Internship at the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia: Hands on Experience in Archaeology

  Portugal

• Other Cities in Portugal: 
Lisbon

  Spain

• All Other Areas: 
Caceres

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Winter 
Dates: Sept--Dec., 2009; Jan.-May, 2010

Description: Internships for 2009-10: Materials Recognition and Analysis at the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia

Scientific Direction: Maia M. Langley and participating MNA Staff

Internship Director: Maia M. Langley

This internship is based out of the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia but is sponsored and directed by the staff at PortAnta (Archaeological Opportunities in Portugal) and the scientific and educational staff at this national archaeology museum. Interns will learn about the identification, importance and basic appropriate conservation of the following materials and activities:

* Importance of archival documents and the methodologies applied in the reconstruction and interpretation of collections with questionable proveniences or poorly documented stratigraphies.
* Identification of ceramic typologies and fabrics:
    - African Red Slip Wares
    - Italian, Gaulish and Hispanica Terra Sigillatas
    - Imported and common ware lamps/lucernae
    - Thin walled vessels (Paredes finas)
    - Amphorae
    - Dolia and large storage vessels and their functions
    - Mortaria and other food preparation vessels
    - Basic common ware forms and identification

* Metal objects, bone artifacts, glass and other artifacts common to the Roman and Late Antiquity period and their applications for interpretation in site activities. Architectural and sculptural vestiges will be studied as well as fresco and decorative stucco fragments.

* Proper and standard inventorying and cataloging methodologies as well as instruction in the proper techniques of archaeological drafting and the computerization of archaeological drawings. Cinema 4D and ArcGis will be used during the work for the 3D rendering of certain elements. Interns will be given time to learn the basics of each program.

* Burial practices and burial rituals in Iron Age - Roman - Paleo-Christian and Medieval periods in Portugal and Lusitania.

* Basic introduction to osteological techniques and forensic data collection

* Basic introduction to the major chronological periods in Iberia with the chance to see materials and view the archaeological sites of Late Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman, Late Antique, Visigothic, Islamic, Early Medieval periods.

* Full access to the permanent collection exhibitions at the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia as well as the library collections, conservation and inventory departments.

* Participate in the restoration and conservation of the largest Roman villa in Iberia, Torre de Palma as well as the chance to conduct field surveying within the region of this once great villa

* Participate in an excursion to the Spanish city of Merida to view the museolized former provincial capital of Augusta Emerita.

Highlights: Live in and get to know the culture of Portugal! The district of Belem, in Lisbon, Portugal, is the most famous area of this major European city and the Monastery of Belem, where the museum is located, is the famous landmark in Portugal.

-Participate in the restoration and conservation of the largest Roman villa in Iberia, Torre de Palma as well as the chance to conduct field surveying within the region of this once great villa

-Participate in an excursion to the Spanish city of Mérida to view the museolized former provincial capital of Augusta Emerita.

Qualifications: This internship is a very rigorous and hands-on experience in learning about archaeology, archaeological materials and the identification and proper chronological assignment to artifacts and archaeo-facts (when applicable).

Interns should expect to engaged in a new and educational experience and are expected to be actively involved with the museum on a daily basis. Languages classes can be arranged for participants should they want to learn introductory Portuguese while here and a schedule can be organized that will allow for participation in both.

Cost in US$: USD3,500

Experience Required: yes

No former experience in archaeology or relative fields is necessary.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 4

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

PortAnta's Mission Statement: PortAnta is a scientific collaborative and non-profit organization that aims to unite students and professionals of archaeology, anthropology, history, museum studies, conservation, art history and associated disciplines with archaeological and museum based opportunities and projects in Portugal. We are currently accepting applications for our 2009-2010 series of programs and projects and are always looking for new opportunities and avenues to connect with. Our programs and projects are taught in English although individuals who come over to work with PortAnta programs are encouraged to embrace and learn the Portuguese language. We offer students the chance to study the modern Portuguese language and culture as well as the rich historical past of this amazing and hospitable country. We are an equal opportunity project and do not discriminate against race, age, sex, nationality or religion. Join us in learning from the past.

Year Founded: 2000