And My Trowel

Ash and Tilly are tasked with investigating a mysterious box from the Jinu Preservation Society, but one artefact might be possessed! Luckily, their on-call spooky specialist, art conservator J essica van Dam, is here to help. Together they explore Korean demons, dokkaebi, and gwisin to uncover the truth behind the eerie objects. Expect folklore, fun, and a few distractions (looking at you, carpet...

Tilly is a bit under the weather this week so we were not able to record an episode of And My Trowel. Luckily both of us are in another new show, so we thought we would share that with you instead! Listen in to the first episode of the Archaeo Book Club podcast! Join Tilly, Judith, and Ash as they wade into our June reading theme: Under the Sea . In this “field notes” discussion, we share our own...

In this slightly different episode, Ash and Tilly discuss the different ways that mental health is both affected by and perceived within archaeology and fantasy fiction. Tune in to hear their discussion on the importance of community, managing expectations, and how many archaeology-related puns they can stuff into a 30-minute episode. Links World Mental Health Day Article on crafting to alleviate...

It’s conference season! To prepare for an upcoming meeting of the Extremely Obvious and Regular Society of Wizards , Ash and Tilly discuss their conference experiences and all that these events entail. How would you put a stake in a vampire’s ramblings? Stop a werewolf from mooning over the buffet table? Prevent a debate between wizards from becoming too heated? Listen in to find out! Books mentio...

In part two, Ash and Tilly continue their quest to help The Karnithril Collegium of Wall Lore record the disappearing graffiti of Thar-Vael! With expert help from archaeological illustrator and visual science communicator, Jona Schlegal, the team define the meaning of graffiti and figure out the question: are dragon’s wings the mystical equivalent of on-site sun-blocking jackets? Links Jona’s Inst...

This episode, Ash and Tilly have a new quest from the Karnithril Collegium of Wall Lore to document vanishing graffiti. They are joined in their quest by archaeologist and visual science communicator Jona Schlegel, who shares her insight based on her previous research into graffiti along the Danube canal in Vienna. Together the three discuss those most pressing of questions: What actually is graff...

In part two of their Lembas Bread quest, Tilly and Ash continue their ingredient hunt with Caroline Nicolay (Pario Gallico) in order to help the Lembas Appreciation Society analyse the oldest existing sample of the explementary whey bread. The team continue their discussion around living history, food, and experiential archaeology, asking the big questions of: what is food waste? How can we break...

Rumbling bellies be gone! Ash and Tilly are on a quest to deconstruct the ingredients of the famous Lembas Bread from Lord of the Rings . One bite might be enough to fill one man’s belly, but its not enough for the AMT team. Our fantasy archaeologists have reached out to experimental archaeologist, Caroline Nicolay (Pario Gallico) to help solve the riddle of the Elven snack. In this episode, they...

In this episode, Tilly and Ash continue with quest to map Mirkwood Forest with the help of Dr Wouter Verschoof-Van der Vaart! They continue to discuss the advantages of aerial imagery, multispectral scanning, and LiDAR, asking the big questions about how do you manage rising water in the Netherlands? What is hillsade? And what would an Ancient Egyptian cartoucherie charcuterie board look like? Lin...

Ash and Tilly have an especially exciting quest this episode, as thanks to a request from the Malgaroth Historical Society of Mirkwood, they will be working with the Eagles! In order not to look like idiots when attempting aerial scanning, they enlist the help of archaeologist and scanning expert Dr Wouter Verschoof-Van der Vaart. Together, the three discuss the varying paths you can take into a c...

In this episode, Tilly and Ash continue their quest to reveal the secrets of a newly discovered Doors of Durin, with help from archaeologist and rock carving specialist, Dr Megan Kasten! What exactly is the difference between rock art, rock carvings, and inscriptions? What exactly is RTI? And will Tilly ever not love an anagram? Links 3D and RTI: Shedding Light on Damaged Ogham Inchinnan 5: The di...

Ash and Tilly are on a quest from the Bazkardum Society to investigate a new Door of Durin. Joining them is archaeologist and rock carving specialist Dr Megan Kasten, who helps in answering their many many many questions. What is Reflectance Transformation Imaging? Why is Ash suddenly obsessed with puns? And how can Tilly force in a Discworld reference? Books Mentioned Lord of the Rings (J.R.R.Tol...

In part two of their fateful quest, Ash and Tilly chat more with prehistoric archaeologist and textiles specialist Ronja Lau. Together, the three discuss the different kinds of analysis possible when studying archaeological textiles, and work together to try and replicate the woven threads left by the Norns. But what kind of material should they use? Should they go for a twill, or tabby weave? And...

In this episode, Tilly and Ash have been tasked with covering holiday leave for the Norns, the weavers of fate, life and destiny from Norse mythology. However, there’s a problem they don’t have the first clue about weaving! Luckily the know someone who does, prehistoric archaeologist and textile specialist, Ronja Lau! With Ronja’s help, will the trio be able to weave the fates of Gods and humans?...

Following excavation at Weathertop (Amon Sûl), a range of post-excavation analyses was undertaken to better understand the site’s history and use. Archaeobotanical analysis revealed evidence of plant remains, shedding light on past diets and the environment surrounding the tower. Illustrations of key artefacts and features were produced to aid in visual interpretation and documentation. Find proce...

Excavations at Weathertop (Amon Sûl) have uncovered significant evidence of its role as a Númenórean watchtower and the later decline of Arnor. Artefacts including weapons, pottery, and tools reflect the site’s military importance before its destruction by Angmar’s forces. Remains of battle and burnt structures provide insight into the final assault on the tower, while later finds suggest sporadic...

In part two, Tilly and Ash continue their mission with Rhoda, artefact conservator and tattoo artist, to help the Hamunaptra Revitalisation Society bring back personhood into their reanimated - and potentially tattooed - mummies! In this episode, the team looks at the tools and techniques for uncovering ancient tattoos and asks why would someone tattoo a rooster on their thumb? Links Rhoda’s Links...

This month, Tilly and Ash need to figure out how to archaeologically investigate ancient tattoos, in order to help out the Hamunaptra Revitalisation Society. Luckily, they are joined by archaeological conservator and professional tattoo artist Rhoda. Listen in to hear the answer to your burning archaeology and tattoo questions: What are the different meanings of tattoos? Is archaeology just jousti...

Romance is decidedly still the air! Ugh! In part two, Tilly and Ash are still on the hunt for the Arrow of Ambivalence. Joined by experimental archaeologists, Emma Jones and Dr. James Dilley, the gang get to work on figuring out how to locate the mysterious arrow that might banish Cupid’s love spell from the realm, and maybe figure out how to craft one themselves… Books Mentioned Stonehenge (Berna...

In this very special romance-themed episode, Ash and Tilly are on the quest to stop love! Or at least, halt Cupid his pesky, cherub-like tracks. Joined by experimental archaeologists, Emma Jones and Dr. James Dilley from Ancient Craft, the group are determined to find the lesser known Arrow of Ambivalence. Books Mentioned Eagles of Empire series (Simon Scarrow) Stonehenge (Bernard Cornwell) The Wi...

Tune in for the second part of Ash and Tilly’s discussion with Dr Sasja Van der Vaart-Verschoof as they write a project proposal to investigate the underwater landscape of Sitnalta. In this episode, the three discuss the similar underwater landscape known as Doggerland, and the various projects involved in its research. But what exactly is Doggerland? How do we know about it? And why have the team...

This episode, Ash and Tilly have been given a quest by Dr Otalp to write a project proposal for the underwater landscape of Sitnalta, which used to be a land bridge connecting the ancient civilisation of Atlantis with the main continent. To help them write the proposal, they’ve enlisted the help of archaeologist, curator, editor, and all-round superwoman Dr Sasja Van der Vaart-Verschoof. Together,...

It’s part two of Ash and Tilly’s quest to prevent Ragnarok, as they chat with archaeobotanist and fantasy author Genoveva Dimova about the symbolism and archaeology of trees. But how can we see the symbolic significance of trees in the past? What patterns can we see in how people interacted with trees in prehistory? And why is Ash a megalomaniac? Tune in to find out! Links Tolkien yew door Gen’s w...

In arguably their most important quest yet, Ash and Tilly have to prevent Ragnarok! Yggdrasil, the world tree, is missing, and the Asgard Yuletide Committee needs a replacement to decorate for their upcoming Yule celebrations. Luckily, they are joined by return guest Genoveva Dimova, archaeobotanist and fantasy author. Together, they discuss the symbolism of trees in fantasy fiction and mythology...

It’s time for part two of Ash and Tilly’s discussion with archaeologist and jewellery historian Dr Sigrid van Roode all about magical amulets. In this episode, the three look at the archaeological evidence for magic, and how exactly you go about studying ancient jewellery. But how much can we really interpret when it comes to magic? And is it just a relic of the past, or is it still around today?...