The upcoming PCMA seminar will feature Magdalena Skarżyńska (Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw) with a presentation: „The Conservation Care System at an Archaeological Site: Old Dongola, Sudan. Conservation vs. Archaeology. Does the Ideal Model Exist?”.
Abstract: Old Dongola, the medieval capital of Makuria in today’s Sudan, is one of the most important archaeological sites in Northeast Africa, investigated by the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw, for over sixty years. Excavations have revealed richly decorated churches, monastic complexes, and monumental architecture with fragile wall paintings preserved in situ. These discoveries, while extraordinary, also highlight the urgent need for a systemic approach to conservation, especially in a desert environment exposed to rapid climate change, seasonal humidity fluctuations, and ongoing political instability.
This presentation discusses the challenges of designing an integrated conservation care system for Old Dongola that combines material analysis, condition surveys, and interdisciplinary documentation with long-term strategies of preventive care. Special focus is given to iconic monuments such as the Throne Hall with its polychrome interiors, the Church of Archangel Raphael, and the recently uncovered painted complexes, whose preservation demands both emergency intervention and sustainable planning.
The case of Dongola illustrates how conservation cannot be treated as an isolated practice but must be embedded in archaeological work from the outset, aligning excavation, transport, storage, and display. By integrating scientific methods, digital tools monitoring, and local institutional frameworks, the project explores whether an “ideal model” of conservation is achievable – or whether each site ultimately requires a context-sensitive balance between research priorities and the preservation of cultural heritage.
The seminar will be held on Thursday, 20th November at 2 pm (Warsaw time) on the Zoom platform.
To receive the link, please email: seminarium.pcma@uw.edu.pl
Magdalena Skarżyńska is an art historian and conservator affiliated with the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw. She specializes in the conservation of wall paintings, polychrome wood, ceramics, and archaeological heritage, with field experience in Sudan, Egypt, Cyprus, and Lebanon. Since 2020 she has coordinated conservation work at Old Dongola and other international sites, leading teams and preparing technical documentation. She holds degrees in Art History (University of Warsaw) and in Conservation of Works of Art (Academy of Fine Arts, Warsaw), as well as postgraduate studies in conservation chemistry. Her research interests focus on preventive conservation, digital documentation, and sustainable site management. She has contributed to projects funded by ARCE, ALIPH, NAWA, and NCN, and regularly presents at international conferences.