In the latter part of my field season, I participated in excavations at Khirbet Summeily, an Iron Age administrative and trade outpost. Collaborating with the Mississippi State University crew provided not only invaluable archaeological experience but also the opportunity to establish meaningful connections within our shared field of study and a collective camaraderie forged beneath the blazing sun.

An unexpected excavation volunteer.

A typical field day began by aiming to beat the scorching heat. Ideally, we woke at 4 a.m., prepared breakfast, and ensured we had enough water before heading to the site by 5 a.m. More often than not, the allure of the snooze button prevailed, leading to a rush to get ready and make it to the vehicles on time. Upon arrival at the site, our initial tasks included setting up shade cloths, unloading tools, and beginning excavation. Throughout the day, we took short breaks for morning coffee, a mid-morning breakfast, and a refreshing fruit break toward the end, vital after long hours when it was beginning to heat up. Around 12:15 p.m., as the temperature climbed, we finished our excavation activities, cleaned up, and left the site by 12:30 p.m., eagerly returning for lunch and a much-needed shower. The midday break allowed for short naps which many of our crew took frequent advantage of. After this afternoon break, while most other students washed pottery, I had the privilege of illustrating notable sherds found during excavation. As an interdisciplinary art and archaeology student, this role allowed me to refine my skills and define my niche.

Weekends provided a welcome respite with trips to explore renowned archaeological sites, culturally significant locations, and the region’s must-see attractions. Among the memorable highlights were the experience of floating in the Dead Sea (a word of caution – avoid getting the water in your eyes, trust me, it’s not pleasant), visiting Masada, where some of our team braved climbing the snake path while others took in views from the gondola, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, and my personal favorite was the opportunity to explore Jerusalem’s Old City.

In summary, my journey of working and learning at Tell el-Hesi and Khirbet Summeily during the summer has been profoundly transformative. The experiences, knowledge, and friendships I acquired have enriched both my academic and personal growth. As I reflect upon the early mornings, sweltering days, and the discoveries we unearthed together, I am deeply moved by the generosity of ASOR and the donors to the Katherine Barton Platt Fellowships for making this journey possible. The opportunity to collaborate with fellow scholars and engage in interdisciplinary research that fuses art and archaeology has solidified my love for this field. I am unwavering in my commitment to carry forward the knowledge and experiences from this fieldwork season in my academic pursuits, aspiring to make meaningful contributions to the field of archaeology. I extend my heartfelt gratitude once more for this extraordinary opportunity, which has unquestionably shaped my future aspirations and goals.

Danielle (Dani) Tutak is a senior pursuing dual degrees in art and design and anthropological archaeology at the University of Michigan. She is passionate about the potential of interdisciplinary research using insights and methods from diverse fields of study and experimenting with unexpected methods of science communication and documentation. Her upcoming projects and goals include finishing her anthropology honors thesis in archaeological research, completing her senior art thesis exploring historical and modern approaches to understanding the past, and graduating and moving on to the next adventure.

For more information about the Tell el-Hesi Archaeological Project, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093520164451

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