Chonnikarn Kehajit

The orientation day was the day I learn about the Ti leaf. We were told that female were not around to enter the Heiau, traditionally. However, since we are student and we have to get some work done we should wear a Ti leaf bracelet. Because Ti leaf will protects us from the bad spirit. I understand that genders in pre-colonial Hawaiian culture were very significant but I did not think that people would take them as serious in this centaury. However, I found out that it is not true. I like the fact that people still respect and follow the traditional way. On the other hand they willing to compromise, and try to make things work with the change of the society that has more western influence. I love that Hawaiian people do not forget their tradition, custom and culture. They tried to safe and keep them to last longer for the next generations. I was wishing that Thai people would do the same by not forgetting how good their root is. I wish that we could be as proud as Hawaiian proud of their history. I am glad that this class teaches us to understand that being archaeologist is not just about excavation. Archaeologist should understand the culture of the place where they work in order to not disrespect the local. Therefore I think this class is a very great class because the archaeology is tide to the culture.

As I am a member of group one, on the photography week our group was with Pulama. I remember we hiked up the steep hill to get to the site where we were supposed to take photography. During the hike I realized that being archaeologist require physical fitness. When we got to the site we need to clear up the vegetation and set up the photo stick as a measurement tool. While we were doing that I realized that being archaeologist need to be really tidy and organize. Again when we start to take pictures I think artistic skill is needed here. I learnt on that day that being an archaeologist is not just doing research and look for things. It requires many skills and to become a good one who is able to handle all the task is not easy. I really admire our group readers that they were able to do all those things. I love that archaeology is a balance between art and science. It makes me love to be in the field of archaeology more.

#excavation #orientation #trowel #photography