Wiki Takes and archaeology: Synergies for heritage documentation and dissemination 

The Wikimedian community gathered with cameras in hand during the recent Wiki Takes held in the summer of 2024, in the Spanish provinces of Burgos and Segovia. On this occasion, the activity focused on archaeological and rural heritage, and the creation of synergies to document and disseminate it. Therefore, the event not only attracted amateur and professional photographers, but also archaeologists, historians and interested people, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and learning. All the collected material will be available on Wikimedia Commons. 

We share with you some of the participants’ testimonies so that you can learn first-hand what this activity meant to each one of them.    

Heritage and free knowledge 

Adrián Estévez, Wikimedia Spain member and attendee of the archaeological Wiki Takes in Guzmán, Burgos, says that the activity provided him with an invaluable opportunity to continue documenting heritage. In addition, he had the chance to learn about fascinating archaeological projects and to connect with people involved in free knowledge. For Adrián, this experience was not only educational, but also a way to contribute to the preservation and dissemination of heritage.  

For Santiago de Viana, also a member of Wikimedia Spain and a participant in the same archaeological Wiki Takes of Guzmán, this experience has been a revelation. Attending his first Wiki Takes has allowed him to discover innovative methods for the generation and dissemination of knowledge. 

On the side of those who attended the archaeological Wiki Takes in Bernardos, Segovia, we have Florencia Claes, president of Wikimedia Spain, who tells us that this experience allowed her to get in touch with a topic far from her daily routine. For her, connecting with people dedicated to activities very different from her own, but with a common passion for the dissemination of knowledge, was a highlight. This interaction showed her that, despite different interests, there is a shared essence in the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge.  

Another attendee at Bernardos was Miguel Sevilla-Callejo, a member of OpenStreetMap (OSM). Sevilla-Callejo emphasised how enriching it was to have direct contact with the archaeological subject matter in the field. Being able to contextualise the findings in their historical space and time allowed him to learn first-hand about the historical and archaeological richness of places that, at first glance, might seem to be ‘in the middle of nowhere’. This experience opened his eyes to the importance and potential of these sites. 

Finally, Ismael Olea, member of Wikimedia Spain, reflects on his experience in Bernardos, highlighting the excitement of learning about issues beyond computer science, his usual field. On this occasion, discovering the reality of the archaeological profession and the enormous heritage potential was impressive.   

Generating synergies for documentation and dissemination 

The archaeological Wiki Takes have strengthened the links between the different communities dedicated to free knowledge and heritage preservation. For this reason, it is emphasised that this type of activity not only educates, but also inspires people to continue collaborating for the common benefit of society.  

Adrián, for his part, highlights the general and introductory talk that helped people to learn not only about the Wiki Takes project, but also about the broader meaning of free knowledge. The importance of documenting cultural and archaeological heritage was also discussed. 

Discovering the rural landscape of Burgos and its charming villages has been a fantastic experience for Santiago. ‘Not only did we have the opportunity to be surrounded by the natural beauty of the region, but we were also accompanied by a group of experts who instructed us in its local history’.   

Florencia highlighted the opportunity to strengthen ties. ‘One of the things I have enjoyed the most is to strengthen ties with the OSM community. I think we have a lot in common and we can work hand in hand,’ she said. Both groups are voluntary communities committed to digital procommons in an altruistic way and with a clear positive impact on society. Friki calls friki! 

‘One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most is the closer ties with the OSM community. I think we have a lot in common and we can work together. 

 

For his part, Miguel emphasised the importance of gathering information in the field. ‘Undoubtedly, gathering information on the ground from the people involved in the recognition and appreciation of the archaeological heritage of the area is fundamental. In addition, we were helping to upload some of that knowledge to the Wikimedia and OSM platforms,’ he said.  

‘Undoubtedly, gathering information on the ground from the people involved in the recognition and appreciation of the archaeological heritage of the area is fundamental’.  

Ismael shared his satisfaction with the accommodation and logistics of the event. ‘The accommodation was magnificent. The treatment was excellent. The attitude of the participants was also magnificent. The visit to the three sites was great,’ he said with great enthusiasm.  

‘The accommodation was great. The treatment was excellent. The attitude of the participants, also magnificent…’. 

What reflections do you take away with you?   

Adrian stresses the importance of creating an organisational protocol for the Wiki Takes. Although improvisation can result in good photos, a well-structured plan ensures that everything is carried out in an orderly way. In the field of archaeology, he considers it essential to catalogue each campaign annually to document progress. In addition, he stresses the importance of creating Wikipedia articles and Wikidata items about the findings, including links to relevant publications. Archaeology professionals, with their knowledge of access to free documentation, can contribute significantly to referencing this content. 

‘I think in the field of archaeology it is nice to catalogue each campaign annually, so that we can document the progress made.   

For his part, Santiago points out that this experience was a unique opportunity to think outside the box and explore how editors and the Wikimedia community can interact more dynamically in the field, without limiting themselves to online editing. Furthermore, this initiative allowed us to discover the wealth of knowledge that both the archaeological group and the local inhabitants possess, knowledge that is invaluable for accessing information. They can guide and show where, while we can help digitize them, establishing a crucial symbiosis for the preservation and dissemination of knowledge.   

‘A clear example is the bibliographic material of the town of Guzmán, which included signatures of historical people in the public domain, such as that of Bishop Cristóbal de Guzmán Santoyo de Beltrán. In other circumstances, this information would have been much more difficult to obtain’. 

Florencia highlights the multiple ways of sharing knowledge and strengthening the digital positioning of rural areas through Wikipedia. She underlines the importance of raising awareness among local actors about the value of heritage and how they can collaborate in adding materials. Florencia also mentions the importance of raising awareness on the ground about heritage care and the need to publicize this work.  In addition, she identifies potential in working with different agents, from universities to town councils, to promote quality tourism and enhance the value of sites and local heritage. 

Miguel argues that activities on the ground multiply synergies to enhance the value of rural areas. He proposes to continue working with free knowledge communities, such as Wikimedia and OSM. He considers that there is much to be done in terms of locating and mapping archaeological sites and places, as well as related infrastructure. Suggests exploring collaborations with projects such as Eresma Arqueológico, town councils and other institutions to promote and subsidise these activities. 

Finally, Ismael finds many possibilities for collaboration in the field of archaeology. He proposes adjusting the format of these initiatives to a retreat or workshop, including site visits. This structure could facilitate closer and more effective collaboration between the different actors involved.  

This activity not only allowed participants to broaden their knowledge and skills, but also to value the work and dedication of those who strive to preserve our cultural heritage. Furthermore, the integration of initiatives such as Wiki Takes with archaeology offers a vast field of possibilities for documenting and promoting local cultural heritage.   

Collaboration between professionals, institutions and local communities is key to maximising impact and ensuring the preservation and dissemination of knowledge.