Archaeology

Archaeology is the scientific study of human prehistory, history, and activities through the excavation, recovery, and analysis of material culture, including artefacts, architecture, and landscapes.

Archaeological remains are finite and non-renewable resources that, in many instances, are fragile and vulnerable to damage and destruction. They are sometimes the only surviving evidence of our pre-historic and historic experiences – the evidence of the past developments of our ancestors.

These irreplaceable archaeological assemblages are products of hundreds of years of human activities. They range from burial grounds and caves, settlements and domiciles, plantations, pens, farms, ports, places of worship, defence installations, battle sites, sites of manufactures and sites of our National Heroes and Heroine.

The Archaeology Division is responsible for identifying all archaeological and historical assets in Jamaica. Records and inventory of these assets must be generated kept and managed. It is obligated to make this information available to the public and other government entities upon request.

The Division is also obligated to ensure that all proposed archaeological projects to be conducted in Jamaica, whether on public or private property, is carefully reviewed and closely monitored. Correspondingly, it is the responsibility of the Division to ensure that all proposed developments that may negatively impact potential archaeological resources are also reviewed and monitored. In both cases where it is deemed necessary, recommendations must be made to amend the proposal project to safeguard or promote the authenticity and or integrity of significant historical or archaeological assets.

The Division is staffed by a team of approximately 25 professionals, who works in various units. These includes Field Unit, Finds Unit, Conservation Unit, Geographic Information System (GIS) Unit and Heritage Preservation and Planning Unit - all who work to preserve and protect Jamaica’s archaeological resources.

Field Unit

The Field Unit oversees the maintenance of the National Inventory of Historical and Archaeological Sites and is therefore responsible for conducting the necessary studies to identify these sites islandwide. It is also responsible for regulating and monitoring all archaeological research projects conducted by universities and other entities on public or private premises in Jamaica. In addition, the Field Unit conducts Archaeological Impact Assessments, Archaeological Evaluations, Archaeological Appraisals, Desk Based Research, and Watching Briefs to inform private development and national developmental planning and decision making.

Finds Unit

The Finds Unit manages the JNHT’s artefacts collection. It is responsible for retrieving artefacts from field operations and conduct the necessary analytical and interpretive contextual studies on them in the field and lab. It is mandated to develop and maintain a National Inventory of Artefacts in private and public collections. The Unit is also responsible for managing the proper storage of the agency’s artefacts collection and to ensure they are accessible to the public upon request for educational purposes.

Conservation Unit

The primary role of the Conservation Unit is to employ the relevant conservation strategies and techniques to ensure the longevity of the nation’s movable and immovable artefacts. These artefacts are made from a wide range of materials including but not limited to metals, ceramic, wood, stone, textile, leather, bones, and glass. They vary in size shape and functions but represents significant masterpiece of our progenitor, s creation that are handed down through generations and are treasured for their aesthetic, historic, scientific, socioeconomic and spiritual values. A key responsibility of the Unit is to manages the conservation of all monuments whether protected under the JNHT Act or not.

Heritage Preservation and Planning Unit

The main function of the Heritage Preservation and Planning Unit is to identify heritage sites (historical, archaeological and natural) that meets the criteria for World Heritage Site status and to prepare a World Heritage Nomination Dossier to have the site designated by UNESCO World Heritage Committee a World Heritage Site.1 The Unit also prepares Preservation Schemes for Jamaica’s World Heritage Sites and Sites on the Tentative List. Other functions of the unit are to provide technical guidance and assistance for the development of Jamaica’s heritage sites adhering to strict guidelines of ratified cultural heritage conventions and charters and they are also responsible for the management of the National Heritage Information system, the Arches Database.

Geographic Information System (GIS) Unit

The GIS Unit within the Archaeology Division of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) provides critical spatial data management and analysis to support archaeological research, heritage site documentation, and cultural resource management. The unit is responsible for mapping and digitizing archaeological sites, maintaining geospatial databases, and producing maps and visualizations to inform decision-making and reporting. Through the integration of field data, satellite imagery, and archival records, the GIS Unit enhances the accuracy of site identification, monitoring, and preservation efforts. It also supports research initiatives and interdepartmental projects by supplying spatial analytics and technical expertise.

Stages Of Archaeological Research

1.Pre-Excavation Stage

This stage is about gathering information and planning before any digging begins.

Desk-Based Assessment (Archival Research)

Study of existing records, maps, historical documents, and previous research

Helps identify potential archaeological significance of the site

Archaeological Brief

A formal document outlining what the investigation must achieve

Sets research goals, methods, and expectations

Archaeological Appraisal (Reconnaissance Field Walk)

Preliminary field inspection of the site

Surface survey to identify visible artifacts, features, or disturbances

Helps confirm whether further investigation is needed

2. Excavation Stage

This is the physical investigation of the site.

Site Clearing

Removal of vegetation and surface debris (carefully, to avoid damage)

Laying of Grids (1 m × 1 m)

Site divided into measured squares for controlled excavation and recording

Digging of Test Pits

Small, systematic excavation units used to sample the site

Retrieval and Labelling of Artefacts

Artefacts are carefully collected, recorded, and labelled by context

Recording Stratigraphy

Documentation of soil layers (strata) and site features

Helps reconstruct chronological sequence of occupation

GIS (Geographical Information System)

Digital mapping of finds and features

Helps analyse spatial relationships across the site

Photography

Visual documentation of excavation progress, layers, and finds

3. Post-Excavation Stage

This stage focuses on processing, analysing, and interpreting what was found.

Processing of Artefacts

Includes several steps:

Washing/Cleaning: Removal of soil and debris

Inventorying: Listing and cataloguing all items

Illustrating: Drawing artifacts for scientific records

Photography: High-quality images for documentation

Analysis

Examination of artefacts, eco-facts, and soil samples

Interpretation of human activity, dating, and cultural context

Conservation

Stabilizing fragile materials to prevent deterioration

4. Reporting Stage

The final stage where findings are documented and shared.

Archaeological Evaluation Report

Summary of findings from excavation and analysis

Assesses the significance of the site

Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA)

Evaluates how development projects may affect archaeological resources

Provides recommendations for protection, mitigation, or further excavation.