The dolmens D28 and D29 are a stone’s throw from each other, north of Borger. Excavations were done at D28 in the past, but at dolmen D29 and the area around the dolmens no scientific research was ever done. Researchers from the University of Groningen (RUG) will change that next week.
Researchers and students will start on Monday with an archaeological investigation on the site at hunebed D29 near Borger. In four weeks time they hope to get an answer to the question what the area around the hunebed was used for in the past? For example, did people live there and are there people buried in the area around the hunebed?
Archaeological research at a hunebed is not allowed just like that. The RUG has received permission for this from the municipality of Borger-Odoorn, Stichting Het Drentse Landschap and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands under strict conditions. Terrain manager Het Drentse Landschap emphasizes that no digging takes place in the grave monument, only in the area around it.
By digging around the hunebed, the parties involved hope to gain more scientific knowledge about hunebed D29. This knowledge is included in the management of the site and the protection policy, among other things. For the RUG, the excavation offers the opportunity to train archeology students.
Last year, the RUG did research at hunebed D34 near Valthe. This research also focused on the area around the hunebed, but excavations were also carried out close to the tomb. Among other things, shards of pots were found at Valthe.