The centenary jubilee of the discovery of prehistoric striped flint mines in Krzemionki

Abstract

Undoubtedly, the exploitation field in Krzemionki, situated within the properties of the present villages of Sudół, Stoki Stare and Ruda Kościelna, constitutes a unique relic – the monument of prehistory whose preservation in as good state as possible accompanied with skilful facilitating it to the public is going to be the subject of our concern throughout the upcoming century. From one hand, one could be surprised that the monument did not become a symbol equally recognizable to the Biskupin fortified town. On the other, it should be admitted with delight that the whole range of activities completed regarding the monument have not caused any significant alterations to the object as specified. They might possibly occur along with vaster popularization and commercialization of Krzemionki mines. Of course, some interference took place here indeed. However, luckily their scale have not caused loss which we could reckon as considerable, taking into account the number of intact mining shafts or post-mining landscape, visible until today at substantial stretch of the field. It seems that in the case of this archaeological monument a successful compromise was obtained. It merges a strive for retaining as little changed state as possible, getting knowledge in the course of research and finally the need for the knowledge and the object as it is to be presented. If we manage to keep the situation like that it will be possible to claim that intergenerational actions of various environments in the service of Krzemionki monument led to proper effects.