Development of Contract Archaeology in Southern Africa

Contract archaeology (CA) is a relatively new concept in world archaeology. It first became prominent in the United States five decades ago and in southern Africa four decades ago. Many archaeologists in the region are employed as contract archaeologists. CA has contributed significantly to the development of archaeological methods and techniques and, to a lesser extent, theory. The development of CA in southern Africa experienced an important transition five decades ago. Despite the progression of CA in the region, the quality and standards of reports are major problems. CA structures have to be developed in order to protect cultural heritage from destructive projects. The elaboration of a relevant and active CA program that engages stakeholders is also vital. The future of CA depends on several factors, including strong legislative frameworks and policies that make pre-development studies mandatory, funding of projects, public consultations, and protection of cultural resources. In addition to implementing several cultural heritage structures, the “polluter pays” principle should be reinforced to safeguard southern African cultural heritage. It is important to develop CA statutes that move beyond archaeological studies, pay attention to heritage, and stress intangible heritage.

The Disputed Responsibility for the Cultural Heritage: The Kvarnbacken Case

This article deals with the conflict about the responsibility for costs in connection with contract archaeology. Today, according to Swedish legislation, whoever wants to disturb, move, or destroy an antiquity must pay for the archaeological excavation. The starting point for the article is an empirical case from the province of Östergötland to which an actor perspective is applied. The case is also placed in a context to do with tendencies towards change and the discussion in recent years concerning the cultural heritage and national memory policy. By showing features of continuity and discontinuity in cultural heritage management the author seeks to reveal and reflect on the dilemmas surrounding the legislation, which dates back to the 1940s and is questioned by many.

Participate in a Broader Sense? Thoughts on Swedish Contract Archaeology and Approaches to the Public in the Light of the Excavations in Motala 1999–2013

Whether and, if so, how archaeology can create meaning and value in society is a long and ongoing debate. Due to a rewriting of the Swedish law on cultural heritage, and the rhetoric of the national authorities stressing society’s extended expecta­ tions of the practice, the topic is more current than ever for Swedish contract archaeology. In a case study this paper addresses the subject from a local perspective, focusing on the use of archaeology and approaches to the public. It is argued that contract archaeology has better potential to fulfil its pub­ lic assignment than is utilized today, but will need to upgrade its self­image and embrace more varied approaches to the public.

“But How Do You Go About It?”: Mobilization Processes in Partnership Building Concerning the Public Face of Contract Archaeology

Partnership and dialogue are central concepts in na- tional heritage management. This article problema- tizes the concepts on the basis of a theme project con- ducted in a high school, where the aim has been to give the pupils insight into history-making processes. The school project was carried out as part of the public activity in a major contract archaeology project. The text has a self-reflexive perspective, analysing mobili- zation processes in connection with the establishment and implementation of the theme project. The article shows the pragmatic attitude of the institutional ac- tors to different educational ideals, with partnership as an instrument on its own in terms of market as- pects. This raises ethical questions about the pupils and the conditions for the desired partnership.

A Turn Towards the Digital. An Overview of Swedish Heritage Information Management Today

Heritage management in Sweden has undergone a substantial transformation in recent decades. The process of monitoring and managing heritage information has become increasingly digital, relying on interconnected systems to monitor registered archaeological remains to manage investigations and contract archaeology excavations. This also has to work together with the digital systems of the County Administrative Boards that administer all permissions for excavations. Current developments deal with archiving and dissemination of reports, and documentation from fieldwork. Documentation of archaeological excavations has predominantly been digital for the past 20 years, which brings both possibilities and challenges in making sure the information will adhere to the FAIR Principles. This article outlines some of these developments and exemplifies the possibilities of reusing legacy data through the Urdar project.