In this episode, Dr. Katie Tucker (The Solomonic-Zagwe Encounters Project) takes us through her multitudes of osteoarchaeological research experiences, beginning with The SolZag Project that centers upon the interactions between the Zagwe Kingdom (900 - 1270) and the Solomonic Dynasty (1270 - 1974).

For Katie's work at the Gännätä Maryam Rock Church and the Washa Mikael Rock Hewn Church, near Lalibela, what interesting environmental and historical aspects characterize these medieval-period sites? What do we know so far about the human skeletons found at Gännätä Maryam, and what questions still remain to be answered regarding the human burials found there? What is the history of bioarchaeology as a field in Ethiopia? How does Katie hope to make her work activities more inclusive, and how does she acknowledge the contributions of Ethiopian archaeologists, particularly in a predominantly white discipline? In what ways will Katie and her colleagues be hoping to improve training provision in local bioarchaeology?

We also talk about her earlier education, and her PhD project about the osteology of human decapitation at the University of Winchester. Katie also has extensive experience teaching osteoarchaeology for the Transylvania Bioarchaeology as a site director, and as a researcher of skeletal lesions indicative of leprosy. What does she see as one of the biggest challenges facing researchers in bioarchaeology today?

You can find more information in the show notes under the episode on our website.

You may find Katie on Twitter or the SolZag Project if you have any questions or feedback. You can find a video about the project in Ethiopia after registering for the DigNation Festival, organized by DigVentures.

You can find Michael on Twitter and Instagram too.

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