Internships for 2010-11: Materials Recognition and Analysis at the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia

         This internship is based out of the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia but is sponsored and directed by the staff at PortAnta (Archaeological Opportunities in Portugal) and the scientific and educational staff at this national archaeology museum.  Interns will learn about the identification, importance and basic appropriate conservation of the following materials and activities:

·         Importance of archival documents and the methodologies applied in the reconstruction and interpretation of collections with questionable proveniences or poorly documented stratigraphies. 

·         Identification of ceramic typologies and fabrics: African Red Slip Wares; Italian, Gaulish and Hispanica Terra Sigillatas; Imported and common ware lamps/lucernae; Thin walled vessels (Paredes finas); Amphorae; Dolia and large storage vessels and their functions; Mortaria and other food preparation vessels; Basic common ware forms and identification 

·         Metal objects, bone artifacts, glass and other artifacts common to the Bronze Age - Late Antiquity period and their applications for interpretation in site activities.  Architectural and sculptural vestiges will be studied as well as fresco and decorative stucco fragments. 

·         Proper and standard inventorying and cataloging methodologies as well as instruction in the proper techniques of archaeological drafting and the computerization of archaeological drawings.  Cinema 4D and ArcGis will be used during the work for the 3D rendering of certain elements.  Interns will be given time to learn the basics of each program.  

·         Burial practices and burial rituals in Iron Age - Roman - Paleo-Christian and Medieval periods in Portugal and Lusitania. 

·         Basic introduction to museum collections and curation

·         Basic introduction to the major chronological periods in Iberia with the chance to see materials and view the archaeological sites of Late Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman, Late Antique, Visigothic, Islamic, Early Medieval periods.

·         Full access to the permanent collection exhibitions at the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia as well as the library collections, conservation and inventory departments.

·         This internship is a very rigorous and hands-on experience in learning about archaeology, archaeological materials and the identification and proper chronological assignment to artifacts and archaeo-facts (when applicable).   

·         Interns should expect to engage in a new and educational experience and are expected to be actively involved with the museum on a daily basis.  Language classes can be arranged for participants should they want to learn introductory Portuguese while here and a schedule can be organized that will allow for participation in both.

Students are responsible for the cost of the own transportation and accommodation and are expected to abide by a time schedule organized by both PortAnta, the MNA and the participant. A base fee of €300,00 is payable to PortAnta to cover expenses and expendables for student orientation and instruction.  For more information, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or fill out an application form found on the MAIN MENU at this website.