritage School (IHS) provides a unique field school opportunity teaching students how to excavate and critically assess an archaeological site within its landscape. We achieve such an understanding by deploying a range of methods that include archaeological survey, archaeological excavation, experimental archaeology and post-excavation analysis. The diversity of this course allows students to understand the significance of an archaeological site within its heritage setting in general, and that of the medieval landscape of Wexford in particular.

Course leader

Irish Heritage School (site experts) and Maynooth University (accreditation).

Target group

Students interested in gaining practical, hands-on archaeology experience. Also students with an interest in community heritage, service-learning, anthropology, history and Celtic studies.

Course aim

We want students to engage with a live site but also understand how that site sits within its historical and contemporary landscape. Key areas of exploration will be:

Excavation

Students will be instructed in archaeological excavation and recording techniques – including excavation of archaeological features, documentation of finds, completion of site drawings and record taking of archaeological deposits. During their time on site students will also be provided with instruction in laboratory protocols, working closely with the materials their digging has generated.
Laboratory Protocols

A focus will be placed on the cataloguing and remedial conservation of both artefacts and ecofacts, according to standards set by the National Museum of Ireland (NMI). The NMI requires that all finds recovered in archaeological excavations are prepared, and conserved where necessary, according to strict protocols, in advance of submission to the museum. Students are expected to understand these processes, as they are a core component of field excavation.
Experimental Archaeology

The INHP has strong links with groups like Ex-Arc Europe (an experimental archaeology community with over 250 members in 40+ countries) and boasts one of the longest running experimental archaeology sites in the world. More recently the INHP launched an extensive range of traditional building technology and craft courses. The experience of the INHP will form an important component of the student’s curriculum, and students will be introduced to the many ways which the public are presented, view and interpret the archaeological record.

Fee info