M_oder in the Rhythm of Archaeological Science

What does the work of an archaeologist actually involve, and where can a degree in archaeology lead? At two lectures held as part of M_oder, you will explore fascinating stories from the past through the research of two young archaeologists, learn about modern archaeological research methods, and discover different career paths within archaeology. We will round off the event with an informal conversation in the museum café, where you will have the opportunity to ask questions about studying archaeology, research work, and career opportunities in the field.
Tim Jarc: What Can Bone Artefacts from the Stone Age Reveal?
Bone artefacts from Palaeolithic and Mesolithic sites in Slovenia can tell us a surprising amount about the knowledge, skills, and everyday lives of prehistoric people. Bone, antler, teeth, and shell were used to make hunting weapons, needles, awls, smoothing tools, various other tools, and personal ornaments. Together, these objects tell us about creativity, craftsmanship, symbolism, and perhaps even music. But how do archaeologists determine whether a mark on a bone was caused by human activity rather than by animals, roots, fire, or other natural processes? Tim Jarc will explain how he combines taphonomy, technological and typological analyses, and experimental archaeology in the study of bone artefacts. Through finds from archaeological sites in Slovenia, such as Potočka zijalka and Divje babe, we will discover how seemingly small objects can reveal remarkable stories about the ingenuity and cultural life of the people who lived in the area of present-day Slovenia thousands of years ago.
Tita Aleksandra Janc: The Secrets of Early Medieval Silver Coins
What can a silver coin measuring barely a centimetre across tell us about trade, the economy, and society in the Early Middle Ages? Sceattas, enigmatic silver coins that circulated across north-western Europe in the 7th and 8th centuries, are anonymous, and despite their rich iconography, many questions about their origins and use remain unanswered. Tita Aleksandra Janc will explain how chemical composition analysis using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) can help uncover their story, and how seemingly minor differences between individual coins can reveal far more than we might expect: from possible sources of silver and different alloy recipes to minting practices. At the same time, these analyses raise new questions about the value of money, the control of coinage quality, trade connections, and even whether early medieval counterfeits circulated alongside these mysterious coins.
After the lectures, we will continue the conversation in the relaxed atmosphere of the museum café. Together with the two speakers, we will discuss their experiences of studying archaeology, fieldwork, laboratory and research work, as well as the different career paths that open up after graduation. This will also be an opportunity for anyone interested in studying archaeology, working as an archaeologist, or pursuing employment and further research in the field to ask questions.
Registration is required. Please register at prijava@mgml.si or by calling 01 24 12 506 (weekdays between 8 a.m. and 3.00 p.m.).