Artefaktkorpus

An Artefaktkorpus is a structured collection of artefacts and associated data designed for systematic analysis across disciplines such as archaeology, museology and digital humanities. It often combines physical artefacts or high-quality digital representations with rich metadata and contextual information, enabling large-scale analysis of material culture, typologies, production techniques and trade networks.

Typical contents include object records with identifiers, findspots and provenience, material and fabrication methods, dating and cultural attribution, as well as digital media such as 3D models, photographs and sketches. A corpus may also contain related contextual data such as excavation records, site plans, publication references and provenance history.

Metadata is commonly modeled using cultural heritage standards, notably CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model, to enable interoperability and linkage to other datasets. Controlled vocabularies and ontologies govern material classes, typologies, and cultural periods. Where possible, artefactkorpora are published as open data and linked to global infrastructure through APIs and RDF.

Uses include typological analysis, changes in artifact production over time, provenance studies, network analysis of exchange, conservation planning, and education. Researchers can pose large-scale questions that are difficult to address with single artefacts or small samples.

Challenges include ensuring data quality, incomplete provenance, uncertainty in dating, and ethical concerns regarding looted or sensitive artefacts. Access policies balance scholarly use with cultural heritage rights and repatriation obligations.