‘Chaîne Opératoire’: Exploring Ceramic Production (Advanced Training in Archaeology), Hybrid, Jan-Feb 2026

SEAMEO Regional Centre for Archaeology and Fine Arts (SEAMEO SPAFA), in collaboration with:

• The Fine Arts Department, Thailand (TBC)
• Silpakorn University (TBC)

This advanced training in ceramic archaeology aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. To enhance participants’ theoretical understanding of ceramic production analysis;
2. To develop practical skills in advanced ceramic analysis techniques;
3. To build regional capacity in ceramic research; and
4. To establish a network of ceramic specialists in Southeast Asia, positioning SEAMEO SPAFA as a hub for archaeological innovation.

The course consists of a four-day online course (Click HERE for tentative online course schedule) followed by a six-day site-based workshop. The online session will cover theoretical knowledge on chaîne opératoire and its application to ceramic studies. The on-site workshop will focus on applying knowledge gained through hands-on activities in both classroom and field settings. 

The maximum number of participants will be limited to 25 people. Priority will be given to applicants from SEAMEO member states (see https://www.seameo.org/Main_about/415), though applicants from non-SEAMEO member states are also welcome. 

Participants should: 

1. preferably be practicing field archaeologists from Southeast Asia. Preference for trainees who have basic knowledge in (Southeast Asia) ceramics; OR 
2. graduate students with advanced field archaeology experience who will be working with ceramics in the near future; AND
3. have English proficiency to allow discussion, exchanges and presentations;
4. attend the entire training programme (both online and onsite);
5. be in good health and be able to attend the full duration of the training programme;
6. submit all required documents by stated deadlines; and
7. be able to maintain engagement with the organiser after completing the programme.

Estimated Self-Paid Cost*: USD 750

(*Please note that this is the estimated cost for non-scholarship participants. Participants will be notified of confirmed cost upon confirmation)

The course fee covers local transportation (as applicable), accommodation (07 nights, twin sharing), lunch and refreshments (07 days), and site visits. Participants will be responsible for their round-trip travel costs to and from Bangkok.

Participants are strongly encouraged to seek financial support from sources such as governmental institutions, employers and funding agencies. They should also notify SEAMEO SPAFA of any funding(s) already secured or currently being applied for.

Please note that SEAMEO SPAFA will offer a scholarship to one participant from each SEAMEO member country (see https://www.seameo.org/Main_about/415) covering the course fee and travel costs.

Please fill out the application form from the following link. If you are applying for the onsite workshop, ensure all required documents are attached. Please note that all documentation must be in English. Online participants are not required to submit the documents but should complete the application form at the aforementioned link. 

1. Portrait photo (Formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, TIF, TIFF. File size limit: 3 MB)

2. Professional curriculum vitae (Formats: PDF, DOC, DOCX. File size limit: 5 MB)

3. Professional/ Academic Benefit (no more than 100 words)

• Please answer the following question: how do you expect this workshop to benefit your professional or academic work?

4. Ceramic Description Exercise (no more than 150 words)

• • This required exercise helps us to understand your individual perspective and approach to material culture. There are no right or wrong answers.

• Please describe the provided ceramic vessel. You may wish to consider its form/ decoration/ manufacturing technique/ cultural significance

5. Endorsement Letter (Optional). Official Endorsement is preferred for applicants from governmental organisations. (Formats: PDF, DOC, DOCX, JPG, JPEG, PNG, TIF, TIFF. File size limit: 5 MB)

• If you are applying as an independent participant, you are still welcome to submit your application without an endorsement letter. However, if you happen to have a recommendation or endorsement from a relevant organisation or government body, you are encouraged to attach it as part of your application.

For further information regarding the course, please contact Ms Melody Tan, SEAMEO SPAFA Researcher and/or Mr Saw Tun Lin, SEAMEO SPAFA Consultant via archaeology@seameo-spafa.org.

Application Deadline

Applications should reach SEAMEO SPAFA by 30 November 2025. Only successful applicants will be notified by 05 December 2025.