2027 UK Cardiff: Zooarchaeological Analysis of Archaeological Faunal Materials

Location: Cardiff, UK

Season: July 19, 2027 to August 13, 2027

Application Deadline: July 18, 2027

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://anthroctr.org/program/2027-uk-zooarchaeology/

Discount for AIA members: None

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
University at Buffalo, Errant Heritage, Zooarchaeology.biz & Anthropocene Research Center

Project Director:
Dr. Emily Holt (Research Assistant Professor, University at Buffalo, and Director, Errant Heritage, UK) & Dr. Hannah Russ (Director and Lead Zooarchaeologist, archaeology.biz, UK)

Project Description:

Zooarchaeological analysis of excavated faunal remains is an essential part of the post-excavation study in both academic and cultural resource management archaeological projects. Animals have always been integral to human societies, and faunal remains can provide insight into diet, economy, social inequality, trade, agriculture, religious beliefs, and more. Understanding how zooarchaeological analysis works is a necessary skill for pursuing robust archaeological research and for the successful completion of research and compliance projects.

This program provides a hands-on introduction to the basics of zooarchaeological analysis. Students will work with Dr Emily Holt and Dr Hannah Russ, learning the theoretical foundations of zooarchaeological analysis and gaining practical experience with identifying, recording, and photographing zooarchaeological remains. Students will work with excavated materials from a variety of sites and time periods, drawing on information from lectures and lab work. Relaying on an extensive skeletal reference collection to identify and record species, students will identify skeletal elements, age, sex, pathology, and taphonomic alterations. Students’ work will contribute to ongoing projects being conducted by archaeology.biz, a Cultural Resource Management (commercial archaeology) outfit based in Barnard Castle in northern England.

Period(s) of Occupation: All time periods

Notes:
Tuition is $3,790; Earn 8 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 archaeological faunal analysis. The work requires patience, discipline, manual dexterity, and attention to detail.

Room and Board Arrangements:
This program does not provide accommodation or meals. Cardiff is the capital and largest city of Wales (UK), with many hotels, short term rentals grocery store and restaurants for all price ranges. Collegiate offers various student housing at three different location around the university, starting at ₤169 (ca. $225) per week.

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