Protecting our archaeological heritage

Question

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong: To ask the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth with regard to heritage artefacts excavated by archaeologists or others in the last five years (a) whether all the artefacts have been properly documented and reported to the Government; (b) what is the legal ownership status of such artefacts; and (c) how are the artefacts stored and protected.

Response

Minister Grace Fu: All archaeological materials unearthed on State Land belong to the State. This includes most archaeological excavations conducted in the last five years such as the excavations at the National Gallery of Singapore in 2010 and the Empress Place in 2015.

1. When commissioning archaeological excavations, NHB makes it a requirement for the agencies conducting the excavation works, such as ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, to document and submit reports on the archaeological finds to NHB.

2. Important archaeological materials from these digs that support the interpretation of Singapore's history have been accessioned into the National Collection managed by the National Heritage Board (NHB) on behalf of the Singapore Government. They are carefully documented and conserved at the Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC), when not on display. Remaining artefacts may be stored by partner agencies such as the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.

3. NHB typically does not have legal ownership of archaeological materials unearthed on private land. NHB has nevertheless worked closely with stakeholders to identify and protect important artefacts. An example from the past five years would be artefacts recovered from the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, which are owned by the Roman Catholic Church. A number of artefacts recovered from the Cathedral are displayed at the Cathedral's Heritage and Resource Gallery. Selected artefacts are also displayed at the Indian Heritage Centre, managed by NHB, for the public to access and appreciate.

4. The legal ownership status of archaeological materials unearthed on private land is an area that NHB is studying as part of a broader review on archaeology in Singapore. The review will seek to better support the conduct of archaeology in Singapore, and address any gaps in our laws, regulations and norms. NHB will seek feedback from stakeholders such as archaeologists, heritage experts and NGOs in its review.