Where Art and Archaeology Converge

About me

My name is Laetitia — Elaïa is my nickname, which means "swallow" in Basque, a nod to my roots in the Basque Country. My actual surname is harder to pronounce, but it fittingly means "one who travels the world."

I hold a Master's degree in Archaeology and spent over a decade working in the field, across the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and North America. Along the way, my passion for drawing took over — I trained myself, learning directly alongside archaeologists on excavation sites, and gradually turned scientific illustration into my main craft.

This detailed pointillism illustration depicts a swallow in mid-flight. Created using precise dotwork techniques, the drawing captures the elegance and grace of the bird. Perfect for art enthusiasts and bird lovers.

Laetitia Munduteguy with blonde hair and sunglasses sitting at a table, looking at a rocky mountain landscape with trees, coffee, a camera, and a small plant on the table in Corsica.

A Journey Rooted in Adventure

Fieldwork rarely goes as planned — and that's part of what I love about it. Over the years, it has brought me face to face with a bear, a flight over the North Pole, a night watching the northern lights, an invitation to a traditional Tajik wedding, and a swim in bioluminescent waters. These moments, as much as the archaeological sites themselves, have shaped how I see the world — and how I draw it.

A travel backpack, hat, globe, and small shovel for digging. The backpack has multiple pockets and is depicted in black and white.

This image showcases a Tajik bride in traditional wedding attire, featuring intricate embroidery, vibrant colors, and ornate accessories. The elaborate costume reflects Tajik cultural heritage and is a stunning example of Central Asian craftsmanship.

Colorful market scene in Cameroon, depicting daily life and the lively atmosphere of a traditional market.

Captured in Qatar, this touching image shows a young girl in modern clothing and a Union Jack hat holding her father's hand, who wears traditional Middle Eastern attire. A beautiful blend of cultures and familial bonds.

A stunning bioluminescent beach illuminated by glowing waves under a starry night sky. This mesmerizing natural phenomenon creates a magical, otherworldly atmosphere. Keywords: bioluminescent beach, glowing waves, starry night, natural phenomenon, ma

Picture of Laetitia in Alaska on a seaplane, Bettles Arctic Circle

A serene image of a mother grizzly bear and her cubs wading in the clear waters of an Alaskan lake, surrounded by lush forests and misty mountains. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

This intimate portrait captures two young boys in traditional attire from the Sultanate of Oman. The older boy cradles his younger sibling, reflecting the deep familial bonds and rich cultural heritage of Oman. Keywords: Omani culture, traditional at

A captivating close-up portrait of a Tuareg man dressed in traditional blue attire with a wrapped indigo turban. This image highlights the cultural heritage and distinctive attire of the Tuareg people from Algeria.

Captured in Yukon, this striking image showcases the majestic bison roaming freely against a backdrop of lush forests and clear blue skies. Perfectly illustrating the wild beauty of Yukon wildlife.

A passion for drawing

Detailed black and white drawing of a pencil holder with brushes and pens, perfect for art enthusiasts and creators.

I was captivated by drawing from an early age. At nine, I took my first lessons in the old city center of Bayonne — I still remember the scent of tea and oil pastels, the creaking wooden floor, and the jazz music my teacher played in the background. Even then, I dreamed of having a light-filled artist's studio somewhere in the heights of Paris.

Featuring a stunning array of vibrant colors in an ornate case

Combining Archaeology and Art

I initially pursued a career in archaeology, but my love of drawing gradually led me toward scientific illustration. My work involves the meticulous documentation of artifacts — pottery, flint tools, and objects from archaeological sites, primarily in the Near East. It is a lesser-known discipline, one that demands precision, patience, and a genuine understanding of the material being drawn.