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World of discoveries

Archaeologists uncover the treasures of the past

What do the movies Tomb Raider, Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Mummy have in common? All of them star archaeologists on wild adventures. Archaeologists are scientists who look for old bones and antiques hidden in the Earth for thousands of years. If you're the kind of person who likes the great outdoors and getting your hands dirty then this is the career choice for you.

Associate Professor Surapol Natapintu of Silpakorn University has been digging into the past for 30 years now. He explained that an archaeologist is a person who studies cultures of the past and remains of buildings and objects. An archaeologist has to excavate areas in order to uncover these remains.

The exciting part of an archaeologist's job is discovering the mysteries of the past. But before finding what they are looking for there is a lot of hard work. Archaeologists have to thoroughly plan the excavation site. The archaeologist's plan has to answer several questions like why they are excavating the site, how much area they need to study and how long will it take.

Once the questions have been answered, the archaeologist can forward the plan to the director-general of the Fine Arts Department for permission to break ground.

When the archaeology team reaches the site, they don't start digging immediately. "The archaeologists have to explore the area by drawing it or taking photographs," the instructor said

Once the excavation process begins, the team will dig slowly and with caution. "We are constantly observing the soil for different layering and when we find an object, we won't rush to dig it up, because this may cause changes to the position of other objects," Surapol said. "We instead dig in other spots close by to uncover other objects placed close to the one that was discovered."

Surapol explained that an archaeologist doesn't work alone. He needs other experts in other fields to help him. "If we discover human remains, an anatomist can help us," he said. "If, on the other hand, we find the animal remains, we need the help of a zoologist."

Surapol's years of digging have uncovered many artefacts. His most memorable project was the one he surpervised in 1980 at Baan Tae Khae in Lopburi. The most impressive site was a 3000-year-old copper mine at Phu Lone in Nong Khai. "It was magnificent since I could learn about the ancient technology of mining by the people of that time," Surapol said.

Thailand still needs more motivated archaeologists to help us learn more about ourselves by uncovering the secrets of our past.

Vocabulary

excavate (v): to dig in the ground to look for old buildings or objects that have been buried for a long time; to find something by digging in this way
anatomist (n): a scientist who studies anatomy
artefact (n): an object that is made by a person, especially something of historical or cultural interest
magnificent (adj):extremely attractive and impressive; deserving praise
motivated (adj): about making somebody want to do something, especially something