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Shovel Bum: Comix of Archaeological Field Life
"Shovel bums" endure weeks of flea-bitten motel beds, greasy roadhouse food, tempermental field vehicles, and long stretches of boredom to practice that most romantic of intellectual endeavors-archaeology. Ignored by the profession, working for low wages and little respect, they represent the vast majority of practicing archaeologists in North America. But, unlike unwed welfare mothers and highway underpass junkies, their plight is unknown and unheralded. No longer. The comix Shovel Bum , developed by de Boer and others in those late night beer sessions at the Motel 6, has now become a book, outlining the trials and tribulations of these unsung heroes of archaeology. Which SUV works best in the mud? How do you survey in a field of unexploded military ordnance? Which motel has the biggest breakfast? How do you construct your own trowel pouch? For an entertaining look at archaeology as it is really practiced in the United States, pick up a copy of Shovel Bum.
144 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 4, 2018
Read for a class...
April 19, 2015
If you've ever been a Shovelbum, or currently are one - this'll bring back memories. Maybe even some PTSD, come to think of it.
For those of you that haven't had the distinction of actually wearing a Marshalltown #52 out, it might not be quite as entertaining. But you'll get a glimpse at what life is like for an archaeological field technician.
Even though I was active in California and Great Basin projects, there's lots of cross over information. The author, of course, bases his work on personal experience - Arkansas, Washington, Alaska, etc. But paging through his zine, one can definitely see the commonality of the experience. The same crew chiefs, PI's, vehicles, parasites, crappy food, and whacked out crew members seem to be encountered, wherever you work.
Good fun, and a good read. But best if you have some field experience, otherwise......well, you had to be there.
For those of you that haven't had the distinction of actually wearing a Marshalltown #52 out, it might not be quite as entertaining. But you'll get a glimpse at what life is like for an archaeological field technician.
Even though I was active in California and Great Basin projects, there's lots of cross over information. The author, of course, bases his work on personal experience - Arkansas, Washington, Alaska, etc. But paging through his zine, one can definitely see the commonality of the experience. The same crew chiefs, PI's, vehicles, parasites, crappy food, and whacked out crew members seem to be encountered, wherever you work.
Good fun, and a good read. But best if you have some field experience, otherwise......well, you had to be there.
February 12, 2015
It was for school, what did you expect?
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews