Onsite with archaeologists from Queen’s and Cambridge Universities in Malta

January 6, 2014

This morning I was able to shave with hot water and, luxury of all luxuries, I have a toilet door which actually closes and locks.

Living with seven archaeologists from Queen’s and Cambridge Universities in Malta does however have some compensations: Magnificent views and an amazing interchange with these dedicated researchers involved in a five years study of this small island which has a most incredible history.

My thanks go to Dr. Caroline Malone, PI,  for providing the very essential morning espresso, the delicious food and not least for the completely fascinating 40 minutes potted history of the last 10 millennia of Malta (it must be added: without taking time to breathe. My oh my, but this woman can talk…), Dr Chris Hunt; thanks Chris for taking the time to show me some wonderful sites, Mdina and the temple in Gozo are real gems. Rory; so good to see you again and your help and experience with the Stitz corer was quite invaluable. Hywel, thanks for not snoring and hope I was able to return the courtesy. Also my thanks to Simon, Sean, Al, Jay, Chris Gemmel, Nick Vella, Ruben and Mevrik: It was so interesting to meet you all.

Just after 4 days in Malta we had sequences of some 25 metres – plenty of material to work with for the study into the conditions of spiritual creativity in prehistoric Malta. This is an intensive programme examining context in Maltese prehistoric art and religion, by building on earlier studies of material from previous excavations. By reviewing the Neolithic figurative material in the National Museum of Archaeology of Malta and an examination of its archaeological contexts through archive studies and site survey using the soil samples acquired on this trip with the Van Walt Window Sampling System.

A recognised technique for collecting undisturbed soil samples the Window Sampling Sets performed particularly well in the archaeological sites of Malta. It is light and easily handled for difficult to access locations. A sample tube was driven into the ground with a mechanical hammer and the soil samples extracted manually. The samples collected showed virtually undisturbed horizons which after detailed digital examination showed some important new results and significant anthropological understanding of prehistoric ritual practice of the country. The soil of this island tells a story, over time, of the way the people who inhabited Malta lived.

I was delighted and privileged to be part of such an interesting project and was delighted the Window Sampling System worked so well.

Vincent van Walt