Privy Archeology
Diana S. Gallagher PhD student Historical Archeology - Boston University
Wed Jan 16, 02-03:30pm, 37-212
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Ever wondered about old privies? Of course you haven't, but some archeologists have and what they've found will surprise you. The humble outhouse holds a prominent place in our psyche. For most of us it exists as memories of summer camp facilities or an uncomfortable aspect of a rustic vacation. For a great portion of human history privies, cesspits or a handy tree were the only options. Many of these deposits have survived to help us answer questions about diet, disease, hygiene, material culture and status. This presentation provides a glimpse into the unknown. How is a privy excavated and what strange things have been found in them?What kind of information do archeologists extract from privy soils as well as from artifacts? Take a seat and get the answers to these questions and many others.
Contact: Diana S. Gallagher, E53-478, x3-6676, dsgall@mit.edu
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