What Is an Archaeologist?
An archaeologist is a person who discovers, collects and analyzes the material remains of past cultures. He or she studies artifacts, such as tools, weaponry, and ancient domiciles to ascertain how people lived in the past. An archaeologist studies modern and historical texts, employs specific field techniques, uses advanced laboratory equipment, and writes detailed reports. In addition, many archaeologists choose to teach at universities or become museum curators, in order to present archaeological principals to a wide audience.
Archaeologists find and excavate historical sites, taking extensive measures to carefully collect and transport artifacts to a laboratory. In a lab, an archaeologist will carefully examine materials using specialized equipment, such as microscopes. He or she might spend several thousand hours analyzing pieces of artifacts to determine when, how, and why they were used by past societies.
Once field and lab work is completed, archaeologists translate their data and theories into carefully written reports. They then submit their papers to scientific publications for review, to determine if they are worthy of publication in a respected scientific journal or book. Patience and a keen eye for detail are important characteristics of an archaeologist, as he or she might be required to spend years collecting specimens, organizing data and composing a single report.
Many archaeologists work for government agencies, such as the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management in the United States. An archaeologist working for the government typically focuses on protecting and promoting significant archaeological sites. He or she engages in cultural resources management, which involves supervising construction and land development projects to ensure that archaeological sites are not harmed.
Archaeologists commonly work in the private sector as well, with engineering firms, research centers, private laboratories, and museums. These professionals typically engage in extensive field and laboratory work as well as cultural resources management projects. Museum archaeologists might act as curators or even tour guides, explaining the significance of certain artifacts to the general public.
To become an archaeologist, one is generally required to obtain a master's or PhD degree in archaeology from an accredited university. Archaeology students usually take several courses in history, geology, geography, and anthropology in undergraduate school, and focus on ancient history and specified archeology courses in graduate school. A master's degree is sufficient for work with the government or the private sector, though a PhD is necessary to join a university faculty, work as a museum curator, or supervise large archaeological field projects.
Written by D. Jeffress
