Maëlwenn, Rachel, Raphaël, Samy and Théo spent two weeks of training courses in archaeological operations at the ruins of the Punic fortified site of Kerkouane, on Tunisia's Cap Bon, hosted by the Institut National du Patrimoine. The aim? Training with leading specialists as part of an international project on the archaeothanatology of secondary cremation deposits concerning children who died in infancy (Salammbô tophet in Carthage) under the supervision of the Ecole Française de Rome and the Institut National du Patrimoine de Tunisie (training course coordinated by Henri Duday for the EFR and Imed Ben Jerbania for the INPT). Find out more about the team's positive feedbacks regarding this experience below!
What did you learn during these training courses?
The courses with Henri Duday, Professor Emeritus, and his team gave us an extremely comprehensive grounding in the osteology of immatures, particularly infants, especially in the identification and lateralization of cremated, often fragmented, bones. We learnt a precise and thorough methodology for the meticulous excavation of urns, as well as rigorous note-taking of our discoveries and observations. The courses were enriched by numerous contributions from experts working on the site. In this way, practice was complemented by a comprehensive theoretical work environment, providing us with information on the context and new interpretative approaches in terms of methodology.
How was this experience?
The atmosphere was great throughout the two weeks. The good understanding between the trainees (from Bordeaux and from outside universities and laboratories) was a great help.
We took advantage of the unique environment during our breaks, strolling through the ruins and along the seafront, or admiring the sunrises over the Mediterranean.
We also visited the Kerkouane site museum. Finally, on our day off, we had the opportunity to visit the city of Tunis and the archaeological sites of Carthage, including the site from which the urns that are the subject of our study came from. The Bardo Museum in Tunis was also a wonderful discovery, with its mosaics.
We'd like to thank the Archeo Graduate Program for this unique opportunity. Learning in such conditions with such a qualified and pedagogical team of instructors really contributed to the creation of an exceptional working environment. This internship will undoubtedly open up new scientific and professional opportunities for us.
