“Training Course in Archaeology and Heritage Management for African Scholars”, organized by the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology (PCMA) at the University of Warsaw, successfully concluded on 16th September 2024.
This comprehensive program ran from 2nd to 15th September, and welcomed young archaeologists and heritage practitioners from Sudan and Ethiopia, providing them with advanced training in the documentation, preservation, and promotion of their countries’ rich cultural heritage.
The course, held under the “Archaeo-Oriental Studies” program, was designed to enhance the professional capabilities of participants in archaeology and heritage management. Its objectives included imparting knowledge in cultural heritage protection, archaeological fieldwork methods, and advanced techniques in artefact analysis and site management. Over the two-week period, participants engaged in both theoretical and hands-on sessions that covered a broad spectrum of topics.
Some key areas of focus included:
– Cultural Heritage Protection: Providing participants with an understanding of heritage management systems, with case studies from Northeast Africa.
– Archaeological Fieldwork and Documentation: Practical training in the use of Total Station and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to document and analyze archaeological sites.
– Artefact Analysis and Storage: Sessions on computational archaeology and archaeometry techniques, including SEM-EDS material analysis.
– Site and Museum Collection Management: Instruction on managing archaeological sites and museum collections, emphasizing the conservation and presentation of heritage resources.
– Archive Documentation Management: Insights based on experience in processing archival excavation documentation, digitizing records, and creating databases.
Participants also had the opportunity to visit The National Museum in Warsaw, allowing them to experience heritage management practices in a European context.
The course was coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Joanna Then (Antiquity of Southeastern Europe Research Centre UW). Lectures and practical sessions were delivered by PCMA archaeologists and an invited specialist:
- Adrian Chlebowski (Total Station Training),
- Dr. Lorenzo de Lellis (GIS and Computational Archaeology),
- Dr. Katarzyna de Lellis-Danys (Museum Collection Management; Material Studies: Resources for Research),
- Dr. Tomomi Fushiya (Heritage Management),
- Dr. Szymon Maślak (Archive Documentation Management),
- Dr. Tomasz Michalik (Cognitive Science),
- Assoc. Prof. Artur Obłuski (Site Management),
- Dr. Olga Syta, Faculty of Chemistry UW (Archaeometry)
The interdisciplinary nature of the course provided a unique platform for participants to gain practical skills, exchange knowledge, and build professional networks across borders.
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01. Heritage management with Dr. Tomomi Fushiya at PCMA UW (photos by J. Then and G.G. Gebrekrstos) -
02. Cognitive Archaeology with Dr. Tomasz Michalik at PCMA UW (photos by J. Then) -
03. Archive Documentation Management with Dr. Szymon Maślak at PCMA UW (photos by J. Then) -
04. Material Studies and Museum Collection Management with Dr. Katarzyna de Lellis-Danys in the National Museum in Warsaw (photos by J. Then) -
05. Introduction to Computational Archaeology and GIS with Dr. Lorenzo de Lellis at PCMA UW (photos by J. Then) -
06. Total Station in the Royal Łazienki Park and the University of Warsaw Campus with Adrian Chlebowski (photos by A. Chlebowski and G.G. Gebrekrstos) -
07. Archaeometry – SEM-EDS in Material Analysis with Dr. Olga Syta at the Department of Chemistry UW (photos by J. Then) -
08. Archaeological Site Management with Prof. Artur Obłuski at PCMA UW (photos by J. Then) -
09. Handing out Certificates by Prof. Artur Obłuski at PCMA UW (photos by J. Then and G.G. Gebrekrstos)
