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cifa-finds.bsky.social
CIfA Finds Group
@cifa-finds.bsky.social
90 followers 46 following 62 posts
Artefacts, Ecofacts, Conservation - from project conception to archive! We represent the interests of those working with finds in all the activities of CIfA.
For more info follow the link: www.archaeologists.net/groups/finds
Posts Replies Media Videos
cifa-finds.bsky.social
The Finds SIG is taking a summer holiday! ☀️🏖️

After the excitement of Finds Fest, the committee have decided to take a few months to regroup. We’ll be back in September, planning our online AGM for November/ December and moving forward on outcomes from Finds Fest.
A woman talks to people at a table with bones on it
May 13, 2026 at 1:59 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
Finds Fest 2026!🏺✨

What a day! This CIfA Finds Group event back in March saw dynamic networking, fantastic finds, interesting discussions, and more! We really felt the finds specialist world being brought together.
May 6, 2026 at 9:31 AM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
Meet some of the specialist pairings in Historic England Archaeology Mentoring Partnership!

From Roman pottery to worked stone, these teams are bridging the skills gap and preserving expert knowledge across the UK.

Check out the threads below to meet the mentors and mentees!
An educational infographic titled "FINDS FEST presents ARCHAEOLOGY MENTORING PARTNERSHIP." The graphic features two primary sections on a grey background decorated with archaeological-themed bunting. The top section introduces Mentor David Griffiths, a pottery and CBM specialist with over 20 years of experience and a PhD from the University of Leicester. The bottom section introduces Mentee Gulfareen Kamran, an early-career finds analyst and independent researcher in Newcastle. Both profiles describe their backgrounds and goals for the mentorship in Roman pottery. The image includes two circular inset photos—one of an archaeological finds display and one of a stack of books—and is branded with the logos for Historic England and the CIfA Finds Group. An educational infographic titled "FINDS FEST presents ARCHAEOLOGY MENTORING PARTNERSHIP" on a grey background with archaeological-themed bunting. The top section introduces Mentor Fiona Seeley, a prominent freelance Roman pottery specialist with 30 years of experience and a former tenure as Head of Finds at MOLA. The bottom section introduces Mentee Ieva Navickaite, a Cardiff-based Project Assistant for Rubicon Archaeology and recent graduate specializing in post-excavation studies. The text outlines their focus on Roman pottery typologies and inclusive historical narratives. The graphic features two circular inset images—one of a finds storage room and one of a stack of books—and displays the logos for Historic England and the CIfA Finds Group. An educational infographic titled "FINDS FEST presents ARCHAEOLOGY MENTORING PARTNERSHIP." The top section introduces Mentor Imogen Wood, a premier ceramic and petrographic specialist with 30 years of experience in South West England and a PhD holder. The bottom section introduces Mentee Elle Norrish, an early-career archaeologist at South West Archaeology and University of Exeter alumna. The text describes their mentorship focus on prehistoric pottery analysis and high-quality report writing. The graphic includes circular inset images of an archaeological finds lab and a stack of books, with the Historic England and CIfA Finds Group logos at the bottom. An infographic titled "FINDS FEST presents ARCHAEOLOGY MENTORING PARTNERSHIP" on a neutral grey background with archaeological bunting. The top green section features Mentor Lorraine Mepham, a nationally recognized finds specialist with 40 years of experience and President of the Medieval and Later Pottery Research Group (MLPRG). The bottom orange section features Mentee Jasmine Porter, a finds processing supervisor at Wessex Archaeology (North). The text details their partnership focus on post-medieval pottery, glass, and clay pipes. The graphic includes circular insets of a finds lab and a stack of books, with the logos for Historic England and the CIfA Finds Group at the bottom.
March 24, 2026 at 6:03 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
Meet the final experts joining us at #FindsFest2026 this Wednesday! 🏺🦴🪙
From Roman coins and zooarchaeology to conservation and worked stone, come and learn from the very best in the field. (2/2)🔍✨
📅 25 March
📍 M Shed, Bristol
#Archaeology #SpecialistSpotlight
A promotional flyer for "FINDS FEST" featuring Laura Ratcliffe-Warren. The event is scheduled for 25 March 2026 at M Shed, Bristol. A circular headshot shows Laura, a woman with dark hair and sunglasses perched on her head, smiling outdoors. The text identifies her specialism as "Conservation." The biography details her career since graduating from Cardiff in 2001, including her work in museums, her own business, and her current role with the Cornwall Archaeological Unit. A promotional flyer for "FINDS FEST" featuring Peter Guest for 25 March 2026 at M Shed, Bristol. A circular photo shows Peter working on an archaeological dig. The text identifies his specialism as "Roman Coins" and describes him as an independent numismatist with over 30 years of experience. It highlights that he has identified over 30,000 Roman coins and previously served as a Reader in Roman Archaeology at Cardiff University and a manager at the Roman Legionary Museum. A promotional flyer for "FINDS FEST" featuring Rachel Cubitt. The event is scheduled for 25 March 2026 at M Shed, Bristol. A circular headshot shows Rachel, a woman with dark hair, smiling in front of a shelf of books. The text identifies her specialism as "Post-excavation" and provides a biography detailing her 18 years of experience in the sector. It mentions her current role at Historic England and her dedication to improving standards and mentoring within finds work. A promotional flyer for "FINDS FEST" featuring Ruth Shaffrey for 25 March 2026 at M Shed, Bristol. A circular photo shows a close-up of a microscope. The text identifies her specialism as "Worked Stone." The biography details her 27 years of experience, her PhD in geology and archaeology, and her role at Oxford Archaeology. It mentions her extensive publication record, including over 150 reports and two books, and her commitment to mentoring junior specialists.
March 23, 2026 at 1:07 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
Meet the final experts joining us at #FindsFest2026 this Wednesday! 🏺🦴🪙
From Roman coins and zooarchaeology to conservation and worked stone, come and learn from the very best in the field. (1/2)🔍✨
📅 25 March
📍 M Shed, Bristol
#Archaeology #SpecialistSpotlight
A promotional flyer for "FINDS FEST" featuring Anna Tyacke for 25 March 2026 at M Shed, Bristol. A circular headshot shows Anna, a woman with long dark hair, smiling and wearing a maroon cardigan. The text identifies her specialism as "Metalwork, Coins, and Flint" and provides a biography detailing her 30-year career as a curator and PAS FLO. It mentions her current work with the Cornwall Archaeological Unit on the A30 enlargement scheme and her PhD research at the University of Leicester. A promotional flyer for "FINDS FEST" featuring Bekky Hillman for 25 March 2026 at M Shed, Bristol. A circular photo shows Bekky using a microscope in a laboratory setting. The text identifies her specialism as "Charcoal and Archaeobotany." The biography describes her journey from fieldwalking to becoming a post-excavation supervisor at Archaeology Warwickshire in 2020. It also mentions her role as president of the Shipston-on-Stour and District Historical Society. A promotional flyer for "FINDS FEST" featuring Dana Challinor. The event is scheduled for 25 March 2026 at M Shed, Bristol. A circular photo shows laboratory equipment and a person in blue gloves. The text identifies her specialism as "Charcoal and Archaeobotany" and describes her as an environmental archaeologist with 30 years of experience. It highlights her research on charcoal assemblages from Bronze Age burials to Pompeii and her role as co-convenor of the Charcoal and Wood Workgroup. A promotional flyer for "FINDS FEST" featuring Imogen Wood for 25 March 2026 at M Shed, Bristol. A circular photo shows Imogen, a woman in a red jumper, looking down as she works with ceramic shards on a table. The text identifies her specialism as "Prehistoric to Early Medieval Pottery." The biography details her 25 years of experience as a pottery specialist and petrographer in the South West, as well as her passion for community archaeology and school projects.
March 23, 2026 at 1:04 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
Next up for #FindsFest2026: Hayley McParland! 🧬🔍
Historic England’s Science Advisor for the South West & specialist in phytolith analysis. Hayley brings expert knowledge on wetland archaeology and sector-wide professional standards. 🏛️✨
Join us at M Shed to learn more!
A promotional flyer for "FINDS FEST" featuring Hayley McParland. The event is scheduled for 25 March 2026 at M Shed, Bristol. A circular headshot shows Hayley, a woman with dark hair and a friendly expression. The text identifies her specialism as "Archaeological Science & Phytolith Analysis" and provides a biography detailing her role as Historic England’s Science Advisor for the South West. It highlights her PhD from the University of York, her interest in wetland archaeology, and her work promoting professional standards across the sector. The flyer has a clean, modern design with neutral tones and decorative bunting at the top.
March 18, 2026 at 12:59 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
Next up for #FindsFest2026: Emily Johnson! 🦴🔍
A senior zooarchaeologist & chair of the CIfA Finds Group, Emily brings 10+ years of experience analysing animal bone assemblages. 🦴✨
Join us at M Shed for expert insights! 🏛️
📅 25 March
📍 Bristol
#Archaeology #Zooarchaeology
A promotional flyer for "FINDS FEST" featuring Emily Johnson. The event is scheduled for 25 March 2026 at M Shed, Bristol. A circular photo shows Emily in a high-visibility orange vest working on an archaeological excavation site with animal bones. The text identifies her specialism as "Zooarchaeology" and provides a biography detailing her decade of experience, her PhD from the University of Exeter, and her current role at Archaeology South-East. It also mentions her work in digital outreach and her role as chair of the CIfA Finds Group committee. The flyer has a clean, modern design with neutral tones and decorative bunting.
March 18, 2026 at 12:38 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
Meet Kate Berlewen at #FindsFest2026! 🏺🔍

A specialist in conservation and medieval pottery with Masters from @UCLarchaeology, Kate is currently leading a @HistoricEngland project on medieval pottery fabrics in Devon and Cornwall. 💎📜

Join us to learn from her expertise!
#Conservation #Pottery
promotional flyer for "FINDS FEST" featuring Kate Berlewen. The event is on 25 March 2026 at M Shed, Bristol. The flyer includes a circular photo of a microscope and a text box identifying Kate’s specialism as "Conservation & Ceramics." The biography details her academic background at the UCL Institute of Archaeology and her current work as a researcher for a Historic England project focused on medieval pottery in Devon and Cornwall. It also mentions her freelance work for the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Exeter Cathedral. The design features decorative bunting and neutral, earthy tones.
March 18, 2026 at 12:01 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
Meet Ruth Beveridge at #FindsFest2026! 🏺🔍
With 30+ years in archaeology and a PhD in Vietnamese pottery, Ruth is a leading specialist in small finds.
Join us for expert talks & hands-on finds handling! 🏛️
Registration closes 2PM today. tinyurl.com/FindsFest
#Archaeology
A promotional flyer for "FINDS FEST" featuring Ruth Beveridge. The event is scheduled for 25 March 2026 at M Shed, Bristol. A circular headshot shows Ruth, a smiling woman with blonde hair and glasses. The text identifies her specialism as "Small Finds and Glass" and provides a biography detailing her 30-year career as a professional archaeologist, her PhD in Vietnamese pottery, and her current role at Wardell Armstrong. The flyer has a clean, modern design with neutral tones and decorative bunting at the top.
March 18, 2026 at 11:29 AM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from the best and connect with the community. Registration deadline in two days!!!

📅 25 March 2026
📍 M Shed, Bristol
🎟️ Book your spot here: tinyurl.com/FindsFest
#findsfest2026
#historicengland
#cifa
#networking
#mentoring
A promotional graphic titled "Finds Fest Morning Session." It features four circular vignettes with text descriptions on a beige background. The first describes an introduction to the CIfA Finds SIG by Chair Emily Johnson. The second introduces the Archaeology Mentoring Partnerships grant scheme presented by Imogen Wood, Elle Norrish, and Phil Pollard. The third announces the launch of the First Aid for Finds website by Laura Ratcliffe-Warren and Kate Berlewen. The fourth highlights a Keynote Session on career journeys in archaeological specialisms, featuring an interview with Lorraine Mepham, Matthew Law, and Gulfareen Kamran, led by Rachel Cubitt. Logos for CIfA and images of finds are included.
March 16, 2026 at 5:08 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
Ready to unearth history? 🔍✨
Join us at Finds Fest to meet the specialists uncovering the past! From zooarchaeology and ancient glass to metalwork and prehistoric pottery, come explore the unique expertise at the Markethall. 🏺🦴
#FindsFest2026
#Archaeology
#cifa
A promotional flyer titled "CIfA Finds Group FINDS FEST: MARKETHALL SPECIALISMS." The top right features an image of archaeological artifacts laid out in display trays. Below the title is a table listing specialists and their areas of expertise: • Small Finds and Glass: Ruth Beveridge • First Aid for Finds and Conservation: Laura Ratcliffe-Warren, Kate Berlewen • Zooarchaeology: Emily Johnson, Joshua Toulson • Metalwork, Coins, and Flint: Anna Tyacke, Peter Guest • Charcoal and Archaeobotany: Dana Challinor, Bekky Hillman • Prehistoric to Early Medieval Pottery: Imogen Wood, Elle Norrish • Worked Stone: Ruth Shaffrey, Naomi Payne • Post-ex and Archaeological Science: Hayley McParland, Rachel Cubitt
March 13, 2026 at 9:23 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
Need a hand getting to Finds Fest? 🏺⚒️
Thanks to the generous support of Historic England and SLR Consulting, we are delighted to offer travel and ticket bursaries.
Don’t miss this chance to network with experts, handle incredible finds, and boost your career. 🚀
#FindsFest2026
#archaeologybursary
A promotional graphic for Finds Fest 2026 bursaries. The text states that bursaries funded by Historic England and SLR are available for tickets and travel. It highlights a standard contribution of up to £75, with flexibility based on circumstances. It notes that non-members are welcome to apply. Contact information is provided as an email address: pots.imogen.wood@gmail.com.
March 6, 2026 at 4:14 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
🏺 The Ultimate Finds Fest Roadmap is HERE!

From expert insights to hands-on handling, the full schedule for Finds Fest 2026 is officially live.

🎟️ Book your spot now via tinyurl.com/FindsFest

#FindsFest2026
#Archaeology
#MaterialCulture
#HistoricEngland
#CIfA
#SpecialistTraining
A clean, professional agenda for the morning of Finds Fest. At the top, the title reads "Finds Fest Morning Agenda." The timeline includes: 9:30 Registration, refreshments, and icebreaker activity; 10:00 Welcome and Introduction; 10:15 A session on Historic England’s Archaeology Mentoring Partnerships; 10:40 "First Aid for Finds" talk; 11:15 A Keynote session featuring a structured interview with a panel of finds practitioners; and 12:30 Lunch (included). The CIfA, SLR, and Historic England logos are at the bottom. A clean, professional agenda for the afternoon of Finds Fest. At the top, the title reads "Finds Fest Afternoon Agenda." The afternoon schedule is presented in a pink and white table. From 1:15 to 4:00 PM, the session includes an introduction, four 30-minute themed discussion topics, an AMP Peer Session, poster displays, "Thoughts on FAFF" (First Aid For Finds), and a marketplace where attendees can meet specialists. A break is scheduled at 2:45 PM. The day concludes at 4:00 PM with closing remarks and the announcement of poster competition winners, with the event closing at 4:15 PM. The CIfA, SLR, and Historic England logos are at the bottom.
March 5, 2026 at 8:10 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
🏺 CALL FOR POSTER ABSTRACTS | Finds Fest 2026
Are you an Early Career Archaeologist with a story to tell? We want to see your work in the spotlight!
For more information go to: tinyurl.com/FindsFest
A poster calling for abstracts for a poster competition to be held at Finds Fest. The poster has a picture of finds with the text that says, "Finds Fest, Poster Competition, Call for Abstracts, Who can enter? Early career archaeologists. Why? Showcase new discoveries, innovative research, and cutting-edge methodologies in a friendly and diverse audience. How? Send your title and abstract (100 words max) to groups@archaeologists.net by 9 March 2026. See the Finds Fest event page for more info! Proposals will be reviewed by the Finds Group committee. Authors of accepted posters will receive confirmation and guidelines by 13 March! WIN CPD VOUCHERS!! Prizes kindly sponsored by SLR and Historic England".
March 3, 2026 at 2:19 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
Calling all Finds enthusiasts! 🦴⚒️
Join us for Finds Fest at M Shed, Bristol. A full day of expert insights, networking, and most importantly, hands-on finds handling sessions.
Presented by CIfA Finds Group, Historic England, and SLR.
Registration now open: www.archaeologists.net/civicrm/even...
May be a graphic of text that says "CIfA Finds Group FINDS FEST 25 March, 2026, MShed, Bristol. 9:30 AM -4:30 PM. Registration OPEN NOW. Early Career? Aspiring Specialist? Experienced Specialist? CONNECTING SPECIALISTS SUPPORTING CAREERS. Presentations, Thematic discussions, Career Journey Panel, Structured networking, Finds handling 'market stalls', Early careers poster competition. Event pricing Includes lunch and unlimited tea/coffee! •£50 CIfA member or Finds Group supporter •£65 non-member •£70 non-member* *(includes 12 months of Finds Group supporter membership worth £15!) Bursaries Available: Historic England and SLR.
February 19, 2026 at 3:24 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
Join us for the Member's Day ‘Engage with Groups’ session where Dr. Emily Johnson will be speaking about the Finds SIG!

Emily, the chair of Finds SIG, will share how her professional development has been enhanced through volunteering on a CIfA Group.
#volunteering
#cifafindsgroup
#cifa
May be an image of Emily Johnson with the text that says "CIfA Member's Day Exclusive online event for CIfA Members, 29 January 2026 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, CIfA Finds Group Chair 'Engage with groups', 3:20 PM. What you'll discover: Get a peek into the work of the Finds SIG. Check your members email for booking info Learn how you can share your work by speaking at our events. Find out how to reach out for consultations and wider dissemination of your work. Understand the key benefits of group membership. CIfA Chartered Institute Archaeologists"
January 27, 2026 at 9:10 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
We’re organizing the ultimate gathering for prospective and current finds specialists. A day full of insightful presentations, Q and A slots, and networking! There might even be some hands-on artefacts handling going on.

🗓️ SAVE THE DATE: 25 March 2026. Don't say we didn't warn you. Details soon!
A graphic with an image of artefact trays on the table with the text that says "FINDS FEST, 25 MARCH 2026, BRISTOL” SAVE THE DATE! More details coming soon! Bursaries Available. “Historic England, CIfA Finds Group, SLR"
January 22, 2026 at 4:13 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
Join us for the CIfA Finds Group AGM + Keynote Talk!
🗓️ 1 December | 🕐 13:00 - 14:00 | 💻 Online
🎙️ Peter Guest presents A LEGION OF FINDS.
🔗 www.archaeologists.net/civicrm/even...
#CIfAFindsGroup
#AGM2025
Graphic promoting the CIfA Finds Group AGM and keynote talk by Peter Guest on Roman military finds, taking place online on 1 December.
November 12, 2025 at 10:50 AM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
💛 Mark your calendars - this one’s for Phil 💛
Here is the final programme for the conference.
🔗 Full details & booking info available now - registration closes 10 September.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-life-on-...

Got a favourite memory of Phil? Share it below.
A graphic with a photo of 1 person sitting on the floor with ceramics and text that says "FINAL PROGRAMME A LIFE ON THE TILES A conference in memory of Dr Philip Mills Saturday, September 20th 2025 10:00 am Birmingham and Midland Institute 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham B3 3BS Contact: Contact.jeryrevanspot@gmail.com ATTENTION Please note registration in person closes on the 10th of September. Lecturers and participants are requested to wear their brightest colours to celebrate Phil's life and his love of Hawaiian shirts."
August 24, 2025 at 11:37 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
Wow, that's what we like to see on our feed. Well done Yara and Andy Agate.
northeastmuseums.bsky.social North East Museums @northeastmuseums.bsky.social · Aug 11
Imagine finding 9th century gold on your first archaeological dig!

With thanks to our Finds Liaison Officer, Andy, based at the Great North Museum: Hancock. We hope that this object can go on display at the museum in the future.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Northumberland dig students find 9th Century gold object
Newcastle University student Yara Souza, from Florida, says she is
www.bbc.co.uk
August 18, 2025 at 6:46 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
🚨 NEW & UPDATED! 🚨

🏛 In 2024, Historic England endorsed a proposal to enhance CIfA’s nationally recognised Toolkit for Finds Reporting: Roman Coinage. 1/2

Explore the Toolkit 👇
www.archaeologists.net/work/toolkit...

#romancoins
#cifafindsgroup
#findsrecording
#historicengland
May be an image of text that says "Toolkit for Finds Reporting: Roman Coinage, Nationally recognised guide for planning, commissioning, and reporting on Roman coins, Designed for all archaeological project types - surface collection, watching briefs, evaluations & excavations, Covers every stage of the project lifecycle - from initiation to publication, Features a comprehensive Roman Coin Recording Template, Includes a short introductory video, downloadable PDF guidance, and a detailed FAQ section, Explore the full resource on CIfA's official Toolkit page, CIfA Finds Group, CIfA Chartered Institute for Archaeologists" with an image of a Roman coin with copyrights symbol and name Peter Guest.
August 18, 2025 at 6:40 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
Beautiful finds!
petesavin.bsky.social Pete Savin @petesavin.bsky.social · Jul 1
Some nice window glass corners out from the trench and the plunge pool is slowly being revealed along with fallen wall plaster. What history will be excavated today #carlisle #archaeology #HadriansWall #diggingforbritain
July 1, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Reposted by CIfA Finds Group
antiquity.ac.uk
Archaeologists excavating a beautifully-preserved wooden mask at the pre-contact Nunalleq site, located just south of the Indigenous Yup'ik village of Quinhagak, Alaska. A new digital museum makes this important archaeology accessible.

Learn more 🆓 doi.org/10.15184/aqy...

Exhibition: nunalleq.org
Two people lifting a wooden mask from the ground.
July 1, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Reposted by CIfA Finds Group
drnwillburger.bsky.social
Fashionable some 6,000 years ago: a stunning Neolithic three-row necklace from Sachsenheim, dating to around 4,000 BC. This remarkable piece, which comprises more than 500 limestone and jet beads, is a witness to both craftsmanship and style.

📷 Landesmuseum Württemberg

#Archaeology 🏺
A three-row necklace made up of over 500 beads, primarily crafted from limestone and jet, arranged in a horseshoe shape against a black background. The beads are irregularly shaped and strung closely together.
June 26, 2025 at 2:23 PM
cifa-finds.bsky.social
Check this out: firstaidforfinds.org

This rebranded website is a Cardiff University project, developed in partnership with @rescue-archaeology.bsky.social and Icon. The site now hosts the fourth edition of the trusted guide. 1/2

#firstaidforfinds
#cifafindsgroup
#conservation
#finds
Photo shared by CIfA Finds on June 26, 2025 tagging @cardiffuni, and @conservators_uk. A graphic with text that says "FIRST AID for FINDS: Rebranded Website! Free and accessible, Comprehensive, and Links to additional resources. It has the logos of CARDIFF UNIVERSITY, RESCUE - The British Archaeological Trust, and Icon: THE INSTITUTE OF CONSERVATION”.
June 26, 2025 at 3:30 PM