Come dig in the Caribbean

In January 2011, we embarked on the pilot season of The SVG Public Archaeology Program… and it was a success.  Volunteers came from around the world to excavate at the site of Argyle 2, on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent.  We identified numerous features, excavated postholes and pits, and slowly but surely recovered a number of burials.  AND we found two complete pots!  These are now proudly displayed in the National Trust museum in Kingstown, SVG.

The BIG news is that we have now been approved to return for another season!  So, all of you that thought you missed out have your second chance.  To top it off, we have lowered our fees, just a bit, in hopes of getting a few more of you on board.  Remember that this is a not-for-profit program; we are doing it to rescue and record a significant site, and to help raise awareness for archaeology in St. Vincent, as well as help increase the knowledge of their prehistoric past.

What are you waiting for?  Sign up, tell all your friends, escape from next winter!  Visit www.svgdigs.com for more info.

Site protection at its finest

There was finally an open window of dry, warm weather – hurrah!  Archaeologists all over the world cheer for this.  This means we are able to get back outside and dig some holes without having to wear and lug around excess gear.  Yesterday, this involved revisiting a known stone feature site, which happened to be a cairn right in the middle of an access road.  If you have ever wondered if developers listen when they say they’re going to protect something, here is proof.  Finding this made our job much easier, and it brought a little smile to my face.  It’s nice to see archaeology well protected; this is VERY well protected!

Skelly Photosynth

I am a big fan of TED talks; I try to watch one everyday while I’m eating my lunch.  This talk by Blaise Aguera y Arcas led me to the discovery of Microsoft Photosynth, which is too cool to keep to myself.  Because archaeology is, by definition, a destructive discipline, we tend to take quite a few pictures (and usually of the same thing).  This came in pretty handy for trying Photosynth…  I just uploaded them, then waited for Photosynth to do its magic!

This photosynth is of Burials 8 and 11 at the site of Argyle 2 on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent; spend some time and explore.  They were discovered together; actually they were stumbled upon because one of our volunteers has a knack for finding things.  We let him dig… and this is what it led to.  Keep posted for more info on these guys, and on Argyle 2.  We are working on the final report and are hoping to return next year for another volunteer field season.

We always wanted to be in a centrefold

Click here for the centrefold spread!

If you aren’t aware of the SVG Public Archaeology Program, check it out now at www.svgdigs.com.  It was our chance to rescue and record some signfiicant (and very cool) archaeology on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent earlier this year.  This centrefold piece (by the International Airport Development Company) highlights our work, and helps spread awareness for archaeology and heritage in St. Vincent.  Stay tuned for information on joining our 2012 season!