Archeological fieldwork

 

Archaeological Fieldwork is an AUCA sponsored practical training that enables students of the Anthropology Department to participate in the real field excavations conducted in Kyrgyzstan. Archaeological fieldwork is a 6 credit required course.

If you would like to participate in this fieldwork please contact Aida Abdykanova, Associate Professor of Anthropology Department abdykanova_a@auca.kg or come to room 315.

 

 

Fieldwork usually is done during summer-time, either in June or August and comprises an intensive 2-4 week program.

Requirements

To participate in Archaeological Fieldwork applicants must be full-time students of the Anthropology Department, AUCA, with a personal interest in Archaeological science. Students from other departments and programs of AUCA can take this practicum if space is available.

Fieldwork might be taken with prerequisite, after taking a course Intro to Archaeology.  The Physical Anthropology course will be recommended as it will help in a better understanding of the whole scientific process.

Fieldwork

Archaeological Fieldwork consists of: site measurement, leveling, digging, drawing, sampling, basic site description, the cataloging of findings and further laboratory processing and analysis. Students take part in all the activities as well as learn to live in outdoor conditions.

After the completion of the Archaeological Fieldwork all participants are required to make a joint presentation to the community and submit reports along with their field-diaries. Additionally, the Anthropology Department welcomes a fan activity of presenting best photos from the fieldwork and organizes annual exhibition or presenting video reports to the wide audience.

Additional Options

To the individuals:

Anthropology Department welcomes other interested candidates to take part in annual excavations. However, all expenses in this case shall be taken by the participant him/herself.

To the universities:

The Anthropology Department of AUCA welcomes a wide opportunity for other universities to make joint excavations or have exchange students in this sphere. However, this will depend on specific circumstances approved by the adviser as well as on the funding opportunities.

If you have an intention to join us during summer or want to know more information please contact us.

Sites Visited

AGZ 2 2018

Uch-Kurbu 2017

AGZ 2 2016

Kensai 2015

Aigyrzhal 2014

AGZ 2 2013

Semetei Grotto 2012

Semetei Grotto 2011

Ak Olon 2010

Situated in not far from the Issyk-Kul Lake, Ak Olon bears a status of Kyrgyzstan’s most famous Paleolithic workshop where generations of ancient people were making stone tools. The excavations were conducted in two sets during June and August of 2010 when numerous artifacts were collected for further proceeding in a lab.

Kalmak Tash 2009

Kazakhstan 2008

Uzbekistan 2008

Georgievski Bugor 2008

Tosor 2007

Publications

Along with Professors of the Anthropology Department, students have options to publish about their experiences during fieldwork in different university sources as “The Star” student newspaper, “AUCA Magazine” or take part in annual student symposiums in AUCA and other universities.

This shall be considered as the first real research and publication which is vital for the future scientific career development of a student, so participants shall take this opportunity seriously.