CETARCH investigates the archaeological evidence of human–cetacean relationships through an interdisciplinary framework combining archaeological collections, material culture studies, biodiversity research, digital documentation, and environmental perspectives. By integrating multiple lines of evidence, the project explores how cetaceans shaped past coastal societies and how archaeological data contribute to broader discussions of marine environments and long-term human–environment interactions.
Collections, Archives & Archaeological Contexts
Investigation of archaeological sites, museum collections, excavation archives, and historical sources relating to cetacean exploitation and coastal lifeways in Iceland, Norway, and the wider North Atlantic.
Whale-Bone Materials & Biomolecular Research
Analysis of whale-bone artefacts and cetacean remains through zooarchaeological, technological, and biomolecular methods, including ZooMS, osteological identification, radiocarbon dating, and manufacturing-trace analysis.
Digital Archaeology & Data Integration
Application of relational databases, quantiative and multivariate analytical approaches, GIS, photogrammetry, 3D modelling, and digital recording methods to document archaeological materials and integrate data from collections, archives, laboratory analyses, and environmental datasets.
Human–Cetacean Relationships, Heritage & Outreach
Exploration of long-term interactions between humans and cetaceans through the integration of archaeological, historical, environmental, and biodiversity data, contributing to broader discussions of marine ecosystems, heritage, and environmental change.