From the Field to the Lab
Christine Sylvester, 2021 G.Ernest Wright/Shirlee Meyers Summer Stipend Recipient
Dr. Foran and I in the Near Eastern Lab at Wilfrid Laurier University, sorting through digitizations of diagnostic pottery pieces.
As is required of most university students majoring in some form of Archaeological studies in Canada, I have had the pleasure to attend field schools both within Canada and internationally. Specifically, in the last couple years, I have been working under Dr. Debra Foran as both a student, attending her field school in Jordan, and as a lab technician working in the Near Eastern Lab at Wilfrid Laurier University.
This has let me experience both the physical and scholarly aspects of archaeology as a profession. ÂÌñÒùÆÞ’s Summer Stipend program has given me the opportunity to delve deeper into the laboratory side of archaeology. Last summer I worked on the 2001 survey artifacts found at the site of Khirbat al-Mukhayyat in Jordan.
Diagnostic pottery sherd from the 2001 survey material being drawn for recording.
While working in the lab, I’ve been introduced to methods of grouping and organizing the pottery found on site and analyzing it based on age, material, and type. I have also been able to see into what it takes to put together a paper for scholarly publication and the amount of collaboration and expertise that goes into understanding the past.
Basalt grinder from the 2001 Khirbat al-Mukhayyat Survey. Object drawing being completed for records.
I’m very grateful for being given this opportunity, and believe that it’s important for students and aspiring archaeologists to have the chance to work in the field and in the lab. Being able to be out there physically digging up the past is a whole experience. It is hands on, there’s a strong sense of community with those that you are working with, and anyone whom I’ve met that has had that opportunity always wishes to be able to go back.
However, working in a lab setting is an entirely different experience. You are able to take what you have found and attach meaning and context to it. I have learned more about what I want to do in these past few months, working alongside Dr. Foran, than I have in a classroom setting until now, and I will strive to continue to work on my interests in the archaeological field!
Christine is a fifth-year university student double majoring in Archaeology and Heritage Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University. She has always been interested in archaeology since she was a kid and has gotten the opportunity to pursue her studies in this topic. Christine has developed a particular interest in bio-archaeology and looks forward to advancing her research in this field.