Endurance, Discovery, and Growth: The Realities of Archaeological Fieldwork

Olajide Marvellous

Fieldwork is not a luxury. This phrase, often repeated by both students and lecturers, serves as a reminder of the harsh realities associated with archaeological fieldwork. These challenges include the struggles for necessities like food, water, and shelter, as well as the physical and mental demands placed on participants.

Despite the efforts of the fieldwork committee which includes the Head of the Department, lecturers, and non-teaching staff to ensure smooth operations, students often face personal struggles. These include adapting to new environments, managing expenses for food and other essentials, and enduring the exhausting demands of fieldwork itself.

Archaeological fieldwork is a practical application of the knowledge gained in classrooms. Students of archaeology must step outside the theoretical confines of lectures to gain hands-on experience, which is essential for effective learning.

At the University of Ibadan, Archaeology students participate in fieldwork three times during their course of study, beginning in their second year. Fieldwork is a graded course, with evaluations based on performance, field notes, tests (both prepared and impromptu), and final reports.

The most recent fieldwork, held from 2nd to 16th November 2024, took place in Oyan, Osun State. Despite careful preparation, the intensity and unpredictability of fieldwork often outweigh students’ levels of readiness, creating unique challenges.

The Department of Archaeology and Anthropology is divided into four branches: Archaeology (Arts), Archaeology (Science), Anthropology (Arts), and Anthropology (Science). The responsibilities of students during fieldwork vary by their specialisation.

Anthropology students engage with local communities, conducting interviews to learn about traditions, customs, and history. Conversely, Archaeology students explore wilderness areas, searching for artefacts and other evidence of past human activities. Their tasks include excavating rock shelters, abandoned dwellings, and other archaeological sites.

During the recent fieldwork, Archaeology students were divided by academic level and assigned to work at four rock shelters, while Anthropology students conducted interviews in mixed-level groups within the local community.

A 200-level Archaeology student described her experience as a rollercoaster of emotions, blending fun with significant challenges. “Trekking long distances to the site in the unbearable heat was extremely difficult,” she recounted. However, she credited her friends and coursemates for providing support, which made the experience manageable.

Necessities like bathing also presented challenges due to limited resources. “Even when I woke up early, I had to wait for others to finish. This taught me patience and the importance of maintaining good relationships under difficult circumstances,” she said. The experience also improved her time management and budgeting skills, as well as her ability to work effectively in teams.

A 300-level male Archaeology student highlighted the physical demands of trekking and excavation. “Bathing was a challenge in the first few days because we had to bathe outside. Later, I discovered a bathroom at the 400-level camp, which was a relief,” he explained. Health challenges like malaria added to the difficulties, though he had prepared by bringing medication. He noted that while the workload was heavier than in previous fieldwork experiences, improvements in sleeping arrangements provided some comfort.

A 200-level Anthropology student described her experience as both exciting and stressful. “Speaking with community members and learning about their culture was fascinating,” she said, adding that she also enjoyed interacting with her coursemates and seniors. However, trekking to sites like Agba Rock Shelter was physically exhausting. “At one point, I thought I was going to faint. But despite the stress, it was an unforgettable experience.”

A 300-level Anthropology student characterised the fieldwork as a journey of growth and discovery. “It provided a unique opportunity to connect with the community and learn about their entrepreneurial lifestyle. I even learned to weave baskets through participant observation,” she shared. Despite challenges like bathing in the open and adapting to the environment, she described the experience as adventurous and enriching.

She also spoke candidly about the struggles of basic living conditions. “We had to pay a gatekeeper to use his toilet, but I often resorted to ‘shot-put’ to avoid infections,” she admitted. The experience reinforced the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and adaptability.

For a 400-level student serving as the class president, the fieldwork posed additional challenges. “As the president, I was constantly called upon to resolve issues, from illnesses to logistical concerns,” he said. Over ₦100,000 was spent on treating sick students and managing minor accidents. Despite the stress, he approached his responsibilities with determination, relying on his faith for strength.

He noted that while the environment was far from comfortable, the students had adjusted their expectations. “We were going to a rural area, not a hotel, so we made do with what we had,” he explained.

Despite the physical and mental demands of the fieldwork, students demonstrated remarkable resilience. They found ways to support one another, and moments of camaraderie such as gyrations, football matches, and other social activities helped to lighten the mood.

Students unanimously agreed that the fieldwork was a transformative experience. It taught them essential life skills such as teamwork, adaptability, and effective time management. For many, it also deepened their passion for their discipline.

One Anthropology student summed it up perfectly: “This experience gave me a glimpse of what it means to be an adult. It was hard, but it was worth it.”

The rigours of archaeological fieldwork go beyond academic exercises, offering students valuable lessons in resilience, resourcefulness, and adaptability. While the challenges are undeniable, the skills and memories gained from such experiences are equally rewarding. Students of Archaeology and Anthropology continue to embody these qualities, proving that even in the most demanding conditions, growth and learning can thrive.