Digging the Dirt

Excavations at First Mission Station (1814) and Prehistoric Garden Island

Brigid Gallagher • Feb 22, 2012

• Ahuahu,
• Auckland Museum,
• Auckland University Archaeology Field School,
• Catalhoyuk,
• Department of Conservation,
• Dig Diaries,
• Great Mercury Island,
• Marsden Cross Historic Reserve,
• Oihi Mission Station,
• Otago University Archaeology

A very important part of being an archaeologist is to leave the theory books at the desk, and go out into the field.  Whilst grounded in science, archaeology is underpinned by an understanding or a willingness to understand and appreciate culture, society and politics of past human inhabitants.  Archaeological fieldwork and excavation is integral as it provides the raw data for analysis,  but the process itself requires time to gain … Read More

Minimise the Pain! Archaeological field work techniques, Part 2

Brigid Gallagher • Feb 17, 2012

• archaeological tools,
• archaeology,
• archaeology fieldwork,
• fieldwork techniques,
• muscle pain

In Part 2 of my crib sheet to help the aches and pains of archaeological fieldwork…                    3.  Hoeing – it is all in the abs! Forget the gym, this is the ultimate abdominal work out.  Whilst hoeing looks as though it is another shoulder and arm action, to get effective hoeing in anything other than sand, its the abs that need to take the … Read More

Minimise the Pain! Archaeological field work techniques, Part 1

Brigid Gallagher • Feb 16, 2012

• archaeological tools,
• archaeology,
• archaeology fieldwork,
• digging,
• excavation technique,
• trowelling

In December my youngest daughter turned 2. Whilst this is not so extraordinary, for me it feels we are at a major milestone…a point where she is making the transition from my baby, to my little girl.  She suddenly says everything at full volume, punctuates her feelings with a very big, growly ‘NOOOO’ and when you try to help her … Read More

Victoria Park Tunnel Pistol found Not Guilty

Brigid Gallagher • Nov 17, 2011

• archaeology,
• Box lock pistol,
• conservation,
• Historic pistol,
• Liege proof marks,
• Metal conservation,
• Mishmish Productions,
• Victoria Park,
• Victoria Park Tunnel well,
• Xray analysis

Earlier this year I wrote ‘Criminal minds brings archaeology into mainstream news’ as I was amused by the insight into mainstream media mentality.  The possibility of an unsolved ‘ancient’ murder catapulted the archaeology being conducted as part of the Victoria Park Tunnel development into the NZ Herald, rather than the story of Auckland’s early occupants being the driving force. Read More

The Self Preservation of Grass

Brigid Gallagher • Nov 04, 2011

• conservation,
• harakeke,
• Heritage Materials Science,
• Maori fibre textiles,
• NZCCM,
• Phormium tenax

  The sun is hot outside, the cicadas are buzzing, the next door neighbour is mowing their lawn, the beginning of summer is here….              You step outside your house into the noise and heat of the day, and…. Mmmm…. that lovely smell of newly cut grass. Its fresh, green and very inviting. But the same cannot be said for … Read More

GeoCities site to be excavated as the ‘Digital Pompeii’

Brigid Gallagher • Oct 02, 2011

• archaeology,
• Digital Archaeology,
• Geocities,
• Human history,
• Interactive Excavations,
• preservation,
• The Deleted City

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/29523075[/vimeo] If you are you are anything like me and you cannot bear to throw anything away from your inbox…this might be the excuse you are looking for.  The now defunct GeoCities platform has been revisualised as a city map with neighbourhoods and property sites.  35 million people used GeoCities from 1999 to Oct 27 2009, and on that date the Archive … Read More

Loss of Earthquake Insurance for Heritage – SIGH!

Brigid Gallagher • Sep 30, 2011

• archaeology,
• Canterbury,
• Christchurch,
• earthquake,
• heritage,
• Insurance cover

The incredibly useful and interesting eNews from NZ Archaeology’s Garry Law was in my inbox this morning when I ‘turned on’.  Top of the list is the article; Biggest Insurer of Church and Heritage site ends Earthquake Cover.  It is a New Zealand Herald report from this morning, see here I am thinking ‘SIGH’. I am not going … Read More

Christchurch Heritage in the Media Again

Brigid Gallagher • Sep 27, 2011

• Anna Crighton,
• Buildings Conservation,
• Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Building Fund,
• Christchurch,
• earthquake,
• heritage,
• New Zealand Historic Places Trust,
• The Press

 Christchurch heritage is once again in the news with a number of articles published vocalising concern for the current regime of heritage building treatment and demolition.  Unfortunately it sounds all too familiar with the same debates, criticisms and problems as the first time round, voiced in the weeks after the February earthquake by professionals and advocates alike;  The speed of … Read More

Recently appointed Archaeology Curator, Dr Louise Furey, gives the facts on New Zealand prehistory

Brigid Gallagher • Sep 21, 2011

• Dr Louise Furey,
• East Polynesian settlement,
• Graeme Hill interview,
• Maori prehistory,
• New Zealand archaeology

It makes a huge difference when listening to a radio broadcast if the person being interviewed sounds as though they know what they are talking about, and can communicate their thoughts across in a calm, clear and knowledgeable way. This Sunday’s interview of Dr Louise Furey, the recently appointed Curator of Archaeology at the Auckland Museum is a great … Read More

Happy Birthday Otzi

Brigid Gallagher • Sep 19, 2011

• archaeological conservation,
• archaeological science,
• archaeology,
• human preservation,
• mummy,
• Otezi,
• Otzi

Latest reconstruction of Otzi for the Otzi 20 exhibition 20 years ago today the mummified remains of a man, nicknamed Otzi, was discovered by hikers in the Italian Alps. This find has to be mentioned because it is simply fantastic and quite unique so far, and has led to many many archaeological scientists and preservation experts coming together to understand … Read More