Five Links to kick off archaeological inspiration for 2013

by Tyler Mackie

1. Digging into 2012’s archaeology – So the BBC compiled a list of the top archaeological discoveries over 2012 and we discovered just how many amazing archaeological finds actually happened in a year. Fuels the positivity in finding something amazing this year… Actually, make this years resolution to be ‘become involved in the 2013 list of archaeological finds’. Sorted.
2. The director of Metropolitan Museum of Art, Thomas Campbell, gave a TED talk regarding museum and curator studies, so art historians and future curators listen up: the secret to success isn’t in the jargon you are taught to use, but to recognise the key elements of a piece, recognise it as a once contemporary piece of art and display it in that nature. Plus look at the gorgeous Alexander McQueen exhibition, innovative and informative. Perhaps we can project these views onto how we display archaeological artefacts in a museum context. And pay a visit to the museum…
3. Living in the 21st century where we have powerful technology squeezed into a handset and tablets becoming the new ‘it’ technology item, it’s high time to consider just how much we can integrate archaeology with our personal devices such as the android in our pocket, or the iPad slung in our backpack. And look not further for technological inspiration that the open source GIS system Archfield: imagine the future of fieldwork being as swift and digital as that. I would love to see this in action on sites, more creativity with technology with archaeological fieldwork and more precision with a fully integrated GIS system that will not break an archaeology project’s bank. It is within sight people. And QR coded labels, beautiful.
4. Talk of the Mayans permeated 2012, but usually about nothing more than their calendar, which is a shame, really. Because one of their most mysterious tombs were explored for the first time and the vibrant red walls are still as stunning and vivid today. So please pledge: I will reference their calendar and supposed Armageddon no more and talk incessantly about the beauty and uniqueness of the Mayan culture in the most rounded way possible.
5. Did you know Michael Shanks has a website? Well he has written a comparison of Tolkein and archaeological sites regarding art visualisation and reconstructions. Fun and imaginative, you say? Seeing as the new Hobbit is out, try look out for the little designs and general layout. Goes to show how much thought went into Tolkein’s world, and not just the linguistics. And how imagination and archaeology go hand in hand beautifully…

And that’s all for now…