Michael Lever
Current position
Senior Archaeologist at Lantern Heritage
Where did you study?
University of Sydney, McGill University (Canada), La Trobe University, Melbourne University and back to Sydney
How did you become interested in archaeology?
I had grown up reading history as literal, and accepting the biblical narrative as such too. On first reading quasi academic archaeology out of interest, I was surprised to find that archaeology often challenged these records. My interest now in archaeology is that it can be an ethical endeavour and represent a way to assist Aboriginal people regain control and practical Sovereignty over Country. I am now far more interested in ideas and people than in things.
What archaeological projects are you working on at the moment?
I think the term is 'Commercial in Confidence' for all of them.
Having completed my PhD a couple of years ago (see link below), I hope to get back to research and publishing. I also speak anywhere they will have me.
Tell us about one of your most interesting archaeological discoveries
In 2005 I was studying at McGill University in Canada. With trepidation I approached the door of Professor Bruce Trigger - renowned historian and theorist of archaeology. He had a weekly 1.5 hours allocated for student visits. I discovered that no students ever made use of this time, and further discovered that the poor guy was happy to chat theory to me for that time every week, for the entire semester.
Tell us about a funny / disastrous / amazing experience that you have had while doing archaeology
I was excavating in Little Lonsdale Street in Melbourne in a site that had at least five cesspits. As a basic safety measure, all cesspits were to be covered when not in active excavation. As was their wont, senior Heritage Victoria personnel turned up for a flash inspection when the site director was away. Being next senior on site I provided them with a tour, very excited at all the amazing features we had found. I walked backwards through the site yapping to them, and fell straight into a cesspit that had been left uncovered ... Glorious.
What’s your favourite part of being an archaeologist?
Being challenged by reading Aboriginal authors, and contact with Community, to deeply think about why the heritage status quo is as it is, why we practice as we do, whether these practices are justifiable and ethical, and if not, how I can challenge them from within the system.
I think archaeologists from diverse and minority ethnic backgrounds often have a unique opportunity to understand the lived experience as an 'other', which characterises Aboriginal life. I have found that sharing my own culture with Community has often resulted in deepened mutual exchange (picture shows me providing Jewish dance lessons to Aboriginal community in Corner Country).
Follow up reading