Projekt planu ochrony konserwatorskiej zespołu pradziejowych kopalń krzemienia nad dolną Kamienną w województwie świętokrzyskim

In the period between the last phase of the Old Stone Age and the Bronze Age, which is almost ten thousand years, to the north of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains there existed a mining area unlike any other in Europe. Between Orońsko and the Vistula valley near Annopol, more than 35 exploitation fields have been discovered so far. Four kinds of flint were excavated here from Jurassic and cretaceous limestone rocks: chocolate, striped, Ożarów type, and Świeciechów type. The material was exploited by an open-cast as well as abyssal method. In the centre of this region, at the Kamienna river, mines being the greatest achievement of the Neolithic mining technique in Europe are located. In the largest complex of Neolithic flint mines called “Krzemionki” excavation pits, which remained almost unchanged, were discovered. Some of them are 9 metres deep and their underground chambers and corridors cover more than 500 square metres. On the surface of the exploitation fields of “Krzemionki”, “Borownia”, and “Korycizna”, remains of mining shafts such as heaps and hollows survived until present. It creates a unique occasion to have a look at the spaces and landscapes shaped by a man in the Stone Age. The prehistoric flint mines make an exceptional object when compared to other archaeological sites known in Poland. Due to their unique character (industrial objects) and rare occurrence they represent an outstanding scientific value. Examining flint mining and flint material distribution makes it possible to get familiar with the economy of primeval communities as well as their social organization, and even the religious sphere. In some cases, archaeological research at prehistoric mining sites allow to discover places and spaces whose appearance has not changed for more than 5000 years! Such opportunity cannot be given by any other archaeological site. The primeval flint mines are also the subject of research in other fields of science such as geology, geophysics, paleoclimatology, paleobiology. Hence, their meaning in studying the past of the region and the whole Europe is enormous. Unfortunately, the last years have brought about serious damages of the historical substance of the mines. It is mostly connected with illegal and predatory exploitation of striped flint for the needs of jewellers and souvenir industry. It happens so due to the rising popularity of this type of flint which is promoted as a unique souvenir from the Świętokrzyskie Mountains and the Sandomierz Land. Being in this exceptionally unfavourable situation, the remains of Neolithic flint mines are also exposed to other dangers just like other archaeological sites. The menaces mostly include infrastructure investments, illegal constructions, forest works, land cultivation, pollution, car traffic around the mining area. The major part of the flint mines is under legal protection as it is listed in the monuments register. In case of “Krzemionki” it also has a status of an “Object of Cultural Heritage in Poland” and a nature reserve. The remaining exploitation fields are also registered in the record of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodship Conservator of Monuments. Nevertheless, despite constant monitoring of conservatory services and archaeologists it was not possible to avoid the most serious damages which have taken place since the mass excavation of limestone in the first half of the 20th century. The objects which had the best preserved post-exploitation form and shape – “Krzemionki”, “Borownia”, “Korycizna” – suffered the most. Hence, the aim of the article is to propose a plan of conservatory protection common for all types of archaeological objects in the area of the lower Kamienna river. The first and the most basic activity which needs to be done is the liquidation of the most dangerous destructive factor which is the illegal flint exploitation. It requires signing the historical area and introducing constant monitoring in cooperation with forestry services and police. The other activities include making full conservatory documentation and archaeological research with the use of a wide range of non-destructive methods available nowadays. This will make it possible to estimate the condition of all objects and to gain necessary knowledge concerning their chronology and the application of exploitation methods. The data will then allow to take further legal steps in order to improve their protection and most importantly: • to prepare and make records in the register of monuments or their renewal; • to take into account protection of primeval mining objects in the area development plan and local programs of monuments protection; • to create a cultural park of primeval mining which will enable integrated control over all archaeological objects. At the same time, apart from initiating cooperation with those groups which take advantage of using flint, educational and promotional actions should be taken in order to make the local communities interested in the issue of the primeval mining. It might be essential to convince the locals that the presence of such unique archaeological monuments can positively influence their development and integration. Translated by Paweł Kaptur