Recording the future - archaeology and blockchain

What if we could create an unalterable, decentralized ledger of human history for both today and tomorrow? Blockchain technology offers archaeology a revolutionary tool for securing provenance, preventing artifact fraud, and fostering global collaboration.

Archaeology faces persistent challenges in preserving, authenticating, and sharing historical data in an increasingly interconnected world. Blockchain technology offers a groundbreaking solution to these issues by providing secure, transparent, and decentralized systems for managing archaeological records. This talk explores how blockchain can revolutionize the field, from protecting provenance and preventing the illicit trade of artefacts to fostering global collaboration and ensuring open access to data.

By leveraging blockchain’s immutable ledgers, archaeologists can create permanent, tamper-proof records of discoveries, ensuring their authenticity and protecting them from falsification. Smart contracts can automate compliance with ethical and legal standards, streamlining processes such as the transfer of artifacts or funding for excavation projects. Furthermore, decentralized platforms can enable collaborative research, connecting experts, institutions, and local communities across the globe while maintaining data ownership and credit integrity.

The talk will also address practical concerns, such as integrating blockchain into existing workflows, overcoming barriers to adoption, and ensuring inclusivity for underfunded regions. By examining case studies and theoretical applications, this session will highlight how blockchain has the potential to reshape archaeology, preserving humanity’s heritage while opening up exciting new possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration.