Working Conditions and Field Clothes:
Archaeological field work is mainly an outdoor activity. You are therefore likely to experience the full range of changes in northern Indiana weather, from relatively cool weather at the start of the field school, to a few very hot days in late June. You will be outside during most of the working day unless it is actually raining. Wear clothes that will keep you comfortable each day both at rest and under conditions of moderate physical exertion (in other words, dress in layers). We will also be on our feet most of the time, and comfortable shoes are essential. Recommended footwear includes sturdy shoes or boots for walking and heavy work (ie. broken-in leather boots), and athletic shoes for lighter tasks. You must have one pair of footwear with relatively smooth soles for times when you are preparing an excavation floor. Waterproof boots are optional and are rarely needed. Sandals are not recommended because they do provide enough protection for the feet.
You will also need non-magnetic clothing to wear when you conduct your magnetometer survey of the site (you can wear whatever you want the rest of the time). This must consist of shoes and clothes without magnetic eyelets, rivets, zippers, buttons, buckles, or other metal fasteners (sweats or "fleece wear" work especially well). If you are unsure, don't worry - one of the first geophysical experiments we conduct will let you test the magnetic characteristics of your survey clothing.
You should also protect yourself from the sun (nothing ruins the fun like a bad sunburn). Hats (especially ones with brims) are very useful, as are sunglasses and a good sunscreen. Contact lenses are not recommended during the excavation portion of the course (too much dust).
Field Equipment:
Most field equipment (shovels, measuring tapes, etc.) will be supplied by the Archaeology Laboratory. Personal equipment and some course materials will not be supplied and you will need to buy a few inexpensive supplies. Other equipment is optional but may come in handy. All of the items are available in local hardware stores, discount stores, or on campus. If you are uncertain about exactly what you need, I recommend that you wait until the first day of class before getting those items.
Required Personal Equipment:
You might like to have some optional equipment for your own pleasure, comfort, and amusement:
