DEXA - Dachverband für Experimentelle Archäologie
Switzerland
Member Since: 2026
Focus areas: Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman Era, Early Middle Ages, Late Middle Ages, Newer Era
DEXA is the Swiss umbrella association of experimental archaeology across all eras and disciplines. With activities, she unites the scientific experiment, the cultural mediation, as well as the production of replicas.
The umbrella association was founded in 2025 with the merging of the previous associations EAS and ExperimentA. Together we have been involved in a wide range of areas within experimental archaeology for over thirty years and have been researching prehistoric and historic crafts. The approximately 150 members include institutions and organizations, professional archaeologists, specialized craftsmen, students, as well as those interested in experimental archaeology. The variety of activities of our members is correspondingly large: they range from bronze casting and metalworking to working with wood for the manufacture of equipment and buildings, the processing of plant fibres, flint knapping, ceramic production, the production of hunting weapons, lime burning, making fire and pitch until the investigation of cremations. Many members are also engaged in teaching their acquired knowledge concerning craft techniques and scientific experiments.
The primary goal of DEXA is the advancement of experimental archaeology in research, teaching and mediation. Furthermore, the association acts as a network for people and institutions around experimental archaeology; supports archaeological experiments and reconstructions; publishes, archives and makes this knowledge available in suitable formats; runs mediation programmes; maintains and manages a small storage facility with an area for experimentation; fosters interdisciplinary and inter-institutional cooperation with national and international partners.
Representatives
Nicolas P. Diesbach
Co-president
Céline Anika Griessen
Co-president