There are so many things I’ve learned on this trip like why it’s important to not wall-chase or why one shouldn’t go into archeology as an art historian. Jokes aside, there are many small things about the process of archeology that I feel accumulate to producing a better study. Brushing the area for footprints before a photo, opening a new locus for soil changes, or even simply building rapport on questions like “schist or pottery?” all remind me of the ways this month has changed my perspective of archeological research. One of my favorite things I’ve learned is how deceiving corner wall fall can be. Through simulations, we know that there is a twisting that occurs resulting in wall fall way further away from its origins than what might be expected. I also loved learning how to identify butcher marks on bones and my developed ability to identify them in the first place! There are so many interesting aspects of this study that I don’t feel ready to let go of the study. If given the opportunity, I would love to participate in another archeological excavation. The work is something that I never thought could check so many values of mine in a job. It’s team oriented, there’s a real pride in the work you’re able to accomplish, and the skills that I’ve begun to develop this month, I’ve discovered I want to further explore and strengthen.
Besides boasting about how great archeology is, I also have many things to tell future students of the trip. My number one advice, which I’ve already blog posted about, is to try the ayran. Ayran is the perfect post-dig drink (along with mixed fruit Juss) to refresh and awaken your entire being. I felt less tired after an ayran and the coolness of it hitting my stomach is a sensation you can’t really get with just cool water or juice. I also would recommend future participants to pack less medicine than you think you need. For some reason I brought my whole medicine cabinet and didn’t use one thing. Hydrocolloid band aids are a must and I think doing the readings as someone who knew nothing about archeology helped to prepare me for some of the conversations that were had. Finally, walking is easier and cheaper than a taxi ride and are especially fun after a night out drinking Efes at Bidi Bidi.
