Navigating Archaeological Field Schools in Tanzania: Evidence from Saadani Village and Eyasi Basin

Abstract

Archaeology field schools provide experience that connects theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ultimately preparing students to become professional archaeologists. However, little is known about the hurdles and challenges of implementing them. In this article, we present over a decade of experience supervising field schools in the Saadani National Park and the Lake Eyasi basin in Tanzania, highlighting the often-overlooked struggles faced by archaeologists in these contexts. The article specifically highlights the challenges related to wildlife encounters, including those with elephants, venomous snakes, and insects, that arise from working in national parks and wildlife-prone areas, as well as the strategies employed to minimise adverse impacts. This article aims to initiate a global discussion regarding the challenges of conducting archaeological research and training in such environments, ultimately leading to the development of more robust and sustainable field schools.

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