Digging It Up Down Under

This hands-on field manual will provide essential background information for those working in Australia (either native or from another country) as professional archaeologists. It contains an introduction to the specific and essential knowledge necessary to work as an archaeologist in Australia such as the local legislative situation, relevant codes of ethics, definitions of artifacts and sites and the history and characteristic features of the occupation of the continent. This book includes topics such as tips for working in each state or territory, dealing with a living heritage and working in Australian conditions.This volume is unique in two ways. Firstly, it deals with the specific materials and techniques used to record and analyze the three classes of archaeological sites in Australia: Indigenous, historical, and maritime. While many of the fundamental principles are the same for all sub-disciplines, each has special challenges and specialists techniques. Secondly, by firmly grounding essential practical techniques in an understanding of the contemporary ethical and political issues surrounding Australian archaeology today, this volume will teach people how to conduct ethical archaeology at the same time that it provides much needed hands-on practical advice.