2027 Italy Sardinia Osteology

Location: Cagliari, Metropolitan City of Cagliari, Italy

Season: June 21, 2027 to July 2, 2027

Application Deadline: June 21, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://anthroctr.org/program/2027-italy-osteology/

Discount for AIA members: None

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
University at Buffalo (US), Museo delle Civiltà (Italy), Italian Ministry of Culture & Anthropocene Research Center (US)

Project Director:
Dr. Emily Holt (University at Buffalo & Errant Heritage), Dr. Francesca Candilio (Museo delle Civiltà, Italy) & Dr. Gianfranca Salis (Italian Ministry of Culture)

Project Description:

Osteological analysis of human skeletal remains is an essential part of the post-excavation analysis of any project where human remains are encountered. Human remains provide important information about diet, health, demography, social inequality, and individual life histories. Additionally, osteological analysis of human remains is often the starting point for further scientific studies analyzing aDNA, stable isotopes, and dental calculus. The ability to identify human remains and study them ethically is an important skill for both academic and commercial archaeologists.

This program provides a hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of human osteological analysis. Students will work with the Italian national archaeological service, the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio, to learn the theoretical foundations of human osteological analysis and gaining practical experience with the ethical handling and identification of excavated human remains. Students will learn to identify skeletal element, age, sex, and pathology while working with human remains from ongoing Soprintendenza projects from a variety of sites and time periods. Additionally, students will collaborate to produce interpretive materials that will explain the importance of their work to local stakeholders.

Period(s) of Occupation: Varrious time periods

Notes:
Tuition is $2,312; Earn 4 Semester Credit Units through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Full session

Minimum Age: 18 years old

Experience Required: There are no prerequisites. This is hands-on, experiential learning, and students will study on-site how to conduct human osteological analysis. The work requires patience, discipline, manual dexterity, and attention to detail.

Room and Board Arrangements:
This program does not provide accommodation or meals. Cagliari is the capital and largest city in Sardinia (Italy), with many hostels, hotels, short term rentals, grocery stores and restaurants for all price ranges. Ostello Cagliari offers various dormitory and shared room housing options in the center of Cagliari, starting at €35 (ca. $40) per night.

Academic Credit:
4 Semester Credit Units through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College