As we draw closer to the end of the year, we look back on what has been achieved and has happened within the archaeological world, in order to step into the New Year. This year saw a number of exciting finds, including the discovery of Richard III under a car park in Leicester, and the great loss of one of our most loved archaeological faces, Mick Aston. This great loss was felt across the globe, and campaigns and support demonstrated on this scale show how archaeology and related courses create and maintain a community. This community is what keeps archaeology alive whilst allowing it to grow and expand. In a constantly changing world, archaeology must develop as a discipline but also a pursuit – as something to enjoy. As part of this community, we share a love and passion for archaeology. However, we also discover ourselves as individuals. Archaeology helps us grow in understanding and experience, but most importantly, understand ourselves in time and space, marked for future generations to refer to.
So, you may ask, what does The Post Hole have planned for the future? Well, now that the new team is set in place and this, our second issue, is released, we have a number of new ideas planned. Have you dug somewhere exciting this summer? Have you discovered an exciting artefact you wish to share with the world? Do you have a photo you love of an experience, a site or a view related to the archaeological world? If so, The Post Hole is pleased to announce our first ever The Post Hole Image Gallery Competition. This image competition will run between this issue and February’s Issue 35, the deadline is the 25th of February. The photo can consist of anything related to archaeology and must be uploaded to us via our website before the deadline. The winner will get a special mention in the following issue, their image featured on the next issue’s front cover and they will receive a Post Hole poster with their image on. More information will be posted shortly on our website and Facebook page.
Secondly, The Post Hole is putting out a call for Public Relation Officers across the globe. Are you interested in becoming part of The Post Hole team? Do you love archaeology and want to expand this publication to a wider audience? This is an exciting opportunity, one not to be missed! If so, please email editor [at] theposthole.org for further details.
This issue brings you a wide range of articles, differing in topic. In our first article, Rianca Vogels explores and justifies the Dutch tradition of ‘Black Pete.’ This interesting and thought provoking article draws on current debates circulating today in The Netherlands, whilst exploring Christmas traditions. Relevant to this festive season, it is an interesting read, creating an appreciation for the traditions of different cultures during the Christmas holidays.
Dr Cath Neal considers the significance of the Yorkshire Wold’s landscape, combining contrasting theories, settlement and burial evidence. Neal’s article touches on a number of subjects and allows an overview of the Yorkshire landscape to be explored, setting itself up for future research or debate.
The use of Photogrammetric models for the recording of archaeological features by Robert P. Barratt argues for their importance in the future of archaeology. The history of these methods and the programmes required are tested on Bronze Age and Romano-British sites, Ham Hill and Caerau. This well-rounded argument compares the limitations and methods alongside traditional methods.
Jonathon Foster provides us with a dynamic and stimulating article involving an archaeological investigation into the deserted medieval villages of eastern Yorkshire. The need for further research is explained, however, Foster’s article combines aerial photography and ordnance survey maps to explore the distribution of deserted medieval villages and how they have been perceived in the past.
Finally, Keneiloe Molopyane provides us with a detailed account of life, and adventures, after graduation. Molopyane’s exciting biographical account demonstrates how one may end up journeying down a different career path to that which they had previously expected, resulting in many great memories and experiences. Molopyane’s article reminds us to make the most of every opportunity we get, because we never know where it might lead to in the future.
Christmas is a time to rejoice with friends and family and on behalf of the team, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Don’t forget over this festive period, if you find you have a spare minute between eating mince pies, opening presents and celebrating with all the family, The Post Hole is still eager to receive your submissions. Please email any submissions to Taryn Bell at submissions [at] theposthole.org, and for our latest news follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Emily Taylor
(Editor-in-chief of The Post Hole-editor [at] theposthole.org)
