Experimental Archaeology Group

The Experimental Archaeology Group was established in 2017 to create the opportunity for both staff and students to get hands-on experience of researching, making and using the artefacts and material culture that they learn and teach about within degree units.

Clay figures on a table with a group of people in the background.

Since then, the group has developed to work across the humanities, and wider university, with staff and students carrying out artefact and practice-based research workshops as part of Experimental Archaeology Club.

Rope

We are an informal group that now offers regular practical skills-based learning sessions open to all students and staff based in the Mansfield Cooper 4th floor Archaeology Labs exploring crafts from different periods and places in the world inspired by real artefacts.

Some of our past collaborations include Anthropology, Geography, Medieval and Economic History, Egyptology, and English Literature.

Examples of our previous sessions include:

  • Making Palaeolithic Venus Figurines, critiquing past interpretations of their purposes and developing new ideas
  • Mesolithic carved stone pendants and plant cordage inspired by the Star Carr example
  • Indigo dyeing and the role of indigo in the British Empire
  • Exploring the practice of mummifying an orange
  • Origami disaster bowls, a skill taught in Japanese schools as part of natural disaster preparedness courses

And more!

Group of people sat around a table looking at papers.

We encourage a community-based approach to learning and are open to all suggestions on topics/workshop ideas.

You can find out more about our sessions via our Instagram page or join our mailing list.

For more information about the Experimental Archaeology Group, please contact uom.experimental.arch@gmail.com.