North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 70. Indian Antiquities, Archaeological Resources and Unmarked Human Skeletal Remains Protection § 70-12. Definitions

(1) “Archaeological investigation” means any surface collection, subsurface tests, excavation, or other activity that results in the disturbance or removal of archaeological resources.

(2) “Archaeological resource” means any material remains of past human life or activities which are at least 50 years old and which are of archaeological interest, including pieces of pottery, basketry, bottles, weapons, weapon projectiles, tools, structures or portions of structures, rock paintings, rock carvings, intaglios, graves or human skeletal materials. Paleontological specimens are not to be considered archaeological resources unless found in an archaeological context.

(3) “State lands” means any lands owned, occupied, or controlled by the State of North Carolina, with the exception of those lands under short term lease solely for archaeological purposes, excluding highway right-of-ways.