Archaeology Week 2023 was a great success for Moss Environmental. There were two events that our resident heritage advisor/archaeologist helped facilitate. The first was an archaeological experience at the Tamworth City Library for kids and second a public presentation at the Tamworth UNE Centre. Archaeology Week is an opportunity for the archaeological profession to highlight their role, share work with the public and foster interest in the discipline for any future potential archaeologists.
The after-school activity at the library on Tuesday the 23rd of May, saw approx. 40 participants between the age of 8 and 14 and a few adults as well. The budding archaeologists conducted a mock excavation uncovering pottery sherds, ceramic fragments and coins from their sites. Those keen to understand artefact analysis processes were able to use data sheets to identify features of their artefacts and complete an excavation recording sheet similar to those used by archaeologists when working in the field. More advanced high schoolers gained an appreciation of stratigraphy and site formation processes to complete a worksheet.
The presentation at the UNE Centre, on Thursday 25th May, had approx. 20 attendees. Lyle Douglas hosted the evening with fellow presenters Len Waters, a local aboriginal cultural educator and Melinda Gill a Tamworth-based heritage advisor and historical archaeologist.
Len delivered a wonderful Welcome to Country, which led into the first presentation by Lyle, who discussed the purpose of National Archaeology Week and how archaeology presents itself as a discipline and profession in Australia.
Len delivered an engaging discussion of the aspects of aboriginal heritage that are present in the Tamworth region and aspects that are unknown to most residents. Lens presentation discussed aspects of aboriginal life within the Tamworth region that are still unanswered, leaving the audience captivated.
