i Image used by the BM for treasure exhibition
ii British museum excavation team Snettisham
iii Well known character from computer game
As archaeologists we should have a clear perception of our own image and profession, unlike the glamour and adventure presented by Hollywood epics, the reality of archaeological fieldwork tends to be mud, cold and tedium (or dust, heat, flies and tedium) rather than lost relics, bullwhips and adventure. With a constant stream of images such as Indiana Jones and Lara Croft being directed at them it is not surprising that the general public may at times appear slightly confused as to the real identity and occupation of archaeologists.
Conversations with non-archaeologists can often start with one of the following lines being directed to the archaeologist:
Even institutions such as the British Museum, whilst filled with the results of archaeologists endeavours, can still get somewhat confused between the factual and the fictional image of archaeology (see illustrations above). The images used recently on the Museums web-site to promote its Treasures exhibition whether intended ironically or to produce an image that it was felt the public would be able to identify still perpetuates the stereotype of Hollywood rather than that of real archaeologists.
The problem is that public perception of archaeologists is rarely formed by direct contact with diggers or archaeologists but by the media in the form of TV, film and books. I hope over the next couple of pages to examine some of these images and at the same time examine the image of real archaeologists working in the field in Britain (the geographical constraint is due to my own need to work and the financial limitations of travel around the globe - however if anybody wants to pay the air fare !).
Although this project is primarily concerned with archaeological field staff (or diggers) it is not only the professional diggers but amateurs, students, specialists, academics etc who all contribute to the overall image of archaeologist. The questions is which is closer to the truth the Hollywood action hero, the pipe smoking, bearded ecentric in a pullover or the fresh faced, bright eager young thing in a hi-vis vest that all directors would like to employ.
To be continued