(Guest post by Margaret Tomaszczuk)
While working at Burgaz this summer, I have become as fascinated by the social dynamics of excavation as I am by the archaeology. The manner in which diverse groups come together for the same common purpose intrigues me.
Experiencing my first excavations this summer at Burgaz and Catalhöyük, I have found that there is much to be learned from living full time with a group of archaeologists. We work, eat, sleep, and socialize together the whole day long. As one might imagine, we come to know one another quite closely in this environment. At times this existence is enriching; at others it can be trying.
Margaret and Tyler experience the camaraderie of work in L2
Every day I learn something new from my team members. I have learned what stratigraphic changes look like underwater, how to change the oil in a water dredge, and how to draw pottery for publication. I have learned that the French do not put jam on croissants, that Toronto is a “hipster” city, and how to properly prepare a glass of Turkish raki. I have learned to share space and to live with less than I am normally accustomed to have.
Sometimes, I feel as though the outside world has fallen away, that all that now exists is the pansiyon in which we sleep, the dig house where we eat, and, of course, the site itself. I am consumed by the fluid routine in which we all now operate.
