An archaeologist is not an archaeologist without their trowel! So think again when describing Indiana Jones or Lara Croft as archaeologists! Impostors!
Bunnings in Australia only does so well when looking for archaeology tools. For the best tools one unfortunately has to look further afield. My first archaeological dig was when I was 17 years old; 12 weeks in the baking sun of the Australian summer (fortunately with a pub next door…but I was 17). The first week there I overheard some of the men betting on how long this little girl would last in archaeology, the bet rested at around a week. Never underestimate anyone my dears. After ten weeks at my 18th Birthday they presented me with my very own proper archaeologist’s trowel, among other tools, and respect. Well I use that trowel to this very day and it has served me in archaeology around the world.
Trowel Power!
Trowels are just the base of the archaeologist’s toolbox. We must not forget the range of excavation tools, surveying and drawing tools, finds and storage tools, specialist tools and kits that an aspiring archaeologist may eventually need as they are involved in more and more digs.
So here are the two suppliers I primarily recommend:
Archtools: Archaeology Tools, Trowels and Equipment
Archtools was established to offer a bespoke affordable solution on quality archaeology trowels, tools and equipment. Our products are trusted by professional archaeologists, institutions and universities the world over and have been tried and tested by qualified archaeologists. Because in archaeology, it’s the quality that really matters.
I recommend Archtools highly; fast delivery and great variety with reasonable prices.
Past Horizons: The Archaeologist’s Toolstore
Past Horizons tools is run by Archaeologists Maggie Struckmeier and David Connolly, With over 30 years experience of field archaeology around the world, they can ensure that the tools supplied by Past Horizons are ones that have been tried and tested. Set up in 2007 Past Horizons makes sure that you only get the best tools there are available.
Ran by two of the most eccentric archaeologists I have ever met. Past Horizons has a vast variety of well-priced tools in addition to Archaeology News, Dig information, Articles, Podcasts and Videos.
Starting off in archaeology? Well here are what I would recommend to get when you have established that archaeology is something you want to continue:
- WHS Trowel
- Leaf Trowel
- Notepad and Pencils (and clipboard for extreme weather and organisation
- Pigskin Gloves
- Hand Shovel
- Hand Brush
- Measuring Tape
- Small Finds Bags
- Metal Capped Work Boots
- Hand Pick
Confessions of an Archaeologist: Live Free and Dig Hard!
When students start studying archaeology and ancient history they tend to always think of one thing: Indiana Jones and Tombraider. Okay technically that is two things but they amount to the same, the romaticised view. So here is what really happens to the professional archaeologist!
You forgot that vital piece of equipment, the Indiana Jones hat, bought by your parents when you passed from HSC to the world of archaeology, and which continues to keep the sun off you when you’re digging up the past. I was impressed by the service of Archtools for the roll of archaeology equipment.
Yes It is important to have an Indiana Jones Hat!
That archaeology kit was the nerdiest best archaeology Christmas Present!
Check it out fellow archaeology nerds: http://www.archtools.eu/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=29792
Excellent gear list! I’d add a clipboard box or notebook cover to contain site forms & such. I do work in places with perpetual wind & very frequent rain (see iceandtime.wordpress.com for the gory details) & use forms to ensure consistent data is collected) so the notebook alone wouldn’t cut it. Also, for those in the US, substitute Marshalltown trowels for WHS. They are just as good and easier to find here.
Thanks Anne! MARSHALLTOWN TROWELS for US peeps! But I will never give up my WHS
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Very interesting post for us non-archaeologists! Thanks for posting, GraecoMuse!
haha thanks Claudia
You should also read:
http://graecomuse.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/relic-hunter-common-misconceptions-of-archaeology/
and
http://graecomuse.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/confessions-of-an-archaeologist-live-free-and-dig-hard/
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