Archivieren und Aussondern von archäologischen Funden in der denkmalpflegerischen Praxis am Beispiel der Provinz Gelderland (Niederlande)

Abstract

In 2007 the Malta Treaty was integrated in the Dutch laws on the protection and preservation of monuments and buildings. As a result of this legislation the Dutch excavation sector is largely privatised and excavations are carried out by specialised contractors. The county in which an excavation-site is located is owner of the archaeological finds and documentation and obliged to keep an (archaeological) depot in which finds and documentation are stored (for future reference). The excavation firms have to hand in the archaeological material and documentation after analysis and interpretation. In the county Gelderland the depot is located in the Museum Het Valkhof in Nijmegen. The introduction of the new Malta Treaty has led to an increase in archaeological excavations, which resulted in an acute shortage of storage space. According to the rule, that finds, which are delivered at the depot will not be refused, the selection has to take place before the transfer of the material into the depot. The goal is to reduce the quantity of excavated material to an acceptable minimum, which should still allow a new evaluation of the site if necessary. The criteria for the selection process are laid down in the so-called Kwaliteitsnorm Nederlandse Archeologie (KNA). The county, being the owner of the finds, is taking part in this process. Before the transfer, the finds must be (digitally) described, preserved and adequately packed for storage, so that the material is evaluated and accessible. In practice, this system works well, but for the definition of the selection criteria and the handling of the de-selected finds further elaboration is required. (Translation: M. Magnée-Nentjes)