This department serves as the Archaeological Data Recording Centre and official repository for archaeological collections from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The earliest collections date back to 1895 but the bulk of material was accessioned prior to 1961, when the first professional archaeologist was appointed, mainly as a result of excavations of amateur archaeologists as well as donations from the public. The department contains important collections from the Wilton and Howieson's Poort type localities. The department also has a small but valuable collection of Roman, Greek and Egyptian material - the Egyptian mateial includes one of only three mummies in South Africa.
Information relating to the collections is available on file and cards index.
These data are at present being captured onto a computer database. Staff are also involved in ongoing research in the Eastern Cape Region and elsewhere. Both officers visit and record rock art sites in the region when time permits. An increasing amount of time is being spent on contract archaeological work. The journal is accredited and may be obtained from the Department.