Archaeological research at Wyldemerck
After earlier field inspections, the moment had finally come: on Sunday 25 September the former Moluccan residents of the Wyldemerck camp were able to carry out archaeological research into their former home themselves. Guided by archaeologists from Moluks Erfgoed and the University of Groningen, they excavated in 4 places. Museum Maluku was present as a partner in the project: curator Huib Akihary reports briefly.
Former residents & archaeologists at work
Last weekend, former residents of the Moluccan Islamic camp Wyldemerck, guided by archaeologists from Moluks Erfgoed and the University of Groningen, dug in four places in this former camp near Balk in Friesland. These 4 places, trenches in archaeologists' jargon, were the entrance to the mosque, the minaret, the canteen barrack and the school/wash barrack. The former Moluccan residents dug with great enthusiasm and pleasure.
There was a great deal of attention for this remarkable archaeology project 'Wyldemerck, searching together for barracks in the woods'. Remarkable because former residents take an active part in it and will themselves formulate an answer to the question put by the Dutch Forestry Commission about what to do with this place.
Various news outlets, including Dagblad Trouw, Omrop Fryslan, Radio Spangeburg and the Leeuwarder Courant, came to film. Project Wyldemerck even made the NOS news on Monday 26 September.
Partner in the project
Museum Maluku is a partner in the project. Since the beginning of this year the museum has hosted the gatherings at Museum Sophiahof in The Hague. Over the coming months the finds and results will be evaluated. In January 2023 the former residents will come forward with their answers and proposals.
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