Logo
The logo of the Forum comprises a DNA molecule together with a half-sectioned
pot, representing science and archaeology respectively, and the interplay
between them. Together, the images hint at the title letters SF as in
Science & Archaeology Forum.
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DNA
The DNA molecule was selected as representing some of the most
significant, and potentially controversial, advances in modern
science. The image is taken from the famous Watson & Crick
1953 Nature paper.
It was also chosen because the Cambridge house of the late
Francis Crick, marked by a golden helix above its door,
is situated just a few doors away from our central
Cambridge premises.
Crick stirred debate throughout his life, and later worked on
controversial subjects such as panspermia (life on Earth seeded
from space), and human consciousness.
We have a collection of books in memory of Crick, & we hope
to produce a short film for passing visitors.
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Pot
The pot was chosen because pottery is a classic manifestation
of material culture in archaeology, and because it is so vital
for dating. The exterior half-section reflects drawings used in the
archaeological literature.
The pot chosen is of the Abercrombie Type 'C' style, from a
probable barrow at Ramsey St Mary's, Cambridgeshire, and was made
by the 'Beaker People', characterised by their burial of the dead
with a 'beaker'. It dates to the start of the Neolithic - Early
Bronze Age transition, at about 2000 BC.
Not only is the pot local, but it also represents the challenge
of determining whether it is people or culture that has migrated
at the start of a new archaeological period.
The original is now in Peterborough Museum.
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