EMMA HARRISON

Biography

Emma Graduated with an MA in Archaeology (1st class hons.) from the University of Aberdeen in 2015. She developed an interest in early medieval and prehistoric archaeology of northern Europe, experimental archaeology and craft studies. Her undergraduate dissertation examined the possible use of bone in Icelandic and Viking Age Bloomery iron smelting, and how turf and stone smelting furnaces may have functioned in Iceland in the absence of quality local clay.

From there, Emma commenced her White Rose College of Arts and Humanities funded MSc in Experimental Archaeology at the University of Sheffield which she undertook from 2015-2016, getting the opportunity for specialised learning with several different categories of archaeological craft and material studies including metals, ceramics and glass. She investigated further the use of bone in iron smelting and ferrous metal craft processes for her Masters dissertation, doing practical experiments with bloomery iron smelting and analysing the products produced in comparison to archaeological material, graduating with a Distinction.

From there Emma spent some years gaining professional experience, working in many fields from tour guiding, to working in an open air museum to working as a set painter, a leatherwork apprenticeship, a library assistant, and finally running her own historical pottery, craft and living history business (Bog Born Crafts) where she works with many museums, heritage organisations and events. 

Emma is currently an AHRC DLA funded PhD student at the University of Aberdeen researching the role of craft and craftspeople in the archaeology of the Picts of early Medieval Scotland, a project which will encompass analysis and investigation of original archaeological artefacts, experimental craft processes and community outreach through workshops. Her research is titled: 'Crafting Communities: Investigating Pictish Craft and Evaluating Community Engagement through Experimental and Experiential Archaeology'.

External Memberships

EXARC member (international network of those involved in experimental archaeology research)

Prizes and Awards

• Best Fourth Year Archaeology Student - University of Aberdeen, 2015 (during undergraduate)
• Ede & Ravenscroft Anniversary Award for Academic Excellence in Archaeology - University of Aberdeen, 2014 (during undergraduate)

Research Overview

'Crafting Communities: Investigating Pictish Craft and Evaluating Community Engagement through Experimental and Experiential Archaeology'