Jesper August Johansen Gulliksen

About Jesper August Johansen Gulliksen

I am a PhD fellow in social anthropology at the School of Global Studies. I have a master’s degree in archaeology from the University of Oslo, Norway, and I have studied cultural heritage management at NTNU, Norway. I have participated in archaeological excavations and laboratory work, and I have co-organized several conferences as a teaching assistant. I have previously worked as lecturer in archaeology at the University of Oslo.

Since 2023, I hold a board membership in the National Trust of Norway. Here, I give advice in antiquarian matters.

Research areas:

I research how material remains of the past becomes something worth taking care of, for example by archaeological excavation or restoration. I am interested in people to whom cultural heritage is important, but also to whom it is not important, and why that is. In many instances this act as a source of conflict between various stakeholders and I want to understand and find ways to navigate such difficult processes. I am also interested in how nature, animals and intangible attributes are used in relation to cultural heritage in these processes. I explore this conundrum through anthropological and ethnographic lenses, such as interviews, observations, field visits, archival research and photo-, map-, and picture-making. 

Ongoing research:

My PhD project utilizes ethnographic methods to investigate the multiple meanings and values ascribed to Stone Age archaeological sites and shed light on stakeholders that are involved and excluded from the use, management and understandings of Stone Age heritage in the present. I have three research areas: Southeastern-Norway, Western-France and the coast of Latvia. I will map and interview various stakeholders of professional character, such as archaeologists, heritage bureaucrats, land developers and businesses. I will also be doing field research in an archaeological landscape to explore its use, participate in activities and interview users of the landscape. Archival research and digital ethnography will supplement the interview and field data.

My project is part of a Horizon Europe MSCA doctoral network entitled ArCHe- Archaeological Coastal Heritage: Past, present and future of a hidden prehistoric legacy. 

Teaching:

As a lecturer in archaeology I taught on subjects such as the history of archaeology, archaeological theory, contemporary archaeology and heritage in the present. I was supervisor for BA and MA students and organized academic excursions and trips to museums and heritage sites. I have a strong interest in dissemination and teaching, including the use of AI and technology in teaching.