Introduction
Shovel Bums is a comic book by Trent de Boer, which gives an excellent introduction to the live events of an archaeological field technician. The author’s choice of words creates a perception that this field is grimy, with several challenges. Not only does the shovel bum travel working for low wages, he does all types of jobs available in archaeological sites, in different weather conditions. De Boer brings out the Shovel bum’s life as being dangerous, difficult and dull (De, 2004). Shovel bums travel carrying their own field kits. The purpose of this paper is to give a review of the book and its impact in the modern society.
Summary
This book analyzes the life of an archaeologist and the challenges that archaeologists face in their day to day lives (De, 2005). In chapter 1, De Boer addresses the events that take place in Arkansas. This is a good place to begin the book because Shovel Bum was born here. Some of the factors that make Shovel Bum’s life difficult include high humidity and forests that are poorly managed. In this part, jobs pay much less than other parts of the country. Chapter 2 of the book puts much emphasis on food. Most of the discussions that were carried out were on this chapter. The third chapter concentrates on the lodgings where Shovel Bums spent their nights. The author describes them as being of low quality. In chapter 4, the author discusses about vehicles. He then goes on to discuss about tolt, military work, isolated finds and games in the subsequent chapters.
Weak points
Shovel Bum Comix of Archaeological Field life has a number of weaknesses as several weak points. At the end of the article, Shovel Bum is placed in a theoretical context in which the author feels that story-telling is an essential move in public communication. The book serves as a good source of advice and amusement to working people. At times, the author uses difficult language that is difficult for persons with archaeological insight to understand. This way, the book as a source of information has weaknesses (Peet, 2013).
Strong points of the book
My opinion on the subject that the book touches on
Conclusion
Shovel of Bum Comix of Archaeological Field Life is a good source of information about archaeology. As much as it highlights the challenges archaeologists go through in an attempt to perform their duties, the book reveals what the authorities should address in giving this career the respect it deserves. The author’s choice of words is also crucial in making the book understandable.
References
De, B. T. (2004). Shovel bum: Comix of archaeological field life. Walnut Creek, CA: Altamira Press.
De, B. T. (2005). Shovel bum: Issue 11. Olympia, WA: Trent de Boer.
Peet, P. (2005). Underground!: The disinformation guide to ancient civilizations, astonishing archaeology and hidden history. New York: Disinformation.
Peet, P. (2013). Disinformation guide to ancient aliens, lost civilizations, astonishing archaeology & hidden history.
Sabloff, J. A., & Andrews, P. A. (2001). Archaeology. Austin: University of Texas Press.
