Why archaeologists and artists are digging through our modern and ancient trash piles
In short: We usually treat garbage as something that vanishes once it hits the curb. This episode explores how archaeologists and artists uncover the hidden stories within our waste, from ancient excavation sites in Turkmenistan to the modern infrastructure of landfill management.
By examining the remnants of daily life, experts can reconstruct histories that are often discarded. The episode features an archaeologist who studies ancient rubbish in Turkmenistan, demonstrating that what we throw away serves as a primary record of human activity. This perspective shifts trash from being a mere nuisance to a vital historical archive.
The conversation also highlights the contemporary side of waste management through the work of an artist focused on the individuals who ensure our refuse disappears. By spotlighting these essential workers, the episode bridges the gap between ancient archaeological practices and modern urban sanitation systems.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Trash: The Archaeology of Rubbish | Immaterial | Season 2, Episode 6 #podcast
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