Archaeologist Scout Interest Badge

Badge requirements

Archaeologist

Note: This badge is to be completed with the assistance of the South African Archaeological Society or person(s) with an archaeological qualification.

1. Explain to the examiner
   1. What Archaeology is.
   2. How it differs or relates to other fields of study such as Anthropology, Geology, Palaeontology, and History.
   3. How Archaeology is different to artefact collecting or treasure hunting.
   4. Why archaeology is an important science.
2. Have knowledge of the appearance and an example of an artefact commonly found on each of the following sites:
   1. A Stone Age site.
   2. An Early Farming (Iron Age) site.
   3. An Historical site.
   4. A rock painting site.
   5. A rock engraving site.
3. Complete either A or B
   • A. Take part in an actual archaeological excavation supervised by a qualified archaeologist. Where this is not possible a simulated excavation can be designed by the examiner.
   1. The project must include the use of an actual or simulated archaeological site including artefacts and features for the site. In a simulation, artefacts can be planted by the examiner to be excavated by the Scout.
   2. Participation should include at least five of the following activities:
      1. Identifying and recording/mapping an archaeological site.
      2. Setting up of an excavation including excavation squares.
      3. Excavating using archaeological methods.
      4. Field preservation of finds.
      5. Sieving of soil.
      6. Sorting and labelling.
      7. Recording of excavated artefacts and features and how they relate to one another.
   • B. Take part in an actual or simulated rock art/engraving project designed and supervised by a qualified archaeologist.
     Participation should include at least three of the following activities:
   1. Sketch a rock art or engraving panel
   2. Photographing for record purposes
   3. Drawing or mapping the site.
   4. Recording site using the most up-to-date documentation
4. Produce evidence of your participation in activity three (3) above with a written and illustrated report not exceeding 5 pages, covering the following:
   1. Marking the locality on a scaled map (1:50 000; google maps; or similar).
   2. Detailed description of excavation process or rock art/engraving drawing procedures
   3. Scaled drawings of excavated area or rock art/engraving site
   4. Descriptions of the material recovered, or interpretation of the art/engraving recorded.
   5. Photographs of excavated objects and features using a suitable scale
   6. Explain how over time environmental conditions, fauna and flora can affect the preservation and interpretation of an artefact or rock art/engravings
   7. Explain what absolute dating and relative dating are and how they assist archaeologists to determine the age of the site, structure, or artefact.
   8. Use an appropriate referencing style to reference any papers or websites used.
5. Have knowledge of the relevant clauses of the National Heritage Resources Act (No. 25 of 1999, as amended) and its practical implications for the protection of Structures, Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites, Burial Grounds and Graves, Public Monuments and Memorials.
6. Do the following:
   1. Explain why it is important to protect Archaeological sites.
   2. Explain what people should do if they think they have found an artefact or rock art/ engraving site.
   3. Describe the ways in which you can be an active protector of the past
7. Identify a career opportunity in archaeology, discuss with the examiner why this career interests you, and what training is required.

Requirements in PDF

• Archaeologist (PDF)

See also

• Scout Interest Badges
• South African Archaeological Society