In 2011 a metal detectorist discovered multiple Late Iron age objects in Suutarinniemi, Illinsaari.
Following the discovery of these exciting artefacts, archaeologists from the University of Oulu carried out a more comprehensive excavation. This excavation in summer 2013 revealed that the findspot was a Late Iron Age burial site containing the remains of at least twenty individuals. This success has provided encouragement to carry out another excavation at a similar findspot in Pirttitörmä in summer 2014. The Finnish Association for Supporting Archaeological Research is now seeking to attract financial support for this important project.
Why Crowdfunding?
Archeological research in Finland, as in many other countries, has suffered from a lack of funding in recent years. Traditional sources of research grant income are more stretched than ever and competition is exceptionally fierce. As a result, many excellent projects struggle to attract sufficient funding. As a result we have chosen to seek Crowdfunding support for this project. We also feel that Crowdfunding is an excellent way to involve many more people with archeological research. Our excavation and many like it aim to uncover previously unknown stories from our shared history. Artefacts discovered in projects of this type belong not only to Finland but to the wider world. They help us to learn more about where we all come from and how life was lived in Finland and elsewhere in the Bronze Age. By providing support to this project
you will be a part of this excavation and have a role in sharing its story with the world.
How will your contribution be used?
Many people are unaware of the costs associated with archeology – as well as the basic costs required to keep the research team in the field to carry out the excavation there are many other costs. Radio carbon dating – used to ascertain the age of some artifacts discovered on digs like ours can cost €450 – 500. In addition, many artefacts which are recovered require painstaking conservation – in some cases, simply to stop them from disintegrating. Contributions from supporters of our Crowdfunding campaign will be contributing directly to these vital elements of the projects.
What are the benefits of getting involved?
We are extremely grateful to all supporters who choose to contribute to our project and we have created a range of rewards to enable us to say ‘thank you’.
We offer unique and informative rewards representing the excavation to our supporters. You can support us by choosing either printed photographs of the site and finds, order a daily report from the excavation directly to your email or book a tour around the excavation where you can meet the archaeologists and see the site and finds. For a more enthusiastic supporter we also offer an amazing opportunity to go on a day tour of the ancient sites and monuments of Northern Ostrobothia with the Professor of Archaeology and a lecturer of Archaeology in University of Oulu.
All rewards will be delivered by the end of August 2014 (unless stated otherwise).
THANK YOU!
Every funder makes a real and genuine difference to this important project and we appreciate any support you are able to provide.
Thank you – we are looking forward to making history with you!
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