Cuba Archaeology

Archaeological Field School in Cuba

The Saint Mary’s University Department of Anthropology in partnership with the Cuban Cabinet of Archaeology will be continuing in May 2019 with an archaeological field school at Cafetal Angerona, a 19th century slave plantation site. This plantation is now a Cuban National Historic site. 

Cafetal Angerona. Watch tower and entrance to barracks.  
Cafetal Angerona Watch Tower and entrance to barracks. 

This field school provides students with hands-on archaeological field experience immersed in the Cuban culture. Students live and work alongside fellow Canadian, International  and Cuban students and Canadian and Cuban archaeologists.

Students Lauren, Mackenzie and Cuban student Lili hard at work. 2017 Cuban Archaeological Field School Crew 
Students Lauren, Mackenzie and Cuban Student Lili hard at work                       2017 Cuban Archaeological Field School 

This season’s goals are to continue with last year’s excavations on the barracks area and will expand to include an investigation of the plantation’s cemetery, including skeletal analysis should human remains be recovered.

Benefits

  • Learn basic archaeological methods and skills including excavation, interpretation, documentation and artefact processing.
  • Discover the history of Cuba and the Cafetal Angerona through lectures and tours.
  • Experience a different culture in an international setting.

Program information

6 Credit hours at 3000 level or 4000 level
     ANTH 3710    Cuban Archaeology Field School 
     ANTH 3713    Cuban Archaeology Lab 

     ANTH 4710    Adv Cuban Arch Field School 
     ANTH 4713    Adv Cuban Arch Lab 

Date: May 6 - 27, 2019  
Location: Havana and Cafetal Angerona, Artemisa. 
Time: 9am – 5pm Mon-Saturday 
For more information, or to apply, please contact anthropology@smu.ca

Transportation

All transportation within Cuba has been arranged.  Students are responsible for getting to and from Havana (all flights are direct from Toronto).  Last year we travelled together as a group.

Accommodations

We will be staying with Cuban families (private rooms) in Havana and at the Hotel Moka in Las Terazzas (a beautiful natural biosphere in the mountains). www.hotelmoka-lasterrazas.com

Fees

Accommodations (including meals) and transportation within Cuba - $TBA.  
A $500 non-refundable fee is payable upon confirmation you have been accepted into the program and will be deducted from program fee. 

Visa Requirements

All participants must have a valid passport that is good until December 31, 2019 (Cuban customs require valid passports for a minimal of 6 months upon entering the country). Unfortunately at this time, American citizens cannot apply.

Field trips

Students will be given a guided tour of the old section of Havana (a UNESCO World Heritage site) where they can soak up this warm, vibrant culture. After a few days in Havana we will leave the bustling city for the peaceful, lush mountains located approximately 40 minutes outside Havana. While not on site, students can take advantage of the beautiful swimming pool, nature hikes or just lay back and enjoy the spectacular scenery.  There will also be opportunities to trek deep into the jungle  to visit long forgotten plantation sites, go bird watching, learn salsa dancing or take a day trip to the beach.

Application Process

Interested students will be required to provide one academic reference and must be presently enrolled at a university at either the undergraduate or graduate level.  Unfortunately, due to United States government restrictions American citizens are presently not allowed to participate.  Deadline to apply is March 22st 2019. Once all applications are received successful applicants will be contacted.  A waiting list will be created for students not accepted to the program in case of cancellation.