Sprawozdania Archeologiczne 65 (2013)

The principal object of deliberations in this article focuses on: 1. the status of archaeological reflection pertaining to the materiality of the recent past; 2. the fates and roles of the material remains of World War I and their potential in shaping the temporal orientation; 3. the opportunities and dangers stemming from the interest in the material remains of the recent past. The aim is to demonstrate: a) the close interdependence between archaeology’s relevance and applicability; b) the dynamic character of the relation between archaeology, material remains and stakeholders; and c) the potential of archaeology to reinforce not only historical consciousness but also historical sensibility and the need for more attentive existence among things. As the significant challenges connected to the last aspects can be seen the dissemination with the help of archaeology the fact, that the number of soldiers of Polish descent that suffered across all WWI frontlines reached 1 400 000 of which approximately 500 000 were killed! Theme for such thoughts’ targeting is the willingness to draw attention to the uniqueness and importance of archaeology of the recent past

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