The Site of National Remembrance in Łambinowice, Poland is a complex of former prisoner of war (PoW) and resettlement camps that operated near the village from the time of the Prussian-French War (1870-1871) through the First and Second... more
The Site of National Remembrance in Łambinowice, Poland is a complex of former prisoner of war (PoW) and resettlement camps that operated near the village from the time of the Prussian-French War (1870-1871) through the First and Second World Wars, including the interwar period, until the liquidation of the labor camp established by the Polish communist authorities in 1945-1946. Since June 2022, The Central Museum of Prisoners of War has been carrying out a project, a key part of which is the integration of various archaeological research methods for mapping the material remains of the camps that have been preserved until the present day in the local, mostly forested, landscape. Among the most important research problems was the issue of unknown and unmarked PoW burial sites and mass graves. The applied research methodology allowed, among other things, the locating of 60 structures, which can currently be interpreted as the quarters of Italian PoWs interned in Stalag VIII B (344) Lamsdorf at the end of the Second World War. The excavations ended with the identification by name of the first two Italian soldiers.
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The history of imprisonment in Lamsdorf (in Polish: Łambinowice) is long and complicated-prisoner-of-war (POW) and resettlement camps were operating near the village from the times of the Franco-Prussian War, through the Great War, the... more
The history of imprisonment in Lamsdorf (in Polish: Łambinowice) is long and complicated-prisoner-of-war (POW) and resettlement camps were operating near the village from the times of the Franco-Prussian War, through the Great War, the interwar period, 1939-1945 to 1945-1946. During the First and Second World Wars a number of British Empire soldiers, among others, were held behind the barbed wire in Lamsdorf. Today, the Central Museum of Prisoners-of-War is an institution that researches, protects and manages the post-camp landscape as well as the history, heritage and memory of people detained there in the past. In this article we present (i) the activities of the Museum in the context of the history and heritage of British POWs held in Stalag VIII B (344) Lamsdorf during the Second World War, and (ii) the results of non-invasive archaeological work carried out in 2022 in the area of the former camps.
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This article illustrates preliminary results of the interdisciplinary research project 'Science for society, society for science at the Site of National Remembrance in Łambinowice'. It presents the material traces of prisonerof-war,... more
This article illustrates preliminary results of the interdisciplinary research project 'Science for society, society for science at the Site of National Remembrance in Łambinowice'. It presents the material traces of prisonerof-war, resettlement and forced labour camps that functioned between 1870 and 1946 in Lamsdorf (now Łambinowice, Poland) and explains their modern social significance.
This article aims to conceptualize the present state of public archaeology in Poland, which has recently become topical in archaeological practice. The author defines public archaeology and discusses the historical background of such... more
This article aims to conceptualize the present state of public archaeology in Poland, which has recently become topical in archaeological practice. The author defines public archaeology and discusses the historical background of such activities in the context of the specific traditions of Polish archaeology. He then describes the main forms of outreach activities undertaken by archaeologists in Poland and presents community-oriented initiatives that go beyond the education of the general public about the past and strive to engage local communities in activities focused on archaeology and archaeological heritage. He concludes by outlining some directions that this sub-discipline may adopt in future.
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Since June 2022, the Central Museum of Prisoners-of-War (Poland) has been carrying out a multidisciplinary research project entitled "Science for Society, Society for Science at the Site of National Remembrance in Łambinowice." The aim of... more
Since June 2022, the Central Museum of Prisoners-of-War (Poland) has been carrying out a multidisciplinary research project entitled "Science for Society, Society for Science at the Site of National Remembrance in Łambinowice." The aim of this article is to discuss the preliminary results of selected non-invasive and invasive archaeological and ethnographic research realized during the first months of the field activities. Additionally, they show the value of so-called community archaeology in which the participation of local inhabitants in field research is an important element of applied methodology.
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W artykule zostało omówione zagadnienie działań i inicjatyw archeologicznych zorientowanych na społeczność, które wykraczają poza edukację na temat przeszłości i archeologii, a dążą do zaangażowania społeczności lokalnych w działania... more
W artykule zostało omówione zagadnienie działań i inicjatyw archeologicznych zorientowanych na społeczność, które wykraczają poza edukację na temat przeszłości i archeologii, a dążą do zaangażowania społeczności lokalnych w działania skupione wokół archeologii i dziedzictwa archeologicznego. Inicjatywy z zakresu archeologii wspólnotowej podejmowane są na gruncie polskim od niedawna i sporadycznie, niemniej dotykają one wielu kwestii, będących w centrum zainteresowania współczesnych studiów nad dziedzictwem. Ich podejmowanie wynika z przeświadczenia, że archeolodzy muszą działać we wspólnej sprawie z ludźmi i społecznościami starającymi się zachować i zdobyć szacunek dla ich dziedzictwa kulturowego i archeologicznego.
The concept of sustainable development is widely declared and used in contemporary scientific discourse. Sustainability also refers to cultural and archaeological heritage. What is an important element of the contemporary conservation... more
The concept of sustainable development is widely declared and used in contemporary scientific discourse. Sustainability also refers to cultural and archaeological heritage. What is an important element of the contemporary conservation doctrine is a departure from the idea of protection of archaeological heritage in favour of the rational management of such heritage, in accordance with the sustainable development rationale. It follows from the premise that, on the one hand, heritage is a subject of protection, but, on the other hand, it constitutes potential that should be adapted to new conditions and used for cultural, social, and economic development. With the above-mentioned concept as a starting point, the paper is aimed at analysing the role that archaeological heritage resources can play in the context of sustainable development. As an example of good practices implementing the idea of sustainable development based on archaeological resources, I take and discuss archaeological tourism, because it aims to promote public interest in archaeology and the protection of archaeological sites.
This paper aims to present how the past is viewed in contemporary cultural and social narratives, and defines contemporary attitude to the past among Poles. My deliberations are placed in the context of the present-day society / culture... more
This paper aims to present how the past is viewed in contemporary cultural and social narratives, and defines contemporary attitude to the past among Poles. My deliberations are placed in the context of the present-day society / culture and their constituting processes, namely the phenomenon of forgetting the past, democratization of the past, its privatization / individualization, commodification of the past and new ways of experiencing it. The paper will specifically concentrate on the archaeological past-that is the past created by archaeologists, and on archaeological heritage. It address three crucial issues, namely: (1) how changes in the historical context of post-1989 Poland influenced the emergence the renaissance of the past and different narratives about it; (2) what are the most important and widespread forms of presenting and/or experiencing the archaeological past in the present?, and (3) what are the main motivations that lie behind contemporary Poles interest in the past, archaeological heritage and activities undertaken around it? Finally, it is argued that the changes in the people's attitudes towards the past have led also to a transformation in the hierarchy of aims and methods in education and dissemination of the knowledge about the past within institutions concerned with the past on a professional level.
ABSTRAKT: This article is of polemical nature. It discusses main theses of the recently published book by Monika Stobiecka: Natura artefaktu, kultura eksponatu. Projekt krytycznego muzeum archeologicznego (2020). The book presents... more
ABSTRAKT: This article is of polemical nature. It discusses main theses of the recently published book by Monika Stobiecka: Natura artefaktu, kultura eksponatu. Projekt krytycznego muzeum archeologicznego (2020). The book presents contemporary archaeology as a very innovative discipline striving for interdisciplinarity and extending beyond traditional research issues and borders. At the same, the authoress postulates a need to reorient archaeology and create a new type of archaeological museum, namely critical museum-"museum of life".
The aim of this paper is to determine the roles archaeological reconstruction and historical re-enactment may play in the archaeological tourism currently conducted in Poland. These issues are discussed in the context of the changes which... more
The aim of this paper is to determine the roles archaeological reconstruction and historical re-enactment may play in the archaeological tourism currently conducted in Poland. These issues are discussed in the context of the changes which have ensued in contemporary attitudes to the past. It presents an overview of archaeological tourism and living history tourism and goes on to describe the characteristic features of the tourist product. Archaeological reconstruction and historical re-enactment are then discussed from this point of view, with special consideration of the potential they have to offer for the creation of archaeological tourist products.
The aim of this paper is to examine open-air, full-scale archaeological reconstructions through the prism of concepts of authority and truth. I will approach it along the lines of a praxeology of truth. Accordingly, the questions asked... more
The aim of this paper is to examine open-air, full-scale archaeological reconstructions through the prism of concepts of authority and truth. I will approach it along the lines of a praxeology of truth. Accordingly, the questions asked here mainly address negotiations of truth and the practical context in which truth claims are embedded, as well as broader implications accompanying the invocation, questioning, perversion, and deconstruction of truth. Selected examples from Poland are cited, embodying issues of the creation and negotiation of truth claims about the past and illustrating how the authority of archaeologists and other professional heritage specialists sometimes clashes with broader processes and various heritage stakeholders.
This article aims to conceptualize the present state of public archaeology in Poland, which has recently become topical in archaeological practice. The author defines public archaeology and discusses the historical background of such... more
This article aims to conceptualize the present state of public archaeology in Poland, which has recently become topical in archaeological practice. The author defines public archaeology and discusses the historical background of such activities in the context of the specific traditions of Polish archaeology. He then describes the main forms of outreach activities undertaken by archaeologists in Poland and presents community-oriented initiatives that go beyond the education of the general public about the past and strive to engage local communities in activities focused on archaeology and archaeological heritage. He concludes by outlining some directions that this sub-discipline may adopt in future.
This paper aims to conceptualize the social role of archaeology and archeological heritage in the present. First, it contextualizes the legal and doctrinal background of activities aimed at dissemination of cultural and archaeological... more
This paper aims to conceptualize the social role of archaeology and archeological heritage in the present. First, it contextualizes the legal and doctrinal background of activities aimed at dissemination of cultural and archaeological heritage and engagement of public in initiatives around that heritage. Next, it describes main forms of outreach activities undertaken by archaeologists in Poland. Further, it presents community-oriented activities and initiatives that go beyond education of the general public about the past and archaeology and strive for engaging local communities in activities centered around archaeology and archaeological heritage. It concludes with a statement that openness of archaeology to society helps to strengthen its current social position, determines its role in the world and attributes social activities of archaeologists with a deeper meaning.
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The subject of this paper is the archaeologically created past, seen as a reservoir of pleasure. The topic is discussed in comparison with changes of the contemporary man’s approach to the past. The organising motif of my reflections is... more
The subject of this paper is the archaeologically created past, seen as a reservoir of pleasure. The topic is discussed in comparison with changes of the contemporary man’s approach to the past. The organising motif of my reflections is the category of pleasure and different ways of pursuing it by people, mainly by means of broadly understood play. I propose here two theses, namely: (1) in the contemporary world the past, being a point of reference for archaeological investigation, may constitute a source of pleasure or inspiration to search for pleasure; (2) the ways of presenting the past to a certain degree have been subjugated by the rules that have been reserved for the domains of entertainment and consumption. This paper will relate to: (1) the pleasure of exploring of the past; (2) the pleasure of re-enacting and performing the past, and (3) the pleasure of playing with the past during archaeological fêtes.
The article discusses the recently published (2016) five-volume synthesis entitled “The Past Societies. Polish lands from the first evidence of human presence to the early Middle Ages”, edited by Przemysław Urbańczyk. It is a long-overdue... more
The article discusses the recently published (2016) five-volume synthesis entitled “The Past Societies. Polish
lands from the first evidence of human presence to the early Middle Ages”, edited by Przemysław Urbańczyk. It
is a long-overdue publication, written by a group of sixty archaeologists, presenting in subsequent chapters the
oldest history of Polish lands from the Palaeolithic Era to the Early Middle Ages (1000 AD). Instead of a systematic
analysis of its scientific content – due to its extent and the abundance of issues it addresses, this is impossible
for one author – this article takes under scrutiny the main initial goals and ideas of this compendium, its
theoretical and methodological assumptions along with the proclaimed anthropological and less materialistic
approach to the human past as well as its editorial layout. It also addresses the crucial aspect of the accessibility
of this publication.
lands from the first evidence of human presence to the early Middle Ages”, edited by Przemysław Urbańczyk. It
is a long-overdue publication, written by a group of sixty archaeologists, presenting in subsequent chapters the
oldest history of Polish lands from the Palaeolithic Era to the Early Middle Ages (1000 AD). Instead of a systematic
analysis of its scientific content – due to its extent and the abundance of issues it addresses, this is impossible
for one author – this article takes under scrutiny the main initial goals and ideas of this compendium, its
theoretical and methodological assumptions along with the proclaimed anthropological and less materialistic
approach to the human past as well as its editorial layout. It also addresses the crucial aspect of the accessibility
of this publication.
This paper looks at the phenomenon of historical re-enactment from the perspective of contemporaneity (postmodernity sensu Bauman 1996; 2000 or late modernity sensu Giddens 2002). I believe that in order to capture the unique nature of... more
This paper looks at the phenomenon of historical re-enactment from the perspective of contemporaneity
(postmodernity sensu Bauman 1996; 2000 or late modernity sensu Giddens 2002). I believe that in order to
capture the unique nature of historical re-enactment and the motivations behind people’s engagement in the
re-creation and experience of the past, historical re-enactment should be examined in a broader, cultural and
social framework. The changes in the contemporary people’s attitude to the past and the transformations in the
forms of transmitting knowledge about the past provide the context for my study. From this perspective, this
paper proposes exploring the phenomenon of historical re-enactment using selected descriptive categories of
post-modernity: (1) as an expression of the search for community and the construction of individual and group
identity; (2) as an expression of the change in people‘s attitude towards the past, including, (a) the manifestation
of the democratisation of the past, a form of alternative history; (b) a strive for personal, sensual and unmediated
contact with the past and its interpretations, and (c) the commercialisation of the past; (3) as a phenomenon
suspended between the search for authenticity and the inevitable existence in the world of simulacra; (4) as a formula
of modern education about the past; (5) as a hobby/play; (6) as a formula of the new spirituality. In the
conclusions, I argue that historical re-enactment is a characteristic element of contemporary historical culture
and one of the forms of collective memory of present-day society.
(postmodernity sensu Bauman 1996; 2000 or late modernity sensu Giddens 2002). I believe that in order to
capture the unique nature of historical re-enactment and the motivations behind people’s engagement in the
re-creation and experience of the past, historical re-enactment should be examined in a broader, cultural and
social framework. The changes in the contemporary people’s attitude to the past and the transformations in the
forms of transmitting knowledge about the past provide the context for my study. From this perspective, this
paper proposes exploring the phenomenon of historical re-enactment using selected descriptive categories of
post-modernity: (1) as an expression of the search for community and the construction of individual and group
identity; (2) as an expression of the change in people‘s attitude towards the past, including, (a) the manifestation
of the democratisation of the past, a form of alternative history; (b) a strive for personal, sensual and unmediated
contact with the past and its interpretations, and (c) the commercialisation of the past; (3) as a phenomenon
suspended between the search for authenticity and the inevitable existence in the world of simulacra; (4) as a formula
of modern education about the past; (5) as a hobby/play; (6) as a formula of the new spirituality. In the
conclusions, I argue that historical re-enactment is a characteristic element of contemporary historical culture
and one of the forms of collective memory of present-day society.
The article explores the issues connected to the social role of archaeology and its meaning among the public. In the paper we analyze the European survey conducted by Harris Interactive in
In article I propose taking a look at the Mount Ślęża in Poland in the context of Pierre Nora's lieux de mémoire concept. Ślęża is an important heritage site as although it has been the topic of many studies and scientific investigations,... more
In article I propose taking a look at the Mount Ślęża in Poland in the context of Pierre Nora's lieux de mémoire concept. Ślęża is an important heritage site as although it has been the topic of many studies and scientific investigations, interest in this unusual mountain goes well beyond scientific discourse. This paper focuses on not only what Ślęża meant to prehistoric people but mainly on its contemporary significance, with specific attention to the various functions that it fulfils today. By revealing the breadth of discourses on Ślęża and highlighting its vitality and relevance in the lives of many people, it also attmpts to put forward a dialogue between archaeologists, heritage professionals and groups holding alternative views on the current meaning or role of the Mount Ślęża.
In this article I argue that archaeology can be viewed as an “art” of staging the past. Archaeology as a discipline generates accounts of past time by creating some complete narratives which can be textual, visual, or take the form of... more
In this article I argue that archaeology can be viewed as an “art” of staging the past. Archaeology as a discipline
generates accounts of past time by creating some complete narratives which can be textual, visual, or take
the form of staged events – a staging. Archaeological fêtes and the staged reconstructions which fall under the
umbrella term of the so-called historical re-enactment are examples of forms of narrating the past. In this article
I present arguments that these forms instantiate new modes of talking about the past, presenting, popularizing
and experiencing the past which are based on attractiveness, wide accessibility, participation and affective engagement.
The phenomena under discussion illustrate the theatralisation of the past defi ned as all modes of
presenting and relating historical events, processes and persons with the use of theatrical practices – costumes,
personalized drama, staging, etc. Following this line of reasoning, I argue in the present article that fêtes and
historical re-enactments can be perceived as a spectacle or a show and analysed with the use of methodology
applied to describe cultural events understood as a broad concept.
generates accounts of past time by creating some complete narratives which can be textual, visual, or take
the form of staged events – a staging. Archaeological fêtes and the staged reconstructions which fall under the
umbrella term of the so-called historical re-enactment are examples of forms of narrating the past. In this article
I present arguments that these forms instantiate new modes of talking about the past, presenting, popularizing
and experiencing the past which are based on attractiveness, wide accessibility, participation and affective engagement.
The phenomena under discussion illustrate the theatralisation of the past defi ned as all modes of
presenting and relating historical events, processes and persons with the use of theatrical practices – costumes,
personalized drama, staging, etc. Following this line of reasoning, I argue in the present article that fêtes and
historical re-enactments can be perceived as a spectacle or a show and analysed with the use of methodology
applied to describe cultural events understood as a broad concept.
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This paper sets out to present how the research results and knowledge of the archaeological heritage of the Bobolice Region were disseminated under the project 'Non-invasive surveying of the potential of archaeological resources in the... more
This paper sets out to present how the research results and knowledge of the archaeological heritage of the Bobolice Region were disseminated under the project 'Non-invasive surveying of the potential of archaeological resources in the Bobolice region, West Pomerania Province' and offers further propositions in this regard. One of the project's essential objectives was to determine how we can use information generated through non-invasive research methods for the dissemination and popularisa-tion of the archaeological heritage resources to the general public and how to exploit them for the development of tourism in this region of Poland This paper provides an overview of the basic principles of the dissemination of knowledge about the cultural and/or archaeological heritage. It discusses the key initiatives in the field carried out during the project. These included a seminar, a popular science conference, lessons at schools, promotional activities and publications. Among others, the project sought to specify the possibilities for a potential use of certain archaeological structures and sites, through actions aimed at their dissemination and making them available to the general public, and a possible use in the development of archaeological tourism in the region. The recommendations presented here should be seen merely as suggestions for potential activities centred on the archaeological heritage resources in the Bobolice region.
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This article presents the key results of a major survey carried out by the NEARCH project on the public perception of archaeology and heritage across Europe. The analysis focuses on three main points of significance for contemporary... more
This article presents the key results of a major survey carried out by the NEARCH project on the public perception of archaeology and heritage across Europe. The analysis focuses on three main points of significance for contemporary archaeological practice. The first is the image of archaeology and its definition in the perception of the general public. The second concerns the values that archaeology represents for the public. The third focuses on the social expectations placed on archaeologists and archaeology. The NEARCH survey clearly indicates that there is a significant public expectation by Europeans that archaeology should work comprehensively across a broad range of areas, and that cultural heritage management in general needs to engage more with different archaeological and heritage groups.
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In this text, I discuss a phenomenon of archaeological festivals in Poland. In my opinion, in many aspects, they represent signum temporis of present times, being a place where tendencies, topics and phenomena characteristic for our era... more
In this text, I discuss a phenomenon of archaeological festivals in Poland. In my opinion, in many aspects, they represent signum temporis of present times, being a place where tendencies, topics and phenomena characteristic for our era cumulate, intertwine and coexist. Therefore, I think that the attempts to explain the phenomenon, popularity and current significance of archaeological festivals only through emphasising their educational and popularising role are insufficient and require adopting a far broader cultural perspective.
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Research Interests:
Zamysłem Autorów tej publikacji jest wielowymiarowa konceptualizacja dziedzictwa we współczesnym świecie, pozostająca w zgodzie z zasadami rozwoju zrównoważonego. Odbywa się to poprzez analizę wielorakich sposobów funkcjonowania... more
Zamysłem Autorów tej publikacji jest wielowymiarowa konceptualizacja dziedzictwa we współczesnym świecie, pozostająca w zgodzie z zasadami rozwoju zrównoważonego. Odbywa się to poprzez analizę wielorakich sposobów funkcjonowania dziedzictwa w różnych obszarach życia społecznego, ekonomicznego czy środowiskowego. Przedstawione rozważania koncentrują się wokół czterech ważnych zagadnień: 1. czym jest dziedzictwo, 2. jak jest ono tworzone i wytwarzane, 3. czyje jest dziedzictwo, oraz 4. jakie strategie są aktualnie wobec dziedzictwa podejmowane. Dyskusje dotyczą więc zarówno zagadnień społecznego, partycypacyjnego i ekologicznego wymiaru poszczególnych aspektów dziedzictwa, jak i problematyki jego ochrony oraz zarządzania, a także kwestii wykorzystywania go do celów rozwojowych, ekonomicznych i ideologicznych. Zagadnienia te znajdują się w centrum aktualnie prowadzonych debat na świecie w ramach tak zwanych heritage studies (studiów nad dziedzictwem), publikacja zaś stanowi ważny wkład w tę dyskusję. Autorzy proponują rodzaj otwartego forum dyskusyjnego: równoważne miejsce zajmują tu zarówno rozważania akademickie na temat dziedzictwa, jak i jego praktyczne i instytucjonalne ujęcia oraz aplikacje. Realizacja tak postawionych celów stał a się możliwa dzięki udział owi szerokiego grona autorów reprezentujących środowiska nauko-we, instytucje publiczne, prywatne czy pozarządowe. W książce widoczne jest nowatorskie podejście, wymagające mądrego i racjonalnego zarządzania dziedzictwem dla potrzeb współczesnych oraz przyszłych pokoleń, oraz włączania w te procesy wszystkich zainteresowanych stron. Takie podejście wiąże się z holistycznym oraz krytycznym i pogłębionym namysł em nad obecnością dziedzictwa w różnych obszarach życia. Z przedstawionych tekstów wynika, że redaktorzy zał ożyli sobie ambitny cel; chodził o zarówno o wypracowanie wspólnych perspektyw teoretycznych, jak i działań praktycznych, i w ten sposób zniwelowanie istniejących podział ów, takich jak dziedzictwo kulturowe i naturalne, dziedzictwo odległej i niedawnej przeszłości, i wreszcie dziedzictwo jako przedmiot badań naukowych i praktycznych działań społecznych. Wypracowanie integracyjnego charakteru publikacji znajduje swoje warunkujące podłoże w konstruowaniu przeszłości z punktu widzenia teraźniejszości. By przeszłość w każdej odsłonie: ta odległa i ta całkiem nam bliska, a więc radykalnie różne, mogły znaleźć wspólny mianownik we wspólnym upamiętnieniu każdej z nich, niewątpliwie muszą być postrzegane zarówno w jednym, jak i drugim przypadku z punktu widzenia naszej obecnej teraźniejszości (Prof. dr hab. Henryk Mamzer)
Książka jest katalogiem do wystawy pt. "Między pamięcią a zapomnieniem: archeologia pierwszowojennego obozu jenieckiego w Czersku". Omawia ona różnorodne materialne pozostałości związane z jeńcami przetrzymywanymi w Czersku.
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Title: Prehistory, archaeology and archaeologists as reflected in school books and curricula Content: