Project Archive of Project Nivica Archaeology

Project Nivica Archaeology, a key component of the broader 100+ Fshatrat initiative in Albania, focuses on archaeological exploration and community development in the Kurvelesh region, specifically around the village of Nivica. This project integrates cutting-edge three-dimensional recording and reconstruction techniques from the planning stage through the entire lifecycle of archaeological investigations.

The project's primary aim is to uncover and understand the influence of coastal Illyrian and Epirote cultures on the material culture of the inland mountain regions, challenging contemporary notions of isolation and connectivity. It seeks to unravel how Nivica's inhabitants have historically shaped their identity in response to various external powers, including the Epirote Republic, the Roman Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. Beyond its archaeological focus, Project Nivica Archaeology aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, promoting heritage practice and community engagement.

Another aspect of the project is to study is the built landscapes of the upper Kurvelesh region, with a focus on the villages of Nivica and Rexhin with an aim to produce three-dimensional reconstructions centred on a domestic structure damaged in the First Balkan War in the old village of Nivica or 'Kala' site.

Operating since spring 2018, the project is supported by a collaboration of international and local institutions and community leaders. Despite challenges posed by global events, the project continues to contribute significantly to the cultural and historical understanding of the Upper Kurvelesh region, while also fostering community development and sustainable heritage management in like with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.