Historical archaeologists research the relationship between historical accounts and archaeological evidence to build a clear picture of an earlier time. They examine artifacts and documents to create a factual and less biased account of the times. Training for this profession usually takes several years of formal education, and a professional in this field can work in many different capacities.
A historical archaeologist is a professional anthropologist who researches the relationship between historical accounts and archaeological evidence. Usually focused on human cultures where some form of writing or record keeping existed, a historical archaeologist tries to build a clear picture of an earlier time based on physical discoveries and existing documents. Training for this profession usually takes several years of formal education; many historical archaeologists hold a master’s or doctorate in the subject. A professional in this field can work in many different capacities, including as a teacher, fieldworker, museum curator, or historian.
The main factor that distinguishes a historical archaeologist from similar professionals is the marriage of archeology and history. Historical documents, while extremely useful, are often told from one person’s perspective and can show considerable bias toward class, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. For example, many of the documented accounts of African-American slavery are written by white slave owners or abolitionists rather than by the slaves themselves. As the study of documents alone can give a highly biased view, a historical archaeologist will work to broaden the framework of understanding by also examining artifacts gathered from former slave plantations, as well as any surviving written materials created by slaves. Broadening the survey to include written accounts and artifacts helps create a more factual and less biased account of the times.
To find work in the profession, a historical archaeologist typically undergoes several years of training. At the undergraduate level, applicable undergraduate courses may include history, archeology, and physical and cultural anthropology. At the graduate and doctoral level, students can focus their studies on the specific discipline of historical archeology, creating a course plan that includes the study and handling of ancient documents, fieldwork, and the study of a culture or period of time. specific interest. While some jobs are available to archaeologists with a bachelor’s degree in the field, advanced positions are generally reserved for those with graduate degrees.
A historical archaeologist may be suited to many different types of jobs. Some become university professors, balancing private research with educating a new generation. Others may seek grants to pursue archaeological research topics and may spend a great deal of time excavating and analyzing newly discovered artifacts. The broad discipline of historical archeology makes professionals in the field particularly suited to museum curation, as they are able to provide the historical context and meaning of exhibited artifacts. Some historical archaeologists may also choose to focus more on historical explanations and interpretations, and may write books or provide articles to academic journals and popular magazines.
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