6. Nov 2024

Innovative approaches in the transdisciplinary research on the cultural heritage of stećci

Stećci are unique medieval burial monuments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro. The European research project STECCI focuses on innovative conservation and valorisation strategies for this cultural heritage through transdisciplinary research. In September, the workshop ‘My STECCI Story’ took place, which was organised by the University of Sarajevo (UNSA) and the Centre for Social Innovation in Vienna (ZSI). This was followed in October by the workshops in Split, together with the Arts Academy of the University of Split (UMAS) and the workshop in Podgorica together with the University of Donja Gorica (UDG). These workshops explored the cultural significance of stećci, the threats and possible strategies for their preservation, while promoting public engagement in place-making. The workshop, which is part of a series of Social Lab activities, involved a mix of three research activities focussing on the historical, spatial and social/socio-cultural significance of stećci.

STEĆCI ON A “MISSION TO MARS” – COME WITH US!  
The workshop began with a new, customised approach, a ‘mission to Mars’, in which students from various disciplines (geography, archaeology, art, etc.) took part. The participants were initially sceptical, but soon developed a positive group dynamic. They used design thinking to explore how aliens might interpret Earth's cultural symbols, particularly tombstones such as stećci. The exercise allowed for innovative thinking by encouraging participants to go beyond conventional perspectives and ask new questions that may lead to new socio-cultural interpretations of stećci as well as new research questions. Topics of this semi-structured discussion included the comparison between extraterrestrial (from Mars or an even more distant planet) and human rituals, the symbolic meanings behind statues and monuments, and the role of art and symbolism in hypothetical extraterrestrial societies.

STORYTELLING INTERVIEWS - TELL US YOUR STEĆCI STORY!
In the following, several multi-stakeholder interviews were conducted with academic experts, artists and community members.

The academic experts provided various insights into the meaning of stećci. Their historical, artistic and cultural value was emphasised, as well as their importance not only as a transnational phenomenon in the Western Balkans region, but also as a global phenomenon that is known far beyond the regions through art and its dissemination. Some interviewees emphasised the threats to which the gravestones are exposed, including climate change and other man-made threats. The challenges of dating stećci due to the lack of inscriptions and the importance of further research to understand their historical context are also important aspects that were repeatedly emphasised in the interviews. In addition, the effects of climate change on the decay of these necropolises and the need for research and protection strategies play an important role in future activities.

The community members, on the other hand, talked about their family biographies and their personal relationship with stećci. Old legends and myths that are gradually being forgotten were also recounted. The commitment of the local communities to the preservation of these historical artefacts was emphasised time and again, with the focus here also being on protective measures to preserve the burial sites.

The interviews with national and international artists explained how these medieval necropolises have influenced their artistic work, e.g. for stage design in contemporary theatre or various projects in collaboration with schools. The discussions centred on cultural and identity conflicts and the ongoing challenges of preserving history. The importance of the stećci as artistic inspiration and as a symbol of the complex heritage of the different countries was particularly emphasised. The gravestones became symbols of their cultural roots and a source of inspiration for their artistic endeavours.

SENSING AND MAPPING CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR STEĆCI IN KOPOŠIĆI, CISTA PROVO AND ZABLJAK
In the second part of the workshop, various participants from the community took part in a mapping walk in the necropolises. During the visit, it became clear that access to the necropolises is difficult due to poor road conditions, remoteness or their location. While the necropolis in Kopošići (Bosnia & Herzegovina) is also used as a private cemetery, the necropolis in Cista Provo (Croatia) is located in a public space next to a motorway. In Zabljak (Montenegro), the remaining gravestones are mostly located on private land, which are neglected and not maintained. This part of the workshop crystallised different challenges and needs depending on the necropolis and location: One needs better infrastructure and initiatives to raise public awareness. The other needs fencing and protection from vandalism, as it is used as a car park and rest area next to the road. The other, on the other hand, is left to completely weather and decay, as there are no subsidies to protect these gravestones and they are threatened by urbanisation.
Joint analysis sessions were held to identify key issues for site design and development - particularly in relation to education and infrastructure, which are crucial for the preservation of stećci.

The workshop in Sarajevo was additionally complemented by an expert feedback meeting with UNSA, ZSI and ass. Prof. Biljana Maslovarić from the University of Montenegro, who is a member of the STECCI Ethics Advisory Board. The discussions focussed on aspects of ethical and scientific integrity when working with the expertise of the local community and on improving the visibility of the STECCI project.

Learn more about STECCI project…

Meet the ZSI team fostering co-creation, citizen science and social innovation for cultural heritage in the STECCI project:  Pamela Bartar, Nesrin Sen-Buttermilch, Gabor Szüdi

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Tags: citizen science, co-creation, cultural heritage, placemaking, social innovation