Forget Indiana Jones, archaeologists don't 'stumble' upon finds

Opinion: pervasive stereotypes like the 'stumbling archaeologist' undermine the true nature of this rigorous, scientific work

By David Stone, UCD and Jean McCarthy, University of Limerick

Stereotypes are any generalised beliefs individuals hold about members of particular groups in society. Described by Walter Lippman in 1922 as ‘pictures in the head’, this expression has evolved into a metaphor for mental reproductions of reality. Much research demonstrates that stereotypes are widely shared and readily activated, despite being relatively simple beliefs and often exaggerated about groups.

Work-based stereotypes are particularly consequential since they can affect the judgement and behaviours of decision-makers in organisations, and in public policy making. More importantly, they can undermine the true nature of an individual's work.

The archaeological profession is subjected to a number of stereotypes, from the fedora-wearing adventurist, Indiana Jones, to the tweed-clad professor. Perhaps the most infuriating stereotype is that of 'the stumbling archaeologist'. Here, the bumbling antiquarian, clumsily happening upon archaeological discoveries by chance, is perpetuated.

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A quick online search reveals a host of archaeological discoveries throughout the world which archaeologists have been said to 'stumble' upon, including Neolithic and Roman sites in Britain, Egyptian sarcophagi, Swedish Viking ship-burials and Arab coin hordes in the Eastern Mediterranean. Headlines in world-famous publications such as National Geographic, New York Times and The Guardian further state how these archaeological treasures then ‘stun’, ‘shock’ or ‘baffle’ archaeologists.

Archaeologists in Ireland are no more surefooted nor less disorientated by the archaeological record. They are said to have stumbled across 5,000-year-old Neolithic Art at the Hellfire Club and 8th century souterrains in Kerry, to name but a few.

The reality of archaeological discovery is a far cry from the headlines. Rather than unintentionally falling over amazing archaeological sites and impressive ancient artefacts, the practice of archaeology in Ireland is well-planned, regulated and conducted by highly qualified individuals and institutions. Excavations are regulated by The National Monuments Service (NMS) with the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004 providing legislative protection to monuments and archaeological sites and the regulation of archaeological works.

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Archaeological excavations are directed by licenced and experienced archaeologists, many of whom have graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees, and have acquired considerable expertise in excavation techniques and the study of material culture over years of working in the discipline. Far from the stumbling stereotype, Irish archaeologists are currently involved in a wide range of national and international research projects, utilising modern scientific methods to study the past. These range from the exploration of early medieval settlement in the Irish midlands and glacial archaeology in the Arctic Circle to archaeobotany in Azerbaijan and the study of aqueducts in Roman Crete.

Forget about randomly digging potential sites, this involves painstaking desk-based research, mapping and surveying of the landscape and using such technologies as GIS, aerial reconnaissance, Lidar and geophysical survey to identify potential archaeological sites. Identified sites are reported to the National Monuments Service and added to the national database.

Test trenches or full excavations may then be conducted once permissions have been obtained from the National Museum of Ireland or the National Monuments Service. Here, the traditional tools of archaeology - the mattock and the trowel - are utilised in order to excavate and record archaeological sites. Archaeologists use the single context recording method to excavate sites systematically, diligently recording each feature and deposits encountered.

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Excavated sites are planned and photographed preserving them by record, and allowing scholars to study the site in the future. Specialists from a wide array of scientific fields also contribute their expertise (e.g. archaeometallurgy, archaeobotany, ceramics, zooarchaeology, charcoal, osteologists) studying the material culture collected during excavations, enabling us to understand how people lived in the past, interacted with their environments, constructed arts and crafts, prepared food, and many other aspects of people’s daily life.

Artefacts discovered during excavations are cleaned, photographed, illustrated, catalogued and deposited in the National Museum of Ireland where they are stored and protected, forming a valuable cultural heritage resource for future research. Many artefacts discovered during excavations are put on display for the public to enjoy in local museums or the NMI.

While archaeologists often discover, unearth, unveil and reveal both stunning archaeological sites and artefacts, they certainly do not 'stumble' upon them

While archaeologists often discover, unearth, unveil, and reveal both stunning archaeological sites and artefacts, they certainly do not ‘stumble’ upon them. This stereotypical discourse, often perpetuated by media headlines, both in Ireland and across the globe, needs to end.

We encourage everyone to travel to historic sights, explore natural landscapes, and visit the many wonderful museums that Ireland has to offer. Informing ourselves of the important, scientific work of our archaeologists, and our cultural heritage, influences the ways in which we preserve and respect our historic and cultural resources. It also reduces the potential for us to make undermining, stereotypical assumptions about the true nature of this essential work.

Dr David Stone is a Research Assistant at the School of Archaeology at UCD. He is an Irish Research Council awardee. Dr Jean McCarthy is a lecturer in Organisational Behaviour at the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick. She is an Irish Research Council awardee.

The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ

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