MAIRI KASEORG

Founder of SÕBA, archaeologist, project manager and lecturer

You can find me in a lecture hall or at a workshop, often in an archive, my office, or even the lab, but most frequently out in the field.

I work at the University of Tartu, at Merepesa OÜ, and serve on the board of the Estonian Association of Archaeologists.

Alongside all this, I love to travel — it brings me joy to see how different communities honor their culture and find creative ways to make it visible. Years of fieldwork across Estonia have confirmed that our own roots deserve the same vibrant visibility. That’s how SÕBA was born — to give locals and visitors alike a way to proudly wear and share Estonian culture.

Mairi Kaseorg - SÕBA looja
Foto Mihkel Maripuu
Mairi Kaseorg - SÕBA looja
Foto SA OSILIANA
My work

An overview of my key focus areas

Archaeology is both my work and passion. I am active in research, teaching, and fieldwork, and I am involved in several exciting projects. Below, you’ll find an overview of my main areas of activity — from archaeological fieldwork and research projects to lectures and workshops.

I carry out various archaeological fieldwork projects through both the University of Tartu and Merepesa OÜ. You can invite me to conduct preliminary studies, archaeological monitoring, and other research projects.

My home bases are in Tartu county and Saaremaa, but I am happy to work anywhere in Estonia.

I am currently contributing in the research group Archemy, where I coordinate our activities from project planning and budgeting to team and partnership coordination. You can read more about our projects and activities here: ARCHEMY.

I wrote my master’s thesis on an interdisciplinary topic, focusing on the preservation of ancient DNA in archaeological contexts. Ancient DNA helps answer questions that artefact studies often cannot — such as origins, kinship, potential pathogens, and much more.

Today, my research has shifted toward ceramic studies. Pottery is one of the most significant find types in archaeology, as it has survived from nearly every period and thus reflects key aspects of cultural development.

In my research, I mainly focus on Saaremaa and Western Estonia, with a particular interest in the Pre-Roman Iron Age (ca. 500 BC – AD 50). This period marks a turning point in both Estonian and broader Eastern European archaeology and is closely tied to the formation of our Finno-Ugric ancestors.

You can learn more about my publications and research activities here: Mairi Kaseorg | CV.

Lectures at the University of Tartu
At the moment, I teach two courses: “Basics of Scientific Research” and “Archaeology for Non-Archaeologists”.
More detailed information can be found in the University information system: ÕIS II.

Historical Ceramics Workshop
Together with my colleague Agnes Unt from the University and the team from the Estonian National Museum, we created a workshop where participants experiment with making ceramics from Estonian clay using historical techniques. Currently, the workshop is open to University of Tartu students, but the goal is to offer similar sessions to the wider public in the near future!

Archaeology Beyond Academia
I have introduced archaeology in many different contexts and to a wide range of audiences. Most often in schools and youth events, but also elsewhere wherever there’s interest.

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