Preludium grant for our doctoral student in archaeology
Aleksandra Gawron-Szymczyk is a doctoral student at the Faculty of Historical and Pedagogical Sciences of the University of Wrocław, in the Institute of Archaeology in the Department of Bronze Age and Early Iron Age Archaeology. She was awarded a grant for her research as part of the NCN Preludium competition. Her research is carried out under the supervision of prof. Justyna Baron.
Her project entitled „Funkcje naczyń ceramicznych w epoce brązu w świetle badań interdyscyplinarnych” focuses on understanding the importance of ceramic vessels in everyday life for people living in today’s south-western Poland during the Bronze Age.
In this period, we observe a great wealth of vessel forms. So far, their presumed function has been determined by their dimensions and shapes. My aim, on the other hand, is to investigate the actual function of specific vessel forms on the basis of microscopic examination and physical and chemical analyses – our young researcher says.
As part of the research, it intends to carry out a series of scientific experiments aimed at producing a reference base of traces of vessel use.
As she explains – Thanks to comparative research, we will understand the ways in which the different forms were used. I will additionally compare the traces observed on vessels from the settlements to those found in the graves. This will allow us to understand whether the context in which the vessels were assembled was a determinant of their function.
Ceramics has occupied her for a long time:
I decided to pursue it academically under the influence of observing the magnificent egg shell Minoan cultural wares during my studies in classical philology. Thereafter, every job I did as an archaeology student was related to ceramic vessels, up to the doctoral project and the Preludiym grant.
Congratulations and best wishes!
Read about who from the University of Wrocław received Preludium and Opus grants here.
