Chantier-Ethique: A Label to Reduce Discrimination on Archaeological Digs

Isabelle Algrain1, Laura Mary2, Béline Pasquini 3 and Ségolène Vandevelde4

1
Université libre de Bruxelles, Centre de recherches en Archéologie et Patrimoine
2Asbl Recherches et Prospections archéologiques (Belgique, Wallonie)
3Université Paris 1 Panthéon–Sorbonne
4Université du Québec à Chicoutimi et Université de Sherbrooke


Archaeological excavations are conducive to the development of systemic discrimination, such as sexism, homophobia, ableism and racism. As most of us are already aware, the work—which is often physically demanding—is usually done in groups over several weeks (or even months) in a ‘timeless’ environment. Several studies in recent years have highlighted the extent of discrimination on digs (e.g., Coltofean-Arizancu et al., 2023 with a bibliography of previous studies). The Chantier-Ethique (lit. ‘ethical excavation’) label, developed by the Paye ta Truelle Collective and the Archéo-Ethique Association aims to help site managers reduce discrimination on their archaeological digs.

How does it work?

The principle of the label is simple: it offers site managers a code of conduct to be signed by everyone working on the site, regardless of the duration of their stay or their hierarchical level. This code comes with a short manual, a tool primarily intended for the site manager which provides a step-by-step guide for handling reports of problematic behavior. When a person is not trained to deal with discrimination, they may make mistakes even with the best of intentions (minimizing incidents or confronting the potential victim with the aggressor are among the most common errors). In addition to the code, this manual should also be read and understood by everyone participating in the excavation. From the moment of application for participating in an excavation, diggers are then aware that site management is vigilant with regards to this topic. The code and manual are available at this address in French, English, and Spanish (the English translation of the manual is currently in progress). To join the program, one must complete a short form and send it to the association before the start of archaeological work.

Is it really effective?

The effectiveness of the Chantier-Ethique label relies entirely on the goodwill and commitment of the site manager. The initial premise is that a person who voluntarily chooses to adopt it is genuinely aiming to improve working conditions on their site. Since it was launched in 2019, several dozen sites have chosen to adhere to the movement. Thus far in 2024, there are 23 participating digs (primarily in France and Belgium but also in a few non-French-speaking countries, such as Cyprus and the United States).

Over the past few years, some site managers have asked excavators fill out anonymous evaluation forms about the code. The responses indicate that the perception of the initiative is generally positive. However, criticisms have emerged, mainly concerning the effectiveness of a label that lacks both control mechanisms and enforcement capabilities.

Several problematic digs have been reported to the association since the creation of the code. In all cases, these were excavations that had falsely claimed the label: they used the logo in their communications and pretended to be members, but they had never officially applied for membership with the Archéo-Ethique Association. In all these cases, the site managers were contacted, urged to stop using the Chantier-Ethique logo and encouraged to seek training on discrimination issues.

On the part of the Paye Ta Truelle Collective and the Archéo-Ethique Association, a procedure has also been established for cases in which an actually certified site is reported for not adhering to the spirit of the code. In such cases, managers and supervisors will be required to undergo training on discrimination. If they refuse, the label will be revoked. Efforts are currently underway to further improve the initiative, including provisions for site managers to indicate who is designated as discrimination officers, whether it is a first-time certification or a renewal and whether accessible toilets will be available during the excavation.

The list of certified sites is available on the association's website. Do not hesitate to join or to implement a similar initiative on your own dig!

Bibliography

Coltofean-Arizancu, L., Gaydarska, B., Plutniak, S., Mary, L., Hlad, M., Algrain, I., Pasquini, B., Vandevelde, S., Stamataki, E., Janežič, P., Wouters, B., Sengeløv, A., 2023. Harassment, assault, bullying and intimidation (HABI) in archaeology: a Europe-wide survey. Antiquity. 1–19.

 Go back to top