Meeting with archaeologists as part of BUR

In the diving centre Divespot.co.ukOn 19 January at 18.00 a meeting of people connected with Baltic Underwater Research took place. The main topic was archaeology, mainly focused on research work done underwater. On this occasion, specially from Warsaw, came to Tricity two capital city archaeologists: Radosław Karasiewicz Szczypiorski PhD and Artur Brzóska MA.

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Despite the fact that the date of the meeting fell on a Thursday, we managed to gather a group of about 20 people interested in the secrets of marine archaeology. The invited guests, after a short introduction, went into the substance of the matter. As it turned out, the work of an archaeologist is nothing like the movies about Indiana Jones with Harrison Ford.

The archaeologists focused mainly on the basics, trying to give an overview of the work and tasks of a researcher on an archaeological site. They explained how important it is to know what we are going to do. Proper groundwork and preparation are crucial if our work is to have any sense and research value. Without the right standards and techniques generally accepted in archaeology (and not just marine archaeology), it will be difficult to collect relevant data.

After introductions, it was time to discuss what an archaeological site is, how it is created and what techniques are used to investigate it. As it turns out, whether on the surface or underwater, an archaeologist’s work is very similar. The only difference is the nature of the environment, which sometimes gives the archaeologist an advantage and sometimes makes it more difficult.

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A lot of time was devoted to discussing the problems encountered by archaeologists as well as divers trying to explore new positions on the Baltic. Bureaucracy and the lack of unified, clearly defined regulations make it very difficult, and in most cases impossible, to obtain the necessary permits if the project is not positively assessed by the relevant institutions.

The meeting ended with an analysis of the photo material collected at the various sites and a discussion of the research techniques used. At the end, already in an intimate circle, everyone could ask questions bothering them, and talk in a relaxed atmosphere with experienced archaeologists.

It is worth noting that the meeting in Divespot.plwas another interesting initiative of Baltic Underwater Reaserch, organized in Tricity. From the moment BUR was established, it has gathered divers of all types, qualifications, experience, age and configuration, who have one thing in common – the desire to act. Doing something more than just another dive, which is an art for art’s sake and a step towards raising your qualifications. If you want to find out more about BUR, we invite you to read an interview with Tymek Podgórczyk and visit forum where BUR members meet.

Source: Divers24
Photo: Tymek Podgórczyk