THE SAHRA MARITIME AND UNDERWATER CULTURAL HERITAGE FIELD SCHOOL 2012
The South African Heritage Resources Agency will be hosting a Field School in maritime and underwater cultural heritage, better known as underwater archaeology. Together with the Robben Island Museum and Iziko Museums, the Centre for International Heritage Activities and the University of Leiden, the team will be investigating archaeological sites on Robben Island and the “Barrel Wreck” in Table Bay. This is an as-yet unidentified shipwreck which research indicates dates to the mid-nineteenth century.
ARE YOU STUDYING ARCHAEOLOGY / HISTORY / HERITAGE MANAGEMENT OR RELATED SUBJECTS?
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN THE MARITIME HERITAGE OF SOUTH AFRICA?
DO YOU WANT TO GAIN PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD WORK – BOTH TERRESTRIAL AND UNDERWATER?
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE PART OF AN INTERNATIONAL TEAM OF STUDENTS?
The course is designed for both divers and non-divers who want to gain experience in Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage. You will gain experience in various archaeological activities such as surveying methods, site reconnaissance, recording, drawing, mapping, position fixing, in-situ conservation, lab processing and artefact conservation. You will also attend lectures presented by internationally recognized specialists in heritage management, maritime archaeology, and conservation. Through archaeological investigation and archival research, you will learn about the history and culture of the colonial Cape and assist SAHRA and Robben Island in the management of some of South Africa’s unique heritage resources.
The Field School runs from January 16 – February 10 2012 and the team will be based on Robben Island. Accommodation and catering are provided at no cost to you. The Field School is split into modules to accommodate those of you who can’t be there for the duration.
For more information or to apply, please contact Sophie – swinton@wc.sahra.org.za
Underwater Heritage 
Hi,
I just received an email about this field school through my adviser at Washington State University. I am an anthropology major at WSU and interested in archaeology. I am actually planning on taking scuba lessons before I graduate in order to be able to hopefully become involved with underwater archaeology in the future. This seems like the perfect opportunity to gain experience, when and how should I apply to this program?
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Armstrong
Hi Elizabeth,
We are about to start our first 2012 Field School and haven’t yet finalised dates for the next one. We are, however, planning to have at least one a year and always welcome interested students. The South African Heritage Resources Agency also takes in volunteers and interns so we could possibly accommodate you at a time that suits you later in the year. If you’d prefer to participate in the formal field school, let us know and we will add you to our contact list and keep you updated.
I´m a coellctor of african art and I admit that I´m always torn in my heart. On one side there is such a huge culture, which is neglected in many parts of Africa, often stolen and transported – or – faked. So without help from outside I doubt there will be a chance to bring back the culture alife. On the other hand this is taking away the culture from the continent. A dangerous game, with no winner at the end.
Thank you very much to Kris Hirst for refrering to me at this website. I just want to express my great interest for this Uppsala workshop and I aim to submit a bid for it very soon. I think this is a vital and neglected issue.