****Greetings from Balk: update on the Wyldemerck archaeology project
In 2022 Museum Maluku was approached by Moluks Erfgoed, two Dutch archaeologists researching the Moluccan presence in the Netherlands. Traces of habitation had been discovered in the woods near Balk in Friesland, of the former Islamic Moluccan camp Wyldemerck. In consultation with former residents, their children, grandchildren and neighbours, the archaeologists wanted to carry out further research into the camp. Museum Maluku, in the person of Head of Collections Huib Akihary, became closely involved in the project. He shares the latest developments.
The community in action "Together with Moluks Erfgoed, the Dutch Forestry Commission and the Moluccan communities of Waalwijk and Ridderkerk, we took up the remarkable Wyldemerck archaeology project in 2022. The Moluccan communities of Waalwijk and Ridderkerk, the places where former Wyldemerck residents mainly live, came to Museum Maluku every Saturday for a year in preparation, to be equipped to research their own history themselves. Together we dived into the archives and discussed what matters most to them in this project. On that basis we refined the research."
Remarkable finds "We then went to the former camp Wyldemerck twice together to see what is left of it. With the help of the Forestry Commission, maps and measurements by Moluks Erfgoed, we were able to locate important places such as the mosque and the minaret. These finds are enormously important – the mosque was after all the second mosque in the Netherlands and the minaret even the first. Together with the archaeologists, the former residents managed to find the exact location of the minaret. The important role that former residents, their children and grandchildren play in this project is quite exceptional. They set the course, with support from the archaeologists, the Forestry Commission and us."
The Grand Prize for Dutch Public Archaeology "Because of the intense involvement of the community, the remarkable project attracted a great deal of attention in archaeological circles in the Netherlands. So much so that we were nominated for the Grand Prize for Dutch Public Archaeology, which we then went on to win. The massive support from the Moluccan communities was overwhelming. It gave such a boost that we even drew the attention of the House of Representatives as an example of community participation in heritage preservation."
Paths of memory "The project is still in full swing. A month ago we went back to the Wyldemerck to restore the old footpaths in the woods together with the Forestry Commission. Using maps, the Forestry Commission placed marker posts along which we pruned and cut. The Forestry Commission then removed large trees and shrubs with heavy machinery to clear the paths completely. The intention is that the old footpaths will be walkable again in future. The outlines of the barracks will probably be made visible with posts in the ground, so that you can see exactly where the houses, the mosque and the minaret stood. Through QR codes people will be able to discover the full story and view old photographs and films."
