PARTNER: The Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes are among the largest and earliest Neolithic flint mines of north-western Europe. The mines were active during the mid and late Neolithic (4300–2200 BC). The site and its surroundings were added to the UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 2000. It is covering more
than 100 hectaresand probably comprises thousands of mining shafts. The mining site is remarkable for the diversity of the technical solutions used to extract flint and for their direct connection with the contemporaneous settlement of the region.
The Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes reflect, along with other sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the capacity for invention of human beings but is also a distinctive mark of the Neolithic, a major stage in the cultural and technological evolution of mankind. The archaeological potential of the site, which is remarkably well preserved, is considered as a fund of knowledge for the coming generations and, as such, is worth both studying and protecting over the long term. The Public Service of Wallonia (SPW) is in charge of steering the management plan of the site (notably regarding scientific and conservation issues). The Society for Prehistoric Research In Hainaut (SRPH), founded 50 years ago by archaeology lovers, realized many excavations in the area of Mons. Since its foundation, it is particularly engaged in the excavation of the Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes. Currently, the SRPH takes part, in support of the Public Service of Wallonia (SPW), in archaeological research at "Petit-Spiennes", on a site located on a property of the City of Mons and is in charge of the maintenance of the part of the site open to the public. The SPW is in charge of the scientific and preservation management of the site.
For more information (FR): http://www.minesdespiennes.org/en.html Videos:https://www.youtube.com/w... (FR) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MLCddZ3Upo (EN)
WORK: This project aims at raising awareness among volunteers and local population about UNESCO's values through the Neolithic Mines of Spiennes and allowing volunteers to take part in the scientific study of the site as well as its improvement. The workcamp will consist in several missions:
-Archaeological excavations in the mines : volunteers will participate to all the stages and activities of the ongoing excavations
-Post-excavation operations in the SPW research laboratory : volunteers will participate in the processing of the artefacts after the excavations.
-Restoration of the site : volunteers will have to bring to light some elements used during the 19th century in the pottery work industry (e.g. they will have to cut the vegetation that covers the material used in that industry)
-Awareness-raising activities: volunteers will prepare, together with the hosts, several conferences and workshops for the local population in order to raise awareness about UNESCO's values and topics related to the site (for instance, human migrations during Neolithic times), and other World Heritage sites. It will be asked to volunteers to prepare a short presentation (on any kind of support) of a site inscribed as World Heritage in their country for one of the workshops. Volunteers will have the opportunity to visits other World Heritage sites of the area.
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will sleep in tents on the site of the archaeological research centre in Camp-à-Cayaux (Spiennes) and will have access to sanitary and showers of the centre. The living conditions are rudimentary! Please bring a sleeping bag and a mattress.
FOOD: Meals will be prepared by volunteers in a kitchen of the research centre.
LOCATION: The Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes are located close to the Walloon village of Spiennes, 6 km south-east of Mons and 50 km north-east of Valenciennes (France), in the French-speaking part of Belgium. This archaeological site is one of the oldest and largest prehistoric centres for the extraction of flint in North-Western Europe and also one of the best known from a scientific point of view.
SPECIFIC INFORMATION: It is a new workcamp. This workcamp is designed for volunteers who have a real interest for World Heritage and for the specific thematic of this project. Please bring good working shoes (security shoes if possible), working clothes as well as a raincoat in case of rainy weather. Please also bring a sleeping bag and a mattress. Make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date. Helmets and gloves will be provided. A project-related motivation letter is required.
LANGUAGES : The language of the workcamp is English. Basics of French are useful but not necessary.
TERMINAL : Brussels International Airport (Zaventem) or Brussels South Airport (Charleroi), meeting point at Mons train station on 15/08. Train timetables on www.b-rail.be/main/F/
SUMMARY OF THE WORKCAMP : ( This description can be used for promotion of the project by the sending partners on their social media channels) : This Patrimonito workcamp will immerse you in the New Stone Age! Join an international group to the Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes and discover this remarkable World Heritage site. This project aims at raising awareness among volunteers and local population about UNESCO's values and allowing volunteers to take part in the scientific study of the site as well as its improvement