Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.17018/portal.2021.12
In situ protection of underwater archaeological sites: protective cages
Sara Fabijanić
Igor Miholjek
orcid.org/0000-0002-0095-0642
; Croatian Conservation Institute, Department for Underwater Archaeology, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The seabed of the eastern Adriatic is full of archaeological sites and shipwrecks from various periods, from prehistory to modern history. But even though there are laws and regulations that clearly define who may, and under what conditions, access underwater cultural heritage, as well as prescribed provisions for illegal activities, many underwater archaeological sites have been devastated, and valuable archaeological material has been stolen.
In situ physical protection, the primary choice according to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, is now being used, since existing regulations have proved to be an insufficient method of protection. In Croatia, metal cages were first used in 1990, and so far eight archaeological sites have been protected: Za Planiku and Saplun in the Lastovo archipelago, Koromašno off the island of Žirje, the island of Supetar near Cavtat, Klačine off the island of Mljet, Vlaška Mala off the island of Pag, Sorinj off the island of Rab, and Buje near Umag.
The earliest cages were solely intended to prevent access to archaeological finds, and were made out of construction nets that were attached to the seabed with concrete blocks. Despite the use of this type of protection, the Za Planiku site was again ravaged. Afterwards, the construction of cages was changed so that the load-bearing structure was constructed first, and it was then lined with specially-made nets of appropriate size.
The paper will provide an overview of archaeological sites where protection cages have been used so far. The advantages and disadvantages of this method will be defined, bearing in mind the issue of cage maintenance, the threat to individual sites with regard to their location, and their use for tourism and promotional purposes. The reasons why cages will not be used for some newly-discovered ancient shipwrecks will also be explained.
Keywords
protection of underwater archaeological sites; eastern Adriatic; metal cages; shipwreck; antiquity; devastation; endangerment; amphorae; cultural heritage
Hrčak ID:
270801
URI
Publication date:
27.12.2021.
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