Leaving a Legacy

In this episode of EXARC Showcase John Kiernan shares with host Jess Shaw his wide range of experience, knowledge and interests, hopscotching across various engaging topics. He shares how he became an experimental archaeologist, explores the differences between experimental and experiential archaeology, his reason for starting The EXARC Experimental Archaeology Award, the pros and cons of re-enactment and how failure is a good thing.

John is an independent researcher with a particular specialisation in flintknapping, inspired by his early encounters with projectile points on the High Plains of Eastern Colorado. In 2018 he did a Master’s Degree in Experimental Archaeology at the University of Exeter. His dissertation was on “Exploring the Combative Efficacy of Neolithic Flint Beaker Daggers of the British Isles”. John’s interest spans Bronze Age Europe/Scandinavia through to Viking Age metalworking, particularly single edged swords of Norway’s Viking age.