Volume 4, Issue 2
December 2015
Notes From The SA The Sustainable Archaeology Newsletter View past editions of the newsletter on our website: sustainablearchaeology.org/publications
In This Issue
An Invitation to Denmark 4) Late in the second week of my visit, I presented my first lecture again in the MoesgĂĽrd Museum at Aarhus University.
An Invitation to Denmark Update from SA: Western Update from SA: McMaster Research Grant Opportunities Upcoming Events and Conferences
Figure 1: Copenhagen, Denmark
Following a visit and tour of Sustainable Archaeology: Western in March of 2015, Dr. Per Ole Rindel invited me to Denmark in the fall to talk about the facility we had built, the motivations of the project and the technology we were implementing in order to provide a sustainable future for Ontario’s archaeological heritage. During the course of my two-week visit, I presented three guest talks/lectures for the Saxo Institute at the University of Copenhagen: 1) Sustainable Archaeology: From Concept to Application
Sustainable Archaeology is funded by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
sustainablearchaeology.org
2) Sustainable Archaeology: Collections Management 3) Sustainable Archaeology: 3D and VR Technologies and Applications
I was honoured that my visit served as a collaborative focal point for the archaeologists in the Saxo Institute, and a means of reaching out to other colleagues and researchers in different departments and institutions across the University, Denmark and southern Sweden. The presentations I gave facilitated lengthy discussions about the value and ethics of burgeoning 3D and VR technologies, the importance of broadening the relevance and accessibility of archaeological heritage, and the significance of involving Descent Communities in the development and implementation of policies that will guide a project of this scope. Researchers at the Saxo Institute and Digital Humanities Lab in Lund, Sweden were particularly interested in the equipment we were utilizing at SA and how advancements in digitization and the incorporation of a third spatial dimension could change both the ques-
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tions and the answers that we have about archaeological materials. During my visit, Per Ole and several of his colleagues, including Mikkel Sørensen, Eva Andersson Strand and Moritz Kinzel introduced me to several museums and institutions throughout Denmark and
and the clever means they have utilized tourist’s interests in unique foods and gastronomy to open a new café that generates additional funding for the institution. I also learned of the significance of woodworking to Danish identity, and how the Museum fosters a resurgence of interest and training in ancestral crafts and maritime skillsets.
southern Sweden.
Figure 3: Anne Christian Sørensen and Rhonda Bathurst at The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, Denmark. Photo credit Per Ole Rindel.
At Royal Jelling (http://natmus.dk/museerne/ Figure 2: Moriz Kinzel, Per Ole Rindel, Rhonda Bathurst and Eva Andersson Strand at Aaruhus University, Denmark. Photo credit Matteo Pilati
At
Vedbækfundene
(http:// museer.rudersdal.dk/FrontEnd.aspx?id=522 ), a Museum focused on a cluster of Bronze
kongernes-jelling),
Project Manager Morten Teilmann-Jørgensen shared his relatable experience of building a new interpretive centre rich in digital output and engaging, interactive narrative.
Age interments unearthed during regional roadwork, Curator Anne Birgitte Gurlev demonstrated how even a small museum with a narrow temporal focus can utilize both simple and complex technology to tell a full and interactive story about a particular place and time. At The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde (http:// www.vikingeskibsmuseet.dk), I learned from Curator Anne Christina Sørensen some of the unique challenges of maintaining a museum of perishable wooden collections
Figure 4: Interactive digital story-telling in the interpretive center at Royal Jelling, Denmark. Photo credit Per Ole Rindel.
Matteo Pilati’s invitation for me to speak for the Sustainable Heritage Management Program at Aarhus University provided
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me an opportunity to engage with students of the current program, interested in issues of heritage sustainability and accessibility, as well as giving me the thrill of speaking in the main auditorium of the newly renovated Moesgård Museum (http://www.moesgaardmuseum.dk/en).
Figure 5: The speaker auditorium at the Moesgård Museum in Aarhus, Denmark. Photo credit Per Ole Rindel.
Curators Pauline Asingh and Hans Skov gave us a tour of the Museum, as we marveled at the creative and ample use of digital technology in exhibits, including projection, 3D images and RFID tags. My visit wrapped up with an excursion with Per Ole, Eva and students from the fall Digital Archaeology class to the Digital Humanities Lab at Lund University in Sweden.
Carolina Larsson and Stefan Lindgren demonstrated how to use motion capture, 3D scanning and VR technologies as a means of researching hypotheses and capturing/interacting with archaeological objects. The good-fortune of Dr. Rindel’s winter visit precipitated a remarkable opportunity to promote the philosophy and practices of Sustainable Archaeology, while learning how the same issues of sustainable practices, collections management and access are echoed at other research institutions in other countries. The most valuable and thoughtprovoking discussions I took away from the experience were in relation to emerging issues of copyright, commodification, free association and accessibility of digital data and technologies. It is exciting to be a part of shaping the future on this new technological frontier, and I was delighted to be invited to share our own experiences with our colleagues overseas. Author: Dr. Rhonda Bathurst Project and Operations Manager, Sustainable Archaeology: Western
Host: Dr. Per Ole Rindel Saxo Institute, University of Copenhagen Dates: September 21-October 2, 2015
Figure 6: Stefan Lindgren demonstrates the Oculus Rift at the Digital Humanities Lab at Lund University in Lund, Sweden.
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Update from SA Western It was a busy spring and summer for SA: Western’s members and Research Associates, attending conferences and symposiums. Dr. Neal Ferris, Director of Sustainable Archaeology, Lawson Chair of Canadian Archaeology, and Professor of Anthropology at Western University, attended the 80th Annual SAA Meeting in San Francisco where he participated in the Symposium: Archaeology and the State. Dr. Ferris also presented at the SAA & EAA Joint Thematic Meeting on Connecting Continents: Archaeological Perspectives on Slavery, Trade and Colonialism, in Curaçao. Dr. Andrew Nelson, Professor of Anthropology at Western University, attended the 3rd Annual ToSca (Tomography for Scientific Advancement) Symposium hosted by the University of Manchester in September. Here he participated in the Museum and Cultural Heritage Session presenting on microCT analysis of ancient Lydian and late Roman coins to shed light on how they were made. Current PhD. candidate Amy St. John attended the 47th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Archaeological Association Conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland where she presented her paper on the potential for microCT analysis of Late Woodland ceramic manufacture in exploring craft production. Research, such as the above mentioned use of the microCT, allow the study of idio-
syncrasies that may otherwise not be visible. This fall we welcome three work study students from the Department of Anthropology: Ashna, Teddy, and Kylie. They are assisting with the intake of the Deller collection. This has given them the opportunity to interact with SA Research Associates and Technicians and apply some of the knowledge learned from their coursework. In November we welcomed two new contract employees, Heather Hatch and Lena Zepf. They are assisting with the implementation of the Information Platform Policies and Procedures, as well data-entry for current and incoming collections. In the New Year SA: Western plans on training our Staff and Technicians on the new handheld 3D scanner, which will allow us to solidify our 3D scanning methodology and process.
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Update from SA McMaster Catherine Paterson Work at SA: McMaster continues to focus on processing McMaster’s legacy collections. Our current team includes Undergraduate Anthropology students Beatrice, Daniel, and Sam.
We launched a website (sustarc.mcmaster.ca) over the summer to track our progress and make public the sites and material being stored at SA: McMaster. As sites are processed, we post brief details about the site history and excavation and what is stored on-site at SA. We are also using
the website to blog about operations and request information about sites and artifacts with unknown or uncertain provenience. We have also started a new phase of legacy collection work to digitize associated records. Our focus is currently on records from the collections of Bill Fox and Dana Poulton and includes reports and slides documenting sites in the McMaster collection. We are grateful for these resources and the opportunity to integrate them with the archaeological material they document.
Research Grant Opportunities Note: Please verify all application criteria and deadlines with the appropriate granting organization.
MITACS Accelerate Research Internship Program
partner organization and Mitacs each providing $7,500
Through Mitacs Acceler-
Application Deadline:
ate, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from over 50 universities apply their specialized expertise to business-related re-
Applications are accepted throughout the year, and projects may begin at any time.
search challenges. The program is open to all disciplines and all industry sectors. Each 4-month internship project receives $15,000 in direct funding, with the
For specifics on the program, funding, application criteria and more, visit: www.mitacs.ca/
SSHRC Knowledge Synthesis Grant is “How can emerging technologies be leveraged to benefit Canadians?� These grants aim to promote a deeper understanding of the state of knowledge regarding the human dimensions involved in emerging technologies.
accelerate
Application Deadline:
SSHRC Knowledge Synthesis Grant
January 12, annually
The theme for this years
For more information on eligibility, how to apply,
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Award Opportunity
Research Grant Opportunities Cont. Note: Please verify all application criteria and deadlines with the appropriate granting organization .
Award for Outand more, visit: www.sshrcstanding Work in Digital Archaeology crsh.gc.ca The AIA is accepting nominations, of projects or individuals, that deploy digital technology in innovative ways in the realms of excavation, research, teaching, publishing, or outreach. Nomination Due Date: September 15, 2016 At least one member of the team/ group, or any individual nominee, must be a member in good standing of the AIA. For more information on Criteria for Selection, and more, visit: https:// www.archaeological.org /awards/digitalarch
The W. L. Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarships Open
scholarships
of
$8,500 are awarded to graduates of Canadian Universities who are pursuing graduate study in any discipline, in Canada or elsewhere.
larger grants to senior scientists and post-doctoral students may be funded up to $25,000. No citizenship restrictions.
Application Deadline: July 15 and January 5 annually
ment.
For more information visit: www.leakeyfoundation.org/
Application Deadline:
grants/
Application Deadline:
Ruggles-Gates Fund for Biological Anthropology
Application must be received by your home University by February 1 annu-
Fund administered by the Royal Anthropological Institute that provides
ally. For more information on eligibility, how to apply, and more, visit: http:// www.mkingscholarships.ca/ index-e.html
The Leakey Foundation Research Grants
The Leakey Foundation funds research related to human origins, including paleoanthropology, primate behavior, & studies of modern hunter-gatherer groups. Research Grants to doctoral students range from $3,000 to $15,000;
students from all areas of the sciences and engineering. Grants are used to pay for travel expenses to and from a research site, or for the purchase of nonstandard laboratory equip-
grants for graduate research in biological anthropology. No nationality restriction.
Application Deadline: March 31 annually For more information on the nature of the award, and how to apply, visit: www.therai.org.uk/awards/ research-grants/ruggles-gatesfund-for-biologicalanthropology/
Sigma Xi Grants-in-aid of Research Program Grants of up to $1,000 to
March 15 and October 15 annually. For more information on the program, and how to apply, visit: www.sigmaxi.org/ programs/grants-in-aid
Raymond Davis Scholarship This scholarship is given to an advanced level undergraduate or graduate student with an academic and/or research focus in a field related to imaging. A certificate and grant of at least $1,000 are given to recipients of this award. One or more awards are made annually, depending on available funds. For more information, visit: www.imaging.org/ist/ membership/davis.cfm? AwardCode=RS
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Sustainable Archaeology: Western 1600 Attawandaron Rd., London, ON Phone: 519-850-2565
For more information, contact Dr. Rhonda Bathurst, at rhonda.bathurst@uwo.ca
www.sustainablearchaeology.org Sustainable Archaeology: McMaster McMaster Innovation Park, Hamilton, ON Phone: 905-525-9140 x21970
For more information, contact Dr. Catherine Paterson at sustarc@mcmaster.ca
Sustainable Archaeology’s Mission Statement Sustainable Archaeology is dedicated to advancing a transformative practice of archaeology that integrates the many forms of the discipline – commercial, academic, avocational – by consolidating the extensively recovered archaeological record from a region of the world and converting that material and contextual data into broadly accessible and integrated digital information. This compiled and converted record will allow for ongoing and innovative research advancing the knowledge, conception, appreciation, and engagement of this compiled and rich archaeological heritage left by the countless previous generations of those who loved, lived, and died in this place, by all those today who draw awareness, meaning, value, and identity from this human heritage.
Upcoming Events and Conferences Events January and February meetings of the Ontario Archaeological Society: London Chapter. Second Thursday of each month, Museum of Ontario Archaeology, London. www.ssc.uwo.ca/assoc/oas/
Western University Department of Anthropology: Graduate Research Seminar Series, Fridays at 2:30pm, Social Sciences 2257. anthropology.uwo.ca/about_us/ events.html
search (SCCR) 45th Annual Meeting, January 31, Portland, Oregon. www.sccr.vancouver.wsu.edu/ Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, April 610, Orlando, Florida. www.saa.org American Association of Physical Anthropologists 85th Annual Meeting, April 13-16, Atlanta, Georgia. physanth.org/annualmeetings/84th-annual-meeting/
Conferences
Computer Applications & Quantitative Methods in Archaeology
Western Anthropology 4th Annual Graduate Student (WAGS) Conference, March 4-6, Western University, Ontario.
44th Annual Conference, March 29-April 2, Oslo, Norway. caaconference.org
WAGS
Canadian Anthropology Society (CASCA), May 11-15, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia.
Society for Cross-Cultural Re-
www.cascasana2016.com
www.anthropology.uwo.ca/graduate/
Canadian Archaeological Association 49th Annual Meeting, May 4 -7, Whitehorse, Yukon. http:// canadianarchaeology.com/caa/annual-
meeting
Ontario Heritage Conference May 12-14, St. Marys, Ontario. ontarioheritageconference.vpweb.ca
North American Theoretical Archaeology Group (TAG), April 2224, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado. www.tag-usa.org Digital Humanities 2016, July 1216, Krakow, Poland. dh2016.adho.org
MuseumNext, April 18-20, Dublin, Ireland. www.museumnext.com/ conference/