The Archaeosciences division focuses on independent and interdisciplinary research with training and higher educational institutions and other academic stakeholders in creating meaningful contribution to the Namibian heritage legacies.

Our Archaeosciences multidisciplinary teams are experts in Quaternary and Prehistory; Archaeology; Maritime Archaeology; Anthropology; Architectural Heritage; Historical Heritage; Geoheritage; Museology; Global Quality Heritage Management; Conservation and Heritage Valorisation as well as Quaternary Geology. This means that the Archaeoscience division consider students or interns in research tasks for the purpose of receiving professional training. These activities are carried out under the frameworks of the National Heritage Act, (No. 27 of 2004) and the Research Science and Technology Act, (No. 23 of 2004) of Namibia.

The Archaeosciences is field and laboratory based. It integrate relevant scientific methods in order to enrich the interpretation of heritage resources (sites and objects) i.e archaeological incl. maritime archaeology and prehistoric rock art; anthropological and ethnographic; historical incl. graves, settlements, sacred sites and historic monuments; paleontological and geoheritage features and other scientific value or interests from single objects, to site contexts, societies and their global connections. Scientific techniques may include:

• Spatial analysis employing field and GIS-led surveys;

• Digital documentations and mapping;

• In situ excavations (testing, detailed and rescue) of sites and objects;

• Pigment analysis for prehistoric rock paintings;

• Laboratory analysis and scientific dating;

• Scientific reporting and publications;

• Conservation and management of collection (curation, archiving and exhibitions).

• Training workshops, seminars and lectures;

• Museological services i.e. (curation, digital databases, collection management etc.);

• Development of heritage policies and operational guidelines;

• Development of management and conservation plans;

• Educational handbooks and tourism guidebooks;

• Preparation of nomination dossiers for heritage properties (local & UNESCO);

• Provides training to rural communities seeking to manage and utilise their cultural & natural resources in a sustainable manner;

• Supports conservancy management efforts in relation to cultural and natural heritage resources.

• Facilitate bilateral negotiation for the repatriation & restitution efforts (icl. claims and returns cases);

• Assess and evaluate the validity of all claim and return cases for human remains and heritage objects;

• Develop operational guidelines and policy for repatriation & restitution;

• Commission provenance research for human remains and heritage objects;

• Curatorial services for the care and management human remains and heritage objects in/out of institutions;

• Provide technical services in the exhumation, relocation and reburial of human remains etc.

Our consultancy services are diverse, and designed to support Individuals, Farm Owners, Communities, Conservators, Proponents, Environmental Science Community and Cultural Heritage sector, Government and Non-Governmental Agencies, National, Regional and International Foundations with regards to infrastructure led developments i.e. mining, construction, manufacturing & processing, oil and gas explorations, communication, power and renewable energy, transport (rail, road, aviation and shipping), water utilities etc. in effort to meet their planning process requirements swiftly and expertly.

This means that RCHS does not involve students or interns for professional training in consulting services unless specifically requested by the client. These are carried out following the frameworks of the National Heritage Act, (No. 27 of 2004), its Regulations (2005) and its Guidelines for Heritage Impact Assessment (2021); the Environmental Management Act, (No. 7 of 2007) and its Regulations (2012) as well as International Guidelines and Regulations. A number of services offered includes but, are not limited to:

• Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA) i.e. desktop/scoping/detailed reports;

• Specialist inputs and review of HIA reports & Heritage Management Plans (HMP);

• Screening & Review of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports and Environmental Management Plans (EMPs);

• Specialist Assessments (conditions; risks; evaluations; inspections, verifications and monitoring) of cultural and natural heritage properties;

• Facilitation of Permits & Consents on behalf of clients;

• Stakeholder Engagement & Consultation; and

• Environmental compliance adherence to environmental laws, regulations and standards in relation to conservation of natural & heritage resources and land use control.