The Shire Archaeological Project (1st-6th century CE), Ethiopia – Institute for Field Research

Location: Shire, Ethiopia

Season: January 3, 2021 to January 30, 2021

Application Deadline: November 20, 2020

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://ifrglobal.org/program/ethiopia-shire/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Institute for Field Research, Connecticut College, Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at UCLA

Project Director:
Dr. Willeke Wendrich

Project Description:

Located in the Shire region of Northern Ethiopia, this field school will allow students the opportunity to excavate a site which is virtually unexplored. This site is located near the ancient capital of the Aksumite Kingdom (first to sixth century CE) Mai Adrasha, located 50 KM west of Axum. The site, the region, and its complex cultural heritage, provide important information on the sub-Saharan counterpart of the Greco-Roman world. These societies economic base of agriculture and trade resulted in close contact with the North, and an adoption of early Christianity. The research area consists of almost 100 km² and is located east of the modern city of Inda Selassie. The Shire Archaeological Project concession comprises of extensive ancient remains dating from the prehistoric to the medieval period. It includes two large sites, Mai Adrasha and Mezaber Adi Menaber. During the 2021 season, students will work in Mai Adrasha, a site under threat of destruction due to continuing panning of natural gold by the local population. In addition to survey and intensive excavations, students will also have the opportunity to participate in community outreach and assist with crucial site management.

Period(s) of Occupation: Pre-Aksumite

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Participants are required to stay for the full duration of the field school.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: No prior experience is required to participate in this field school.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Students and most staff members will be staying in a dedicated excavation house in a quiet neighborhood in Shire/Indaselassie. The accommodations are shared bedrooms, with two or three persons per room and a basic shower and squat toilet in each room. Sheets and pillows will be provided, but participants should bring towels and mosquito nets. Once we start fieldwork, the day is fairly full. We will have breakfast in the dig house at 6:30 am and we leave for the field at 7:15am – arriving there by 7:30 am. A light lunch will be served at 12:00 am. Work in the field concludes each day at 3:30 pm. The late afternoons are reserved for lab work and daily lectures. At 6:00 pm we get together in the labs to discuss the day’s work. Every work group gives a brief report on the results, problems and successes. During these meetings we will discuss results and interpretations. You are urged to contribute information and suggestions. At 7:00 pm we will eat dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

Academic Credit:
8 Semester Credits credits offered by Connecticut College. Tuition is $4,920.