Field Archaeology

The Heritage Section

The heritage section at the Universitymuseum are responsible for conducting large and small archaeological excavations within the museum district of western Norway (Hordaland, Sogn & Fjordane and Sunnmøre).

All heritage monuments and finds older than 1537 are protected by law in Norway.

The heritage section is responsible for administrative procedure of and managing the archaeological excavations in this area of Norway. The section is also advisor for the national Directorate for Cultural  Heritage department (Riksantikvaren), the County Council and other heritage instances.

The Universitymuseum gives assessment on heritage monument’s and find’s source value, based on scientific criteria and the current research status. The historic and archaeological sources are preserved through professional excavation and documentation.
Excavations are usually conducted when private or public development projects comes in conflict with areas with finds and structures from pre 1537.

The heritage section is also responsible for documentation, preserving and securing rock art, research and educational tasks and method development within the area of field archaeology.