Bäckedal is a Folk High School / independent adult education college with courses in ancient technology and traditional knowledge. The school is independent concerning religion, party politics and the business-world and the education is funded by the Swedish state.
All over 18 years of age can attend our courses. Shorter courses are open for children as well. The courses in ancient techniques (among others Man Nature Technique - MNT) started 1982 at Bäckedals Folkhögskola and were founded by Tomas Johansson who was also one of the founders of EXARC. The reconstructed houses were built 1996-1997.
On an everyday basis teachers and pupils at Bäckedals Folkhögskola work practically with ancient technology and a broad variety of materials and techniques. We want to encourage our students to ask question of how, when and why peoples’ lives and their technology changes through time. While working with our hands new questions arise and by trial and error we gain new knowledge and new questions.
There has also been many experiments executed at Bäckedal over the years, mostly with an approach of experiencing prehistory and history more than a 'scientific' approach. Students have also been part of archaeological experiments, for example manufacturing artefacts for others. Though scientific archaeological experiments (that are measurable and repeatable) are not the goal with the courses, you do have possibilities and wishes to develop this part further. Your continuation course for example could very well offer a possibility for students to execute an archaeological experiment with our teachers as mentors and a possibility to engage the other students in the process.
