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It is with great pleasure that I am with you today for the presentation of the book and the opening of the exhibition "Hands that Talk - Taking Hands" - a tribute to the unsung heroes of the excavations of the region, the inhabitants of the village of Episkopi, without whose hard-working hands the Cypriot and foreign archaeological expeditions could not have unearthed so many archaeological treasures from the beginnings of Cypriot archaeology.
The stories, thoughts and experiences of people who participated in archaeological excavations or who knew people who participated in them, as recorded in "Hands that Talk" and as captured in the photographic exhibition, constitute an important element of the cultural history of Episkopi and add a special, unique value to the archaeological narratives we have had so far. The authors of the book "Hands that Talk", Theopisti Stylianou Lambert, Elizabeth Stephanis, Paulina Nikolaou and Michael Given offer us a work that we rarely have the opportunity to see. A work of primary testimony about experiences that usually remain untold. In this case, a work that synthesizes the testimonies of people who experienced first-hand, from a young age and with great intensity, the archaeological excavations conducted by foreign archaeologists and the Department of Antiquities in their community. These people, either locals or refugees who took refuge in Episkopi after the 1974 invasion, became an integral part of the expeditions that excavated here and revealed the rich cultural heritage of the area.
This book is an important contribution to the history of archaeological research in Cyprus. Its anthropocentric approach, combining elements from anthropology and sociology, sheds light on the individuals who literally pull history out of the earth, opening archaeology to a wider audience beyond the academic community. By recording narratives that have never been formally heard and are in danger of being lost forever, it provides a fresh perspective on the excavation process, revealing information that does not usually find a place in scientific publications.
Moreover, the experiences and practices shared with us by these people are important insights into the methodology of excavation in the 20th century on a practical level.
The workers and technicians excavating in the Episkopi area came from there and felt strong ties to the historical context of the sites they were excavating, namely ancient Curia and its prehistoric ancestors, as well as its successors of Byzantine and medieval times. The recording of these experiences shows us that the participation of local residents in archaeological fieldwork can enhance the appreciation of cultural heritage among members of the local community and, by extension, contribute to the protection and preservation of archaeological sites over time.
The implementation of projects such as this book, which was achieved through the close collaboration between the Laboratory of Visual Sociology and Museology of the CUT - which has merged with the Museum Lab of the CYENS Centre of Excellence - and the Department of Antiquities, is for the Deputy Ministry of Culture an excellent proof of the multifaceted value of culture, not only as a vital element of our history and identity, but also as a driving force for social progress, as well as the economic development of our country. An element that is at the forefront of our strategic planning as a State Ministry, which aims to safeguard and fully exploit our rich cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible.
In order to give a voice to the "hands" of archaeology, the authors of the book carried out a research project that recorded oral history in text and captured images through photography. Since the workers' stories could not be located in archaeological records and publications, the team spoke directly with people who had participated in archaeological excavations or who knew other people involved. For this I would like to offer my congratulations to both the authors of the book and the protagonists of the stories: Eleni Christou, Socrates Savvas, Thessalia (Sallis) Onoufriou Kyriakou, Maroulla Triantafyllidou, Antonis Polycarpou, Maria Alexandrou, Demosthenes (Dimos) Theodorou, Katina Tyllirou, Chrystalla Evangelou, Anna Constantinou and Irini Kontou, whose valuable information enabled the writing of this book to become a reality.
In conclusion, I would like to point out that the Deputy Ministry of Culture supports every effort for the study and promotion of our cultural heritage, as it can, on the one hand, contribute to the strengthening of our common identity and, on the other hand, offer invaluable prospects for economic development, tourism, and play an important role in the development of a sustainable future for our country. If properly exploited, culture can act as a tool for revitalising not only urban centres but also our rural and mountainous areas.
I would like to congratulate again all those who contributed to the organisation of tonight's event, the implementation of the interview project and the publication of the book, which I am sure will be warmly embraced by the public. Finally, I would like to congratulate the Department of Antiquities for opening the doors of the Museum of the Diocese both in theory and in fact for an interesting collaboration and event.
(EK/NYAN/EP)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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