Kurhany na „Dzikich Polach” – dziedzictwo kultury i ostoja ukraińskiego stepu. [Kurgans in the ‘Wild Field’ – a cultural heritage and refugium of the Ukrainian steppe], , 2012
Kurhany na „Dzikich Polach” – dziedzictwo kultury i ostoja ukraińskiego stepu. [Kurgans in the ‘Wild Field’ – a cultural heritage and refugium of the Ukrainian steppe], 2012
Kurgans are man-made structures which form a characteristic and unique element of the Ukrainian
... more Kurgans are man-made structures which form a characteristic and unique element of the Ukrainian
landscape. Kurgans, known also as barrows or mounds, were built as burial sites by many cultures,
from Neolithic times to the early Middle Ages. These conical or dome-shaped burial mounds may
had a frame constructed of wood (where wood was available), stone or combination of wood and
stone. The frame was covered by soil from the surrounding area forming characteristic mound
shape. Each kurgan contained one or several graves with urns or skeletons.
Kurgans have always been an object of interest. They have been plundered and robbed
by looters for hundreds of years. The fi rst archaeological investigations of kurgans were undertaken
in the second half of the 18th century. Although they were explored by antiquarians
and archaeologists for nearly 250 years, they were not considered interesting for botanists.
Sporadic fl oristic observations of individual kurgans had been conducted before the Second
World War. Complex fl oristic studies of kurgans were initiated in the fi rst years of the 21st
century and encompassed an area of over 32 000 km2. Among the 450 kurgans surveyed in
3 steppe zones and in a forest steppe zone, only 106 barrows, having the proper size and wellpreserved
plant cover, were selected for further study. The richness of the fl ora of evaluated
kurgans exceeded 700 species and increased in each zone from south to north. It was found
that the fl oristic composition of the kurgans refl ects principles observed at much bigger scale
in the fl ora of climatic/vegetation zones.
In this paper the problem of protection and threats to the kurgans is discussed by archaeologist
and botanist. Both of them recognize the exceptional value and importance of the
barrows. Archaeologists point out that kurgans should be protected, at least, until it is possible
to carry out explorations and complete documentation is obtained (which usually leads
to complete or partial destruction of the kurgans). According to naturalists, kurgans should
be permanently protected as a complex of microhabitats and a component of the landscape
(steppe landscape in the past, at present – anthropogenic landscape) as well as site of rare
species (particularly steppe species listed in the red data books) and plant communities included
in the ‘Green Data Book of Ukraine’. Kurgans can, therefore, act as microcentres of
biodiversity. Moreover, they could form part of a network of protected areas (steppe reserves)
and other sites of high fl oristic value (e.g.: escarpments of river valleys, balkas, ravines,
gorges). Kurgans could also play an important role in the future restoration of the steppe,
at least locally. During the 20th century kurgans were under particular threat. They posed
a serious problem for large-scale agriculture in the territory of the former USSR. Originally
there were some 500 000 kurgans within the present territory of Ukraine. Today, however,
only 50 000–100 000 kurgans have remain. At present, archaeological exploration of the kurgans is conducted within the ‘rescue program’ in areas designated for various development
purposes. However, botanical expertise should precede archaeological fi eld investigations. In
spite of the apparent confl ict of interest, a collaboration between archaeologists and botanists
seems possible and is necessary for the better protection of the kurgans of particularly high
fl oristic value. Appropriate legal regulations should, therefore, be implemented to ensure
more effective protection of the kurgans.
The article describes the results of excavations conducted in Tanais by Polish archaeologists,
em... more The article describes the results of excavations conducted in Tanais by Polish archaeologists, employees of the University of Warsaw in 1996–2009. The first independent works of polish expedition was carried out on excavation XVII/2 in the western necropolis of Tanais (1996–1998). In 1999 work was transferred to the western part of the West urban area of Tanais. The results of work on the excavation XXV significantly complement the existing picture of the Hellenistic city planning of Tanais. The most important discovery was the defensive ditch that protected this part of the city from the west. Were also investigated the remains of big construction works during the reign of Mithradates the Great. Besides, were recorded reconstructions of the defensive system of the Western urban area and changes in the internal network of streets adjacent to the western gate. In addition to research on the urban area and necropolis in 1999–2000 surveys were conducted. Their main goal was an attempt to reconstruct the area of Tanais’s khora. The results lead to the conclusion that most of the area of Tanais’s khora was located exclusively along the Don River to the west.
... Ujazdowskie 4, 00-478 Warszawa, e-mail: barbara.sudnik@uw.edu.pl Ivan I. Moysiyenko, Departme... more ... Ujazdowskie 4, 00-478 Warszawa, e-mail: barbara.sudnik@uw.edu.pl Ivan I. Moysiyenko, Department of Botany, Kherson State ... Prze-kazując ziemię w ręce prywatne, nie wytyczono odrębnych działek o znaczeniu historyczno-kulturowym (Bozhko 2008, Lystopad 2009), a ...
Analysis of the effectiveness of conservation methods of iron archaeological artefacts: examples ... more Analysis of the effectiveness of conservation methods of iron archaeological artefacts: examples from the Przeworsk culture in Kamieńczyk, Nadkole and Oblin After analysing conservation documentation created during the last thirty years, carried out by the Conservation Department of the State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw, it was noticed that a group of iron archaeological objects repeatedly returned to the Conservation Department for treatment. It was decided to take a closer look at this problem. This project presents, inter alia, the results of research on the impact of specific conservation methods applied over many years at DKM PMA to maintain the stability of iron artefacts. The basis of the analysis is a collection of objects of Przeworsk culture from the sites in Kamieńczyk, Nadkole and Oblin, which are part of the collection of the State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw. The material originating from them is consistent both in archaeological and conservation terms. These sites are the cemeteries of the Przeworsk Culture from the area of Mazovia, functioning since the end of the second century BC - A2 phase (only Nadkole begins to function slightly later, from the second half of the 1st century BC - A3 phase) to the second half of the second century. - B2 / C1 phase. Archaeological excavations in the area were carried out by PMA employees, and documentation and material collected during the excavation is stored and processed at the museum. In addition, there is full conservation documentation regarding these artefacts. As a result, it can be noticed that similar methods were used to preserve objects from the discussed positions. The total number of iron artefacts from these three sites (about 2000) is a representative group in relation to the whole collection of PMA conserved iron objects. Analysis of the object complexes from Kamieńczyk, Nadkole and Oblin is carried out on the basis of a database created for the needs of this project. It contains information that allows identification of conserved artefacts as part of the PMA collection, as well as data on conservation procedures for individual items. As part of the latter group, information was gathered on the methods of stabilization, cleaning, materials used for cleaning, consolidation, strengthening and protecting the surface, as well as corrosion inhibitors. These data were then subjected to a detailed analysis, which allowed to answer questions about the effectiveness of individual methods. But also determine the position of the conservation process in the hierarchy of factors affecting the stability of iron archaeological objects. Artefacts are usually complex systems of relationships between metal and corrosion, and the state of their behaviour during normal "use" and storage in museums can be very different from the condition of experimental samples in accelerated aging tests. Therefore, it seems necessary to conduct research on the effectiveness of methods and means used for conservation, and to confront their results with information available in the literature. In addition, the research results presented in this project are aimed at deeper understanding of the needs of the collection belonging to the State Archaeological Museum, defining the threats and determining the priorities for managing its conservation. At the same time, the author hopes that the conducted research will be helpful for other Polish museums that have iron archaeological relics in their collections.
Kurhany na „Dzikich Polach” – dziedzictwo kultury i ostoja ukraińskiego stepu. [Kurgans in the ‘Wild Field’ – a cultural heritage and refugium of the Ukrainian steppe], , 2012
Kurhany na „Dzikich Polach” – dziedzictwo kultury i ostoja ukraińskiego stepu. [Kurgans in the ‘Wild Field’ – a cultural heritage and refugium of the Ukrainian steppe], 2012
Kurgans are man-made structures which form a characteristic and unique element of the Ukrainian
... more Kurgans are man-made structures which form a characteristic and unique element of the Ukrainian
landscape. Kurgans, known also as barrows or mounds, were built as burial sites by many cultures,
from Neolithic times to the early Middle Ages. These conical or dome-shaped burial mounds may
had a frame constructed of wood (where wood was available), stone or combination of wood and
stone. The frame was covered by soil from the surrounding area forming characteristic mound
shape. Each kurgan contained one or several graves with urns or skeletons.
Kurgans have always been an object of interest. They have been plundered and robbed
by looters for hundreds of years. The fi rst archaeological investigations of kurgans were undertaken
in the second half of the 18th century. Although they were explored by antiquarians
and archaeologists for nearly 250 years, they were not considered interesting for botanists.
Sporadic fl oristic observations of individual kurgans had been conducted before the Second
World War. Complex fl oristic studies of kurgans were initiated in the fi rst years of the 21st
century and encompassed an area of over 32 000 km2. Among the 450 kurgans surveyed in
3 steppe zones and in a forest steppe zone, only 106 barrows, having the proper size and wellpreserved
plant cover, were selected for further study. The richness of the fl ora of evaluated
kurgans exceeded 700 species and increased in each zone from south to north. It was found
that the fl oristic composition of the kurgans refl ects principles observed at much bigger scale
in the fl ora of climatic/vegetation zones.
In this paper the problem of protection and threats to the kurgans is discussed by archaeologist
and botanist. Both of them recognize the exceptional value and importance of the
barrows. Archaeologists point out that kurgans should be protected, at least, until it is possible
to carry out explorations and complete documentation is obtained (which usually leads
to complete or partial destruction of the kurgans). According to naturalists, kurgans should
be permanently protected as a complex of microhabitats and a component of the landscape
(steppe landscape in the past, at present – anthropogenic landscape) as well as site of rare
species (particularly steppe species listed in the red data books) and plant communities included
in the ‘Green Data Book of Ukraine’. Kurgans can, therefore, act as microcentres of
biodiversity. Moreover, they could form part of a network of protected areas (steppe reserves)
and other sites of high fl oristic value (e.g.: escarpments of river valleys, balkas, ravines,
gorges). Kurgans could also play an important role in the future restoration of the steppe,
at least locally. During the 20th century kurgans were under particular threat. They posed
a serious problem for large-scale agriculture in the territory of the former USSR. Originally
there were some 500 000 kurgans within the present territory of Ukraine. Today, however,
only 50 000–100 000 kurgans have remain. At present, archaeological exploration of the kurgans is conducted within the ‘rescue program’ in areas designated for various development
purposes. However, botanical expertise should precede archaeological fi eld investigations. In
spite of the apparent confl ict of interest, a collaboration between archaeologists and botanists
seems possible and is necessary for the better protection of the kurgans of particularly high
fl oristic value. Appropriate legal regulations should, therefore, be implemented to ensure
more effective protection of the kurgans.
The article describes the results of excavations conducted in Tanais by Polish archaeologists,
em... more The article describes the results of excavations conducted in Tanais by Polish archaeologists, employees of the University of Warsaw in 1996–2009. The first independent works of polish expedition was carried out on excavation XVII/2 in the western necropolis of Tanais (1996–1998). In 1999 work was transferred to the western part of the West urban area of Tanais. The results of work on the excavation XXV significantly complement the existing picture of the Hellenistic city planning of Tanais. The most important discovery was the defensive ditch that protected this part of the city from the west. Were also investigated the remains of big construction works during the reign of Mithradates the Great. Besides, were recorded reconstructions of the defensive system of the Western urban area and changes in the internal network of streets adjacent to the western gate. In addition to research on the urban area and necropolis in 1999–2000 surveys were conducted. Their main goal was an attempt to reconstruct the area of Tanais’s khora. The results lead to the conclusion that most of the area of Tanais’s khora was located exclusively along the Don River to the west.
... Ujazdowskie 4, 00-478 Warszawa, e-mail: barbara.sudnik@uw.edu.pl Ivan I. Moysiyenko, Departme... more ... Ujazdowskie 4, 00-478 Warszawa, e-mail: barbara.sudnik@uw.edu.pl Ivan I. Moysiyenko, Department of Botany, Kherson State ... Prze-kazując ziemię w ręce prywatne, nie wytyczono odrębnych działek o znaczeniu historyczno-kulturowym (Bozhko 2008, Lystopad 2009), a ...
Analysis of the effectiveness of conservation methods of iron archaeological artefacts: examples ... more Analysis of the effectiveness of conservation methods of iron archaeological artefacts: examples from the Przeworsk culture in Kamieńczyk, Nadkole and Oblin After analysing conservation documentation created during the last thirty years, carried out by the Conservation Department of the State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw, it was noticed that a group of iron archaeological objects repeatedly returned to the Conservation Department for treatment. It was decided to take a closer look at this problem. This project presents, inter alia, the results of research on the impact of specific conservation methods applied over many years at DKM PMA to maintain the stability of iron artefacts. The basis of the analysis is a collection of objects of Przeworsk culture from the sites in Kamieńczyk, Nadkole and Oblin, which are part of the collection of the State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw. The material originating from them is consistent both in archaeological and conservation terms. These sites are the cemeteries of the Przeworsk Culture from the area of Mazovia, functioning since the end of the second century BC - A2 phase (only Nadkole begins to function slightly later, from the second half of the 1st century BC - A3 phase) to the second half of the second century. - B2 / C1 phase. Archaeological excavations in the area were carried out by PMA employees, and documentation and material collected during the excavation is stored and processed at the museum. In addition, there is full conservation documentation regarding these artefacts. As a result, it can be noticed that similar methods were used to preserve objects from the discussed positions. The total number of iron artefacts from these three sites (about 2000) is a representative group in relation to the whole collection of PMA conserved iron objects. Analysis of the object complexes from Kamieńczyk, Nadkole and Oblin is carried out on the basis of a database created for the needs of this project. It contains information that allows identification of conserved artefacts as part of the PMA collection, as well as data on conservation procedures for individual items. As part of the latter group, information was gathered on the methods of stabilization, cleaning, materials used for cleaning, consolidation, strengthening and protecting the surface, as well as corrosion inhibitors. These data were then subjected to a detailed analysis, which allowed to answer questions about the effectiveness of individual methods. But also determine the position of the conservation process in the hierarchy of factors affecting the stability of iron archaeological objects. Artefacts are usually complex systems of relationships between metal and corrosion, and the state of their behaviour during normal "use" and storage in museums can be very different from the condition of experimental samples in accelerated aging tests. Therefore, it seems necessary to conduct research on the effectiveness of methods and means used for conservation, and to confront their results with information available in the literature. In addition, the research results presented in this project are aimed at deeper understanding of the needs of the collection belonging to the State Archaeological Museum, defining the threats and determining the priorities for managing its conservation. At the same time, the author hopes that the conducted research will be helpful for other Polish museums that have iron archaeological relics in their collections.
VI Międzynarodowa Konferencja Konserwatorska, Problemy muzeów związane z zachowaniem i konserwacją zbiorów, Szreniawa 12-14 października 2014, 2014
The article attempts to analyse legal and extralegal factors concerning the conservation
of archa... more The article attempts to analyse legal and extralegal factors concerning the conservation of archaeological objects in Poland. The basic problems conservators of archaeological objects face are the imperfection of Polish law in the area of protection and care of archaeological objects and archaeologists’ insufficient knowledge on the importance of conservation in the process of archaeological research. The imperfection of the law results in: the lack of requirements for education and experience of people carrying out conservation works of archaeological objects; lack of supervision over the quality of the conservation works carried out; failure of the law to prosecute the destruction of archaeological objects during self-conservation; and a transfer of the responsibility for conservation of archaeological objects to museums and other institutions which store such objects, at the same time without granting them financial and legal tools for the proper accomplishment of this task. In turn, the effects of archaeologists’ insufficient knowledge about the importance of conservation of archaeological objects are: conservators are not treated as partners in the research process and archaeologists’ widespread approval for entrusting the conservation of archaeological objects to people without proper qualifications.
VII Międzynarodowa Konferencja Konserwatorska, Problemy muzeów związane z zachowaniem i konserwacją zbiorów, Szreniawa 12-14 października 2016, 2017
The paper attempts to analyze problems of stability of treated archaeological iron and
identifies... more The paper attempts to analyze problems of stability of treated archaeological iron and identifies scientific problems of the research “project in preparation”, focused on condition of objects treated over the years using different stabilization methods – boiling, electrolysis, alkaline sulfite desaltation – which will be held by Conservation Department of State Archeological Museum in Warsaw. The value in archaeological objects lies in the information that can be retrieved from them. Preserving material archives of excavations and the records that define them enables future interpretation to occur. Archaeological excavations destroy the actual site and preserving the material heritage maximises the information, that balances this destructive process. Iron is vastly important within the archaeological record. Iron production and manipulation has often been at the forefront of technology and its introduction still forms one of the major dating points for human history. As a result of the planned researches is expected to get some information about effectiveness of treatments that have been taken in the past and what can be changed in the future to increase stability of objects. Elements of treatment and storage conditionswhich could affect iron archaeological objects, would also be taken into considerations. While the researches do not wear signs of a controlled experiment they can yield useful information on the condition of iron objects, the more so behaviour of objects during normal handling and storage may be very different from that of experimental samples in accelerated ageing tests.
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landscape. Kurgans, known also as barrows or mounds, were built as burial sites by many cultures,
from Neolithic times to the early Middle Ages. These conical or dome-shaped burial mounds may
had a frame constructed of wood (where wood was available), stone or combination of wood and
stone. The frame was covered by soil from the surrounding area forming characteristic mound
shape. Each kurgan contained one or several graves with urns or skeletons.
Kurgans have always been an object of interest. They have been plundered and robbed
by looters for hundreds of years. The fi rst archaeological investigations of kurgans were undertaken
in the second half of the 18th century. Although they were explored by antiquarians
and archaeologists for nearly 250 years, they were not considered interesting for botanists.
Sporadic fl oristic observations of individual kurgans had been conducted before the Second
World War. Complex fl oristic studies of kurgans were initiated in the fi rst years of the 21st
century and encompassed an area of over 32 000 km2. Among the 450 kurgans surveyed in
3 steppe zones and in a forest steppe zone, only 106 barrows, having the proper size and wellpreserved
plant cover, were selected for further study. The richness of the fl ora of evaluated
kurgans exceeded 700 species and increased in each zone from south to north. It was found
that the fl oristic composition of the kurgans refl ects principles observed at much bigger scale
in the fl ora of climatic/vegetation zones.
In this paper the problem of protection and threats to the kurgans is discussed by archaeologist
and botanist. Both of them recognize the exceptional value and importance of the
barrows. Archaeologists point out that kurgans should be protected, at least, until it is possible
to carry out explorations and complete documentation is obtained (which usually leads
to complete or partial destruction of the kurgans). According to naturalists, kurgans should
be permanently protected as a complex of microhabitats and a component of the landscape
(steppe landscape in the past, at present – anthropogenic landscape) as well as site of rare
species (particularly steppe species listed in the red data books) and plant communities included
in the ‘Green Data Book of Ukraine’. Kurgans can, therefore, act as microcentres of
biodiversity. Moreover, they could form part of a network of protected areas (steppe reserves)
and other sites of high fl oristic value (e.g.: escarpments of river valleys, balkas, ravines,
gorges). Kurgans could also play an important role in the future restoration of the steppe,
at least locally. During the 20th century kurgans were under particular threat. They posed
a serious problem for large-scale agriculture in the territory of the former USSR. Originally
there were some 500 000 kurgans within the present territory of Ukraine. Today, however,
only 50 000–100 000 kurgans have remain. At present, archaeological exploration of the kurgans is conducted within the ‘rescue program’ in areas designated for various development
purposes. However, botanical expertise should precede archaeological fi eld investigations. In
spite of the apparent confl ict of interest, a collaboration between archaeologists and botanists
seems possible and is necessary for the better protection of the kurgans of particularly high
fl oristic value. Appropriate legal regulations should, therefore, be implemented to ensure
more effective protection of the kurgans.
employees of the University of Warsaw in 1996–2009. The first independent works of polish expedition was
carried out on excavation XVII/2 in the western necropolis of Tanais (1996–1998). In 1999 work was
transferred to the western part of the West urban area of Tanais. The results of work on the excavation XXV
significantly complement the existing picture of the Hellenistic city planning of Tanais. The most important
discovery was the defensive ditch that protected this part of the city from the west. Were also investigated
the remains of big construction works during the reign of Mithradates the Great. Besides, were recorded
reconstructions of the defensive system of the Western urban area and changes in the internal network of
streets adjacent to the western gate. In addition to research on the urban area and necropolis in 1999–2000
surveys were conducted. Their main goal was an attempt to reconstruct the area of Tanais’s khora. The
results lead to the conclusion that most of the area of Tanais’s khora was located exclusively along the Don
River to the west.
After analysing conservation documentation created during the last thirty years, carried out by the Conservation Department of the State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw, it was noticed that a group of iron archaeological objects repeatedly returned to the Conservation Department for treatment. It was decided to take a closer look at this problem.
This project presents, inter alia, the results of research on the impact of specific conservation methods applied over many years at DKM PMA to maintain the stability of iron artefacts. The basis of the analysis is a collection of objects of Przeworsk culture from the sites in Kamieńczyk, Nadkole and Oblin, which are part of the collection of the State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw. The material originating from them is consistent both in archaeological and conservation terms. These sites are the cemeteries of the Przeworsk Culture from the area of Mazovia, functioning since the end of the second century BC - A2 phase (only Nadkole begins to function slightly later, from the second half of the 1st century BC - A3 phase) to the second half of the second century. - B2 / C1 phase. Archaeological excavations in the area were carried out by PMA employees, and documentation and material collected during the excavation is stored and processed at the museum. In addition, there is full conservation documentation regarding these artefacts. As a result, it can be noticed that similar methods were used to preserve objects from the discussed positions. The total number of iron artefacts from these three sites (about 2000) is a representative group in relation to the whole collection of PMA conserved iron objects.
Analysis of the object complexes from Kamieńczyk, Nadkole and Oblin is carried out on the basis of a database created for the needs of this project. It contains information that allows identification of conserved artefacts as part of the PMA collection, as well as data on conservation procedures for individual items. As part of the latter group, information was gathered on the methods of stabilization, cleaning, materials used for cleaning, consolidation, strengthening and protecting the surface, as well as corrosion inhibitors. These data were then subjected to a detailed analysis, which allowed to answer questions about the effectiveness of individual methods. But also determine the position of the conservation process in the hierarchy of factors affecting the stability of iron archaeological objects. Artefacts are usually complex systems of relationships between metal and corrosion, and the state of their behaviour during normal "use" and storage in museums can be very different from the condition of experimental samples in accelerated aging tests. Therefore, it seems necessary to conduct research on the effectiveness of methods and means used for conservation, and to confront their results with information available in the literature. In addition, the research results presented in this project are aimed at deeper understanding of the needs of the collection belonging to the State Archaeological Museum, defining the threats and determining the priorities for managing its conservation. At the same time, the author hopes that the conducted research will be helpful for other Polish museums that have iron archaeological relics in their collections.
landscape. Kurgans, known also as barrows or mounds, were built as burial sites by many cultures,
from Neolithic times to the early Middle Ages. These conical or dome-shaped burial mounds may
had a frame constructed of wood (where wood was available), stone or combination of wood and
stone. The frame was covered by soil from the surrounding area forming characteristic mound
shape. Each kurgan contained one or several graves with urns or skeletons.
Kurgans have always been an object of interest. They have been plundered and robbed
by looters for hundreds of years. The fi rst archaeological investigations of kurgans were undertaken
in the second half of the 18th century. Although they were explored by antiquarians
and archaeologists for nearly 250 years, they were not considered interesting for botanists.
Sporadic fl oristic observations of individual kurgans had been conducted before the Second
World War. Complex fl oristic studies of kurgans were initiated in the fi rst years of the 21st
century and encompassed an area of over 32 000 km2. Among the 450 kurgans surveyed in
3 steppe zones and in a forest steppe zone, only 106 barrows, having the proper size and wellpreserved
plant cover, were selected for further study. The richness of the fl ora of evaluated
kurgans exceeded 700 species and increased in each zone from south to north. It was found
that the fl oristic composition of the kurgans refl ects principles observed at much bigger scale
in the fl ora of climatic/vegetation zones.
In this paper the problem of protection and threats to the kurgans is discussed by archaeologist
and botanist. Both of them recognize the exceptional value and importance of the
barrows. Archaeologists point out that kurgans should be protected, at least, until it is possible
to carry out explorations and complete documentation is obtained (which usually leads
to complete or partial destruction of the kurgans). According to naturalists, kurgans should
be permanently protected as a complex of microhabitats and a component of the landscape
(steppe landscape in the past, at present – anthropogenic landscape) as well as site of rare
species (particularly steppe species listed in the red data books) and plant communities included
in the ‘Green Data Book of Ukraine’. Kurgans can, therefore, act as microcentres of
biodiversity. Moreover, they could form part of a network of protected areas (steppe reserves)
and other sites of high fl oristic value (e.g.: escarpments of river valleys, balkas, ravines,
gorges). Kurgans could also play an important role in the future restoration of the steppe,
at least locally. During the 20th century kurgans were under particular threat. They posed
a serious problem for large-scale agriculture in the territory of the former USSR. Originally
there were some 500 000 kurgans within the present territory of Ukraine. Today, however,
only 50 000–100 000 kurgans have remain. At present, archaeological exploration of the kurgans is conducted within the ‘rescue program’ in areas designated for various development
purposes. However, botanical expertise should precede archaeological fi eld investigations. In
spite of the apparent confl ict of interest, a collaboration between archaeologists and botanists
seems possible and is necessary for the better protection of the kurgans of particularly high
fl oristic value. Appropriate legal regulations should, therefore, be implemented to ensure
more effective protection of the kurgans.
employees of the University of Warsaw in 1996–2009. The first independent works of polish expedition was
carried out on excavation XVII/2 in the western necropolis of Tanais (1996–1998). In 1999 work was
transferred to the western part of the West urban area of Tanais. The results of work on the excavation XXV
significantly complement the existing picture of the Hellenistic city planning of Tanais. The most important
discovery was the defensive ditch that protected this part of the city from the west. Were also investigated
the remains of big construction works during the reign of Mithradates the Great. Besides, were recorded
reconstructions of the defensive system of the Western urban area and changes in the internal network of
streets adjacent to the western gate. In addition to research on the urban area and necropolis in 1999–2000
surveys were conducted. Their main goal was an attempt to reconstruct the area of Tanais’s khora. The
results lead to the conclusion that most of the area of Tanais’s khora was located exclusively along the Don
River to the west.
After analysing conservation documentation created during the last thirty years, carried out by the Conservation Department of the State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw, it was noticed that a group of iron archaeological objects repeatedly returned to the Conservation Department for treatment. It was decided to take a closer look at this problem.
This project presents, inter alia, the results of research on the impact of specific conservation methods applied over many years at DKM PMA to maintain the stability of iron artefacts. The basis of the analysis is a collection of objects of Przeworsk culture from the sites in Kamieńczyk, Nadkole and Oblin, which are part of the collection of the State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw. The material originating from them is consistent both in archaeological and conservation terms. These sites are the cemeteries of the Przeworsk Culture from the area of Mazovia, functioning since the end of the second century BC - A2 phase (only Nadkole begins to function slightly later, from the second half of the 1st century BC - A3 phase) to the second half of the second century. - B2 / C1 phase. Archaeological excavations in the area were carried out by PMA employees, and documentation and material collected during the excavation is stored and processed at the museum. In addition, there is full conservation documentation regarding these artefacts. As a result, it can be noticed that similar methods were used to preserve objects from the discussed positions. The total number of iron artefacts from these three sites (about 2000) is a representative group in relation to the whole collection of PMA conserved iron objects.
Analysis of the object complexes from Kamieńczyk, Nadkole and Oblin is carried out on the basis of a database created for the needs of this project. It contains information that allows identification of conserved artefacts as part of the PMA collection, as well as data on conservation procedures for individual items. As part of the latter group, information was gathered on the methods of stabilization, cleaning, materials used for cleaning, consolidation, strengthening and protecting the surface, as well as corrosion inhibitors. These data were then subjected to a detailed analysis, which allowed to answer questions about the effectiveness of individual methods. But also determine the position of the conservation process in the hierarchy of factors affecting the stability of iron archaeological objects. Artefacts are usually complex systems of relationships between metal and corrosion, and the state of their behaviour during normal "use" and storage in museums can be very different from the condition of experimental samples in accelerated aging tests. Therefore, it seems necessary to conduct research on the effectiveness of methods and means used for conservation, and to confront their results with information available in the literature. In addition, the research results presented in this project are aimed at deeper understanding of the needs of the collection belonging to the State Archaeological Museum, defining the threats and determining the priorities for managing its conservation. At the same time, the author hopes that the conducted research will be helpful for other Polish museums that have iron archaeological relics in their collections.
of archaeological objects in Poland.
The basic problems conservators of archaeological objects face are the imperfection
of Polish law in the area of protection and care of archaeological objects and archaeologists’
insufficient knowledge on the importance of conservation in the process of archaeological
research.
The imperfection of the law results in: the lack of requirements for education and
experience of people carrying out conservation works of archaeological objects; lack of
supervision over the quality of the conservation works carried out; failure of the law to
prosecute the destruction of archaeological objects during self-conservation; and a transfer
of the responsibility for conservation of archaeological objects to museums and other
institutions which store such objects, at the same time without granting them financial
and legal tools for the proper accomplishment of this task.
In turn, the effects of archaeologists’ insufficient knowledge about the importance of
conservation of archaeological objects are: conservators are not treated as partners in the
research process and archaeologists’ widespread approval for entrusting the conservation
of archaeological objects to people without proper qualifications.
identifies scientific problems of the research “project in preparation”, focused on condition
of objects treated over the years using different stabilization methods – boiling, electrolysis,
alkaline sulfite desaltation – which will be held by Conservation Department of State
Archeological Museum in Warsaw.
The value in archaeological objects lies in the information that can be retrieved from
them. Preserving material archives of excavations and the records that define them enables
future interpretation to occur. Archaeological excavations destroy the actual site and
preserving the material heritage maximises the information, that balances this destructive
process. Iron is vastly important within the archaeological record. Iron production and
manipulation has often been at the forefront of technology and its introduction still forms
one of the major dating points for human history.
As a result of the planned researches is expected to get some information about effectiveness
of treatments that have been taken in the past and what can be changed in
the future to increase stability of objects. Elements of treatment and storage conditionswhich could affect iron archaeological objects, would also be taken into considerations.
While the researches do not wear signs of a controlled experiment they can yield useful
information on the condition of iron objects, the more so behaviour of objects during
normal handling and storage may be very different from that of experimental samples in
accelerated ageing tests.