Preserving Stories Carved in Time

NIKU — NORSK INSTITUTT FOR KULTURMINNEFORSKNING NIKU (Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research) is a leading independent organization dedicated to preserving cultural heritage in Norway and interna tionally. Through innovative, tech-driven approaches, NIKU supports research and conservation efforts addressing complex, contemporary issues. The Likneset Project, led by NIKU in Svalbard, investigates how climate change impacts vulnerable archaeological sites. Likneset, Svalbard’s largest burial site with over 200 graves of whalers from the 1600s and 1700s, faces increased risks due to climate driven erosion. The project, led by Lise Loktu and osteo logist Elin T. Brødholt , compares skeletal remains excavated in the 1980s with recent finds, aiming to detect signs of accelerated degradation linked to recent climate shifts. This research provides crucial insights into the effects of climate change on Arctic cultural heritage. The preservation of this delicate material, however, demands highly resilient, long term storage solutions, capable of with standing Svalbard’s extreme conditions and safeguarding this data against future uncertainties. THE LIKNESET PROJECT AND ITS PURPOSE

FINDING A RELIABLE SHIELD With AWA’s future-proof preservation capabilities, NIKU’s critical data will be safeguarded from data loss and environmental risks. In phase one of the Likneset Project, NIKU will deposit digital datasets and records onto piql Film, a robust storage medium known for its resistance to extreme conditions, at an upcoming AWA event. This part nership not only protects NIKU’s data but emphasizes sustainable heritage preservation in fragile environments like Svalbard. NIKU chose AWA for its long-term preservation in challenging climates. PiqlFilm ensures data integrity without the weaknesses of typical digital storage, aligning with NIKU’s goal of sustainable cultural heritage management. ANTICIPATED OUTCOME This partnership underscores the need for secure, lasting preservation to study climate change’s impact on cultural heritage. Through the Likneset Project, NIKU both documents climate-driven degradation and highlights proactive preservation measures, securing vital knowledge for future generations. This partnership exemplifies the powerful intersection of science, culture, and sustainability.

Photo: Espen Olsen / Lise Loktu

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