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Archaeology... for the Ladies

I was browsing a European archaeology supply website this morning, seeing if there's anything I need to order before my spring osteology courses, and came across the Battifero Women's Archaeology Trowel for £13.99.

Think about that: a trowel just for me!  Who knew that after nearly 20 years doing archaeology, I had been using the wrong kind of tool this entire time.

I am unfortunately too far gone with pregnancy brain at this point (27 days!) to put together a coherent, snarky post that draws together themes of feminist archaeology ("What this awl means" anyone?) and the pinkification of, well, everything from hammers to Bic pens (the latter has a fantastically sarcastic review section, if you've never read it).  So I'll just leave you with a meme and suggest that you get your snark on in the comments section.


Comments

Icelandic puffin said…
Having used WHS trowels for years, I switched to this trowel two years ago. Not because I'm a fluffy female who likes wearing pink ribbons and stroking kittens, but because I appreciate having a trowel with a thinner handle that means I don't get quite blisters from using it. The whole point of tools like this is to allow us to investigate our field on our own terms rather than have to fit in with age-old conventions which prevent women from doing their best work. Rather than criticising advances such as these, maybe we should be embracing them.
01 October, 2013 06:32
Kristina Killgrove said…
It's totally cool that WHS has put out two different styles of archaeological trowel. What I have a problem with is their labelling it "for women" (rather than, say, "slim-handled trowel" or "small-grip trowel") and with their pricing (the "women's" trowel is more expensive than the default/men's trowel). Those two things add up to needless sexism.
01 October, 2013 10:50
Unknown said…
Does this trowel also double as a kitchen utensil? Because then I would really be sold.
05 June, 2014 19:30
RobinBirrrd said…
All trowels double as a spatula to flip pancakes or french toast AND to spread frosting on cakes and cupcakes. Also cream cheese on bagels.
14 October, 2014 21:38
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