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DU Contemporary Archaeology

@ducontemparch.bsky.social
232 followers 261 following 30 posts

Account for Durham University Contemporary Archaeology module (Year 2, Dept of Archaeology). Managed by @davidpetts1.bsky.social Mini-social media conference Monday March 3rd 2pm-4pm

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Nick Tankard @nicktankard.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Salts Mill, Saltaire. Watercolour, acrylics and black pen, 2019.
A side view of a large Victorian Mill in early morning sunshine. An allotment at the side of the structure, plants and flowers in blue shadow in the foreground, a long greenhouse with many windows in the middle and a tall chimney in the distance. Sunlight beaming through the branches of a tree in the far distance of the allotment. Red lettering on the side of the mill read: SALTS. The sunlight makes the stone of the mill a golden, honey colour. Peaceful, calming.
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Flinders Uni Maritime Archaeology Program @flindersmap.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
We have so much more to learn about the maritime archaeology of Australasia - incredible find in New Zealand www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/03/03/o...
teaonews.co.nz
Ocean Waka: ‘Most important discovery in New Zealand archaeology’
What began as a a Rēkohu (Chatham Island) father and son's routine search has led to one of Aotearoa's most significant discoveries - possibly even in Polynesian archaeology
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UNESCO Chair on Heritage Futures @unescochairlnu.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
This article from received more than 2700 views! 👉The Climate Heritage Paradox – how rethinking archaeological heritage can address global challenges of climate change. World Archaeology, 55(3), 268–281. doi.org/10.1080/0043... #heritagefutures #futuresliteracy #unesco #climateheritage
doi.org
The Climate Heritage Paradox – how rethinking archaeological heritage can address global challenges of climate change
For archaeology to address adequately the global challenges of climate change, it needs to resolve the Climate Heritage Paradox which consists of two contradictions. Firstly, in contemporary societ...
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annabelle-scullion.bsky.social @annabelle-scullion.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Thank you for reading this thread! Feel free to comment with any questions you have about the project or deep mapping in general and I’ll do my best to answer them. [12/12]
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annabelle-scullion.bsky.social @annabelle-scullion.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
I can see how this technique is very versatile. Examples include a map showing spots relating to a certain history or political stance, or a map showing places of importance to a culture or individual, or even just showing all the best cafes in an area. [11/12]
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annabelle-scullion.bsky.social @annabelle-scullion.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
This project was a very interesting thing to do. Some places (e.g. the Cathedral) would be on any normal map. However, some of them were places that would never usually have been put on a map (e.g. an old car frame in the woods and a tree stump where someone sat for hours studying). [10/12]
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annabelle-scullion.bsky.social @annabelle-scullion.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
I feel as if next time I go past each of these places they will have a new meaning to me as I know they hold memories or feelings for my friends and colleagues. It was nice to be told little personal stories about each place. [9/12]
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annabelle-scullion.bsky.social @annabelle-scullion.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
I found that there were 3 common types of reasons for a place being meaningful: a specific memory such as their deed poll being signed; a place of a repeated nice memory such as mine which was often taking a walk there with my partner; and then places they frequent often for work or study. [8/12]
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annabelle-scullion.bsky.social @annabelle-scullion.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
I named each location on the map, wrote down the stories associated with that spot, and added relevant pictures; some locations had more than one story behind them. [7/12]
A screenshot from a Google Earth project showing a highlighted location (Ushaw House). It shows a photo and written text of the reason for Ushaw House being picked.
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annabelle-scullion.bsky.social @annabelle-scullion.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Once I had asked everyone I selected 10 locations to highlight in a Google Earth project folder. I had more locations than needed as, when asked, people were eager to talk about a nice memory that otherwise wouldn't have been mentioned, it let me get to know a little more about them. [6/12]
A map showing all 10 locations in Durham
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annabelle-scullion.bsky.social @annabelle-scullion.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
I set about asking my friends and colleagues who I knew in the Durham area for memories they associate with or that took place in Durham. I asked them to provide a location in Durham, a short story, and possibly a picture to go with their contribution. [5/12]
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annabelle-scullion.bsky.social @annabelle-scullion.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
In archaeology, deep mapping is usually a collaboration of a community, each sharing memories of important places - either individual or collective, because of this I decided to include memories and places of the people around me within my deep map project for a more collaborative feel to it. [4/12]
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annabelle-scullion.bsky.social @annabelle-scullion.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
I undertook a ‘deep-mapping’ project in order to create a map of Durham that showed more than just the layout of streets but gave more information about places that had meaning to certain individuals. [3/12]
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annabelle-scullion.bsky.social @annabelle-scullion.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Deep mapping emerged as a way of challenging and critiquing traditional mapping techniques that only present the maps in a certain way (often in a top-down cartographic style). Maps are selective in what they show and can be edited to fit the criteria of the maker. [2/12]
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annabelle-scullion.bsky.social @annabelle-scullion.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Hi! This thread will be centred around a project I did for my Contemporary Archaeology module. I have done this thread for a workshop/social media conference today. [1/12]
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DU Contemporary Archaeology @ducontemparch.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Great to see @arcdurham.bsky.social Dept of Archaeology, Durham University arriving on Bluesky - give them a follow!
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nrestrepoe.bsky.social @nrestrepoe.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Finally, to conclude these posts, I wanted to add a memory from my father, who undertook a small deep-mapping assignment from his perspective. In his youth, he experienced this landscape differently. You can find the full video here: drive.google.com/file/d/1B9Ju...
Post is both a preview and quick summary of what my dad describes in the video. I highly recommend watching the video if possible!
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nrestrepoe.bsky.social @nrestrepoe.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
As for psychogeography, after conducting an Algorithmic Derive through Medellin (starting at my old apartment), the most interesting observations were noted. Among these is a feature I have never seen, with a potentially significant contemporary role in the city.
Post analyses a strange feature spotted from an Algorithmic Derive through Google Earth in Medellin.
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nrestrepoe.bsky.social @nrestrepoe.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
I remember once a few years ago being invited with my family to a farm in this area (La Siria) by some of my parents' friends. It is not what I expected, since the 'farm' felt more like a luxurious house you would find in a city. Is this part of a new trend of sorts?
Post explores the increasingly popular trend of the upper class building luxurious homes in remote areas outside Medellin.
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nrestrepoe.bsky.social @nrestrepoe.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Located the furthest from Medellin, I used to stay at my grandfather's farm in the town of Jardin when I was younger. In that time, we would go to this small restaurant nearby, which had delicious seafood and a traditional way of making panela.
Post shows images of the restaurant and its mill, as well as the process of traditional panela making at the restaurant itself.
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nrestrepoe.bsky.social @nrestrepoe.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
When staying at a farm in the town of Venecia, my family and I would often go on this dirt trail heading up to a settlement called La Mina. In the contemporary past, it was used by miners moving up to La Mina from Venecia when a gold mine was discovered there in the 20th century.
Post describes the importance of unofficial trails as commercial routes in the contemporary past.
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nrestrepoe.bsky.social @nrestrepoe.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
The fifth and sixth locations are combined to better emphasise the importance of the railway in the contemporary past. I have passed by Los Palomos and Cisneros on the journey to different places and have always admired the legacy left by the railway there.
Post showing the similarities of both towns in the preservation of the railway's legacy.
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nrestrepoe.bsky.social @nrestrepoe.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
The fourth location is based on the extinct (in 1962) Antioquia Railway based out of Medellin. When I went to its Railway Station back in 2022 I was shocked at how empty it was inside. For how much my grandparents reminisce about the railway, it is a sad sight to behold!
Post showing the downfall of a building which used to an important commercial, cultural and social centre in Medellin.
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nrestrepoe.bsky.social @nrestrepoe.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
This third location invites reflection. Very close to were my apartment was, I saw this very traditional house sandwiched between 'modern' buildings. 50 years ago, this area would have been full of houses like these, but now, is it one of the last standing?
Post showing the traditional house in question and its owners' possible efforts to remain undisturbed amidst a growing modernism.
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nrestrepoe.bsky.social @nrestrepoe.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
The second location is one which I frequented in 2022-2023. Passing this sign everyday as I went to school, I always thought it was a cool reference, but studied it further to try to comprehend the implications of its presence!
Post showing the possible connection between the 'Han Solo' sign and the growing influence of international pop. culture, generating popularity for the Star Wars films.
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nrestrepoe.bsky.social @nrestrepoe.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Speaking of Parque Berrio and as the first deep mapping location...It is also possible to explore the changes to areas adjacent to it. What was once a more traditionally 19th century (and prior) landscape, seems almost unrecognizable when I went there last year.
 Post showing Botero Plaza and El Hueco Markets, two distinctly 'modern' areas.
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nrestrepoe.bsky.social @nrestrepoe.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Delving into the contemporary history of one of the most important parks in Medellin, certain changes are noticeable which may not be visually apparent. In fact, when I go to this park, I still find it hard to imagine it looked so different back then!
Post showing the changes in the landscape of Berrio Park, Medellin.
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nrestrepoe.bsky.social @nrestrepoe.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
To start off, it is essential to look at the potential issues with the general mapping of Medellin. Though general maps are useful in understanding certain aspects of the landscape, distance and time can be variable due to Medellin's mountainous topography.
Post shows the approx. locations of my friends' houses and the times to get to Medellin from them.
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nrestrepoe.bsky.social @nrestrepoe.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
The second observation made from the derive relates back to the growing modernism in Medellin. After going down a 'rural' road, I encountered this modern looking building standing alone amongst farms and 'old' garbage deposits. As a result, it produces a visual contrast.
Post analysing the significance behind the visual contrast between a modern building and garbage deposit in the rural areas just outside Medellin
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nrestrepoe.bsky.social @nrestrepoe.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
@ducontemparch.bsky.social Welcome to this study of the contemporary past and present of Medellin, Colombia and surrounding areas. In this thread, using the approaches of deep-mapping and psychogeography, some of my personal experiences and those of others will be explored. #DUcontemparch
 Introduction post giving general overview of the project.
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Brigid Ellard @bellard05.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
By observing my experience of the urban center and the way in which the landscape wanted me to move, I noticed how the city developed around capitalist ideas and modernisation. This has made me think more about movement through landscapes in both the sites I study and the towns I live in.
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Brigid Ellard @bellard05.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Many stories became apparent in the landscape and by engage with the urban center in this way I noticed new things and learned more about how movement is influenced by the built environment. I also noticed how the landscape is a lived spaced and a palimpsest of human activity.
Advertisement taped over a bus station sign
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Brigid Ellard @bellard05.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
During my derive, I found many clues to community. I found it interesting how communities express their presence in the landscape and make it their own.
Mural in Reading
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Brigid Ellard @bellard05.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
I noticed a contrast between "Old" and "New" Reading as well. I found myself drawn more to the modern, well lit, and inviting spaces as opposed to the historic spaces. This made me question where is "Reading"? And how do we decide what is the "City Center"?
Old abandoned vandalized building compared to new occupied building in the Oracle
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Brigid Ellard @bellard05.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
One thing that stuck out to me was the contrast between old and new buildings. Older structures are contrasted with the round architecture of the "Oracle" the shopping center of the city. In this way, the Oracle distinguishes itself and draws you in.
Buildings that are part of the Oracle shopping centre in Reading
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Brigid Ellard @bellard05.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
I also noticed the creation of a surveilled landscape. The architecture made it very apparent that you were being surveilled. I noticed it was these surveilled and well lit routes I wanted to stick to.
Security cameras on the side of a building
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Brigid Ellard @bellard05.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
I was very interested in the way artificial landscapes were created. Fake landscaping gave the appearance of a year round summer, despite the cold. I was drawn to this but, the illusion was shattered however as the space was blocked due to flooding.
Field of fake grass and flowers in Reading City Centre
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Brigid Ellard @bellard05.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
The very first thing I observed was the amount of bikes. In historic streets, the landscape has become accessible to pedestrians and bikes, creating a pedestrian center. The architecture has been repurposed to support this new movement in the landscape.
Bike rack in Reading City Centre
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Brigid Ellard @bellard05.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
I spent an hour wandering the streets and recording what stood out to me with photographs. My goal was to observe the predictable paths of the city and get off them. This allowed me to understand the totality of the urban landscape.
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Brigid Ellard @bellard05.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Psychogeography of Reading City Centre. In order to gain a new awareness of how the urban landscape is experienced I undertook a dérive (drift) in Reading. I resisted how the built environment pushed me and made observations as I went. Here is what I found! #DUcontemparch
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Daisy Green-Lynch @daisygreenlynch.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
I enjoyed this task as it allowed me to think about not only where our rubbish comes from but where it will end up; for example the glass bottle needs to be disposed of differently from the crisp packet. In terms of how we treat our rubbish, I kept the glass bottle and put flowers in it! (10/10)
PowerPoint slide on Cherry B wine
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Daisy Green-Lynch @daisygreenlynch.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
My two items were a packet of crisps purchased from a local corner shop and a bottle of cherry wine. These were very interesting as the crisps were manufactured in India and aren't something i've seen in a corner shop before, this demonstrates the influence of globalisation in our shopping. (9/10)
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Daisy Green-Lynch @daisygreenlynch.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Finally, I conducted a 'Rubbish Diary'. taking two pieces of Rubbish and analysing their packaging in order to learn about their origins. I created a PowerPoint presentation to do this: (8/10)
PowerPoint slide on Naughty Tomato crisps
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Daisy Green-Lynch @daisygreenlynch.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
I found countermapping to be a very informative experience, as it allowed me to consider firstly the 'areas' of Durham that I existed in and also what kind of spaces have become important to me during my time here. What I appreciated about this task was that it was so varied for everyone. (7/10)
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Daisy Green-Lynch @daisygreenlynch.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
My map consists of places that are of personal significance, places that I have spent a substantial amount of time in. This ranges from social places such as pubs and the cinema to other public spaces like the cathedral, that holds meaning for lots of people in different ways. (6/10)
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Daisy Green-Lynch @daisygreenlynch.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
My next project was a form of countermapping which I used google maps to create, here is it 2D: (5/10)
google maps project of my favourite places in durham
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Daisy Green-Lynch @daisygreenlynch.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
My phone's health app said I did around 20,000 steps, and this demonstrated the proximity of nature and houses in Durham. It is also key to mention that as a woman, I may not have felt safe doing this at night whereas others may have, this is also key in considering how we move around spaces. (4/10)
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Daisy Green-Lynch @daisygreenlynch.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Eventually, I arrived back in residential areas surrounding Gilesgate and started to notice important buildings such as the local primary school, this is an indication of how we as individuals move around spaces differently, as for some this will be an everyday stop. (3/10)
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Daisy Green-Lynch @daisygreenlynch.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Along the way, I took note of things I wouldn't usually notice, but this in particular stuck me as out of place, and was also a great benchmark for my derive as it told me that I was getting closer to the shops (2/10)
trolley in a field
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Daisy Green-Lynch @daisygreenlynch.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
For contemporary archaeology I conducted a derive, I took the decision not to use an app but rather to walk around an area of Durham I don't usually walk in. I started off by walking down to the river and followed this path until I saw a way out of the wooded area and back up the the roads (1/10)
collage of my derive through durham
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