Artefact scales-up archaeology with new equipment and hires

We have recently invested in a range of new high-tech field equipment and in-house expertise as we build capacity and efficiencies for our clients.

Included in the kit are a Polaris Offroad UTV which allows our field-work team to gain low-impact access to remote locations in all conditions; a Trimble Datalogger with DGPS Antenna which means we can now deliver higher precision data with an accuracy of 2cm; a portable 13,000L water tank with high-pressure pump and a new range of smaller archaeological dig tools. The new equipment is all contained in a customised Artefact trailer with offroad capability.

“This new set-up allows us to be more responsive to the needs of our clients,” says Sandra Wallace, Artefact’s Managing Director. “If we get a call from a project manager and need to be on site urgently we have in-house experts and the latest technology ready to deploy to location almost immediately. We can pretty much be on the work site within the time it takes to travel there from Pyrmont,” she adds.

TRIED & TESTED

The full haul of equipment has just been road-tested as part of 5-week Aboriginal and Historical archaeological dig in Fennell Bay, 20km southwest of Newcastle. A team of eight archaeologists led by Senior Associate of Historical Archaeology Jayden Van Beek and Aboriginal Heritage Team Leader Ryan Taddeucci worked on the project.

“One of the upsides of the new set-up is that we can now maneuver more quickly and effectively on-site while still delivering high-quality results,” said Ryan. “The UTV has a much lighter environmental footprint when compared with regular vehicles so the vegetation and ground-surface is far less damaged from our movement.”

The UTV also allows for the transportation of excavation spoil in nearly all-weather conditions thanks to the all-wheel drive automation. “Ultimately, if we can get a job done quicker, with less impact on the environment and be more resistant to poor weather, we are going to find savings that we can pass on to our clients,” explains Ryan.

Having the new Trimble Datalogger also comes with a range of benefits particularly around being more self-sufficient on site. As Ryan explains, "our team can now find exact geographical co-ordinates and accurately mark features in a pit without being reliant on the services of a surveyor. This process is ultimately much faster and also allows for cost-savings and added value for our clients.”

Having been thoroughly tested for the past few weeks at the Fennell Bay site, the team are seeing first-hand the benefits the new portable water-tank is having on their archaeological work. “Having 13,000L of water on site allows for almost continuous wet sieving without the need for a refill truck,” says Ryan. “I’ve been on digs before where the team have had to down tools for 3-4 hours while sourcing new water. We don’t have that problem anymore.”

With water readily available on site the Artefact team have also noted environmental benefits. The high-pressure pump uses less water overall than conventional sieving practices, is more efficient, and run-off is easier to control.

“Without the need for expensive refill trucks, using less water overall and being able to work the sieves more continuously we can demonstrate additional cost-savings for our clients as well as being more environmentally conscious as a company,” says Ryan.


Expertise

Artefact’s new hardware comes on the back of a slew of new hires.

Artefact has a reputation as a market-leader in archaeological and heritage services due largely to the talent and expertise of our in-house staff.

With industry leaders such as Technical Director Josh Symons, Managing Director Sandra Wallace, Technical Executive Anita Yousif and Principal Archaeologist Jenny Winnett leading a team of 50, Artefact has a very strong base of core staff.

Meet our team



Geomorphology

Adding to our line-up is the well-respected Tony Barham – who has recently joined the team as a Principal in Aboriginal Heritage. He has over 30 years’ experience in geomorphology and archaeology in the UK, Australia, and PNG and has been involved in large archaeological fieldwork programs including the Channel Tunnel Rail Link in the UK and across the Pilbara mine sites in Western Australia. He has co-authored over 9 major research works and is a global leader in geoarchaeology.

“Having Tony as part of our in-house team adds a significant new layer of technical expertise. It's rare to find local experts with his unique set of specialist skills, especially in the area of geomorphology,” says Sandra .

“Tony’s appointment comes at the right time for us as we bring more fieldwork projects on board in coming months. With Tony at the helm we’ll be able to take on even more complex projects and as an added bonus he’ll be able to pass on his extensive knowledge to the broader Artefact team,” she adds.

Meet Tony



Stone Tool Identification

Also joining the Aboriginal Heritage Team is Senior Heritage Consultant Bengi Selvi-Lamb. She’s worked extensively throughout Turkey and Australia on projects such as the Melbourne Metro Tunnel excavation and is an expert in the analysis of stone tools.

As a lithic specialist, Bengi brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise especially in the area of artefact analysis and identification.

Bengi’s active interest in Aboriginal Australian artefacts and knapping techniques has brought her to Artefact where she will be providing technical advice on Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, undertaking heritage assessments, stakeholder engagement workshops and designing fieldwork projects.

Meet Bengi




Benefits

Archaeological Fieldwork Trailer

  • All-in-one solution for archaeological digs and excavation.
  • Stores equipment safely and securely.
  • Offroad capability allows for ready access to worksite.
  • Can be deployed immediately for urgent projects.
  • Allows for efficiencies and cost-savings for clients.



Polaris Utility Terrain Vehicle


  • Transports staff and equipment to the worksite.
  • Low environmental impact on ground and vegetation.
  • Allows for fast and safe entry to excavation site.
  • All wheel drive capability allows for remote access.
  • Offroad tyres allow for use in all weather conditions.
  • Can transport large amounts of equipment in one trip.
  • Allows for efficiencies and cost-savings for clients.



Portable Water Tank


  • 13,000 litres of water available on demand.
  • Allows for continuous wet sieving.
  • Removes the need for expensive water truck refills.
  • High pressure pump offers more efficient sieving.
  • Uses less water than low pressure sieving operations.
  • Environmental benefits due to better control of run off.
  • Allows for efficiencies and cost-savings for clients.



Trimble Datalogger


  • Delivers positioning data with an accuracy of 2cm.
  • Allows for more self-sufficiency in the field.
  • Avoids the need for external site surveyors.
  • In-house team members trained and proficient in use.
  • Provides exact co-ordinates immediately.
  • Allows for efficiencies and cost-savings for clients.
  • Allows for continuous wet sieving


Read about our Historical Archaeology and Aboriginal Archaeology services.


Let's talk

With over 12-years professional experience in Aboriginal archaeology, historical archaeology and cultural heritage, and a major investment in new staff and technology, Artefact is well-placed to take on your next project – big or small.

For a quote or more information please contact the office on 02 9518 8411 or office@artefact.net.au.



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