Kilka uwag o problemach ochrony zabytków archeologicznych w Polsce

Pointing out some characteristics typical o f archaeological monuments, the article deals only with some of the problems involved in their protection. In the author’s view, these problems have lost none o f their immediate interest, as they have been discussed by professional circles in Poland for quite a long time, especially at scientific and specialistic conferences, meetings and symposia and not only at those concerning conservation and museums. One o f the reasons is undoubtedly the fact that under the Polish conditions o f intensive economic growth archaeological monuments show a growing susceptibility to devastation and the problem o f providing their effective protection becomes an everyday complaint. In order to ensure this effectiveness, the author finds it indispensable to have the following factors available: 1) adequate regulations that would precisely determine purposes, measures and principles o f the work, 2) highly qualified and well equipped personnel, able to carry out tasks entrusted, 3) a conducive climate in both a professional circle o f archaeologists who would recognize the priority of interests in the field o f the protection o f archaeological monuments and also in the whole Polish society, 4) creation and development o f scientific, theoretical and methodical foundations for works on conservation and museums in Poland, and consequently a need to train conservators and to use them in a proper way. In view o f the above, the author points out the need o f amending or correcting some o f the wordings o f the present law on the pro tection of cultural values, attaching thus more importance to it as to the act duly sorting out both general and singular matters pertaining to all kinds o f monuments including archaeological ones. Quite a few comments concern organization and capacity needs o f the executive organ, i.e. the so-called conservation section (conservators o f archaeological monuments). The author thinks that one of the best forms o f work at a voivodship level is —■ under the absence o f a single modus operandi — a junction o f archaeological conservation work with that of museums. This creates a possibility of specialistic operation based on the numerous personnel and with technical and storehouse resources. A rational use o f powers and measures can also be obtained in the case o f recording and popularization works. Listing positive examples o f the operation o f such a solution (e.g. in Białystok voivodship), the author does not mean to suggest a universality o f that model, emphasizing the need o f choosing a model that would best suit the conditions prevailing in a given region. Further on, the author presents his comments on the necessity o f professional training of archaeologists in the field o f conservation; this should be included into the programme o f both university studies as well as make the subject o f doctor’s and other kinds of specialistic dissertations. The final comment concluding the article concerns the need to consolidate works o f the central archaeological conservation centre.