How are recent cultural items being saved alongside ancient ones?

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Recent Cultural Items Are Being Saved Alongside Ancient Ones Through Volunteer Efforts

Volunteers in Gaza are undertaking a comprehensive effort to preserve both ancient archaeological treasures and more recent cultural artefacts at risk due to the ongoing conflict. These efforts involve meticulous cataloguing, makeshift digitisation, and the careful handling of items ranging from 5,000-year-old grinding stones to 20th-century documents. The initiative, led by the Mayasem Association for Culture and Arts, highlights a deep commitment to safeguarding Gaza's multifaceted heritage amidst widespread destruction.
Improvised Digitisation and Cataloguing Methods Are Employed

Due to Israeli restrictions on goods entering Gaza, volunteers are working without professional conservation equipment. They have developed innovative solutions, such as using ordinary paintbrushes for delicate dust removal from mosaics and constructing a makeshift scanning station. This improvised setup, featuring a camera mounted above a box lined with black craft paper, allows for the digitisation of old photographs and paper documents, which are then uploaded for safekeeping. Artefacts are also catalogued and stored in weatherproof plastic containers on wooden shelves.
Items from the 20th Century and Beyond Are Prioritised

Beyond ancient archaeological finds, a significant focus is placed on preserving items from the 20th century. This includes artefacts from the late Ottoman period, the British Mandate, and the Egyptian administration. Many of these items are being saved by their owners who have been displaced by the conflict and are seeking to protect them from destruction or loss. The efforts extend to a paper archive containing maps of Khan Yunis and structural maps from the British Mandate era.
A Broad Spectrum of Historical Documents Are Being Preserved

The preservation work encompasses a wide array of historical documents that chronicle centuries of Gaza's history. This includes newspapers and official documents from the British Mandate and Egyptian eras, providing invaluable insights into the region's past. Furthermore, volunteers are actively documenting the oral histories of elderly residents, creating a vital reference for future generations and ensuring that intangible cultural heritage is also safeguarded.
Recreating Damaged Artefacts and Documenting Oral Histories Are Key Components

In addition to safeguarding existing items, volunteers are also engaged in recreating damaged cultural pieces. This includes painstakingly rearranging hundreds of fragments to reconstruct contemporary mosaic artworks, using printed copies of the original designs as guides. This hands-on approach underscores the dedication to not only preserving but also reviving Gaza's artistic legacy. The documentation of oral histories further complements these efforts by capturing the personal narratives and collective memory of the community.

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How are recent cultural items being saved alongside ancient ones?

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