Land-surveyor and archaeologist Aljaksandr Ljavonc’evich Anihowski: Belarusian pages of biography

  • Aliaksandra U. Vaitovich Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliezhnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus

Abstract

The contribution of A. L. Anihowski to the development of Belarusian science and culture in 1918–1928 is investigated. Until recently, specialists were aware of the results of his local history and archaeological activities exclusively in the Orenburg region. A. L. Anihowski’s contribution to the development of Belarusian archaeology was mistakenly attributed to his namesake – a student of the Belarusian State University, local historian and teacher A. G. Anihowski. During the study of the Belarusian archives, it was proved that it was A. L. Anihowski who carried out archaeological work in the east of Belarus. The stages of his professional path are shown. The main directions of A. L. Anihowski’s field archaeological activity are reconstructed: drawing up a plan of the Old City in Minsk, conducting archaeological expeditions on the territory of the Upper Dnieper region, participating in the survey of caves in the Dubki tract, inspecting the settlement and excavating a mound in the vicinity of Charkasova village in the Orsha region, exploring mounds near the village Staryja Pranichki and village Stary Dzedzin. It is emphasised that the researcher was engaged in popularisation of the archaeological heritage of Belarus, he founded the museums of local lore in Gorki and Buguruslan. It is noted that the results of the archaeologist’s scientific activity have been repeatedly criticised. Despite the fact that A. L. Anihowski was not an outstanding field researcher and did not make a significant contribution to the development of theoretical problems of science, in his desire to engage in archaeological activity, he can become an example for future generations of scientists.

Author Biography

Aliaksandra U. Vaitovich, Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliezhnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus

PhD (archaeology), docent; associate professor at the department of archaeology and special historical disciplines, faculty of history

 

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Published
2023-11-11
Keywords: history of archeology, local history, history of museology, Institute of Belarusian Culture, Belarus, Orenburg region
Supporting Agencies The author expresses sincere gratitude to V. M. Tarasevich, I. I. Barinov, A. I. Hrusha for their assistance in the finding of archival materials.
How to Cite
Vaitovich A. U. Land-surveyor and archaeologist Aljaksandr Ljavonc’evich Anihowski: Belarusian pages of biography // Journal of the Belarusian State University. History. 2023. 4. PP. 115-129.