ARCHAEOLOGY - DISCOVERING MATERIAL TESTIMONIES OF HISTORY
Sylwia Foks
Archaeological research at the site of the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau is conducted as part of accompanying works undertaken by the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum aimed at preserving and protecting the Memorial. These are investment activities and comprehensive projects conducted using the Museum’s resources, such as the conservation of historical barracks 7 and 8 at the former BI section. Archaeological works at every step are accompanied by the concern to preserve the authenticity of this special place.
Archaeology is a science that studies the past using methods that focus on exploring cultures and events based on unearthed relics and others present in the stratification area for which there are no written sources of information.
From an archaeological perspective, the earth is much more than a surface on which people move. For archaeologists, it is a kind of archive. A particular archive that ruthlessly records every human interference in it. And though we can erase information from documents or our memory, it is not always the case with the earth's memory. It contains not only what was deposited in it intentionally, but also what was lost, hidden or deliberately concealed from the world. The cognitive power of excavation research lies in the literal and metaphorical exploration of its memory.
So, what is the goal of archaeological research at the sites of former concentration and extermination camps? What other information can be conveyed on this subject, besides the protection of historical objects? Do we need additional testimonial materials if we know the history of a particular place, and possess the testimonies of witnesses and other historical documents? Can something that is silent, fragile, corroded and preserved in fragments provide any knowledge? If yes, then what kind?
Archaeology of concentration and extermination camps
Archaeological research conducted in the areas of former concentration camps
allow us to discover specific types of sources. Some of them are objects testifying to what is often found on the peripheries of memories about the tragic events of the Shoah - the extermination infrastructure. Buildings and objects unveiled and extracted are also material traces of the slow killing of prisoners, including slave labour and starvation.
Kilometres of roads, pavements used by prisoners, remains of buildings not visible today, drains that made everyday camp life difficult, thousands of items hidden, lost, destroyed... These are only some of the items that testify to the historical image of the former KL Auschwitz-Birkenau camp. Recognizing, documenting and, and above all, securing this vast amount of post-camp material remains that are invisible today constitute the primary goal of archaeological research conducted here.
Execution of drawing documentation.
Pic. S. Foks