DIGGING FOR HISTORY IN VALLDEMOSSA

Dr. William Waldren has spent 30 years working on the excavations at Ferrandell-Oleza in Valldemossa, where prehistoric human remains of peoples that once inhabited Majorca have been found. Ferrandell-Oleza consists of an ancient cemetery complex that dates from approximately 2500 years B.C. This has required prolonged study since the difference between history and prehistory is that the first lacks written evidence which makes accuracy more difficult. Permits for excavation were obtained from the Council of Majorca but no financial help has been awarded. According to Dr. Waldren, he would feel very badly about syphoning money set aside for other archaeological investigations. His project therefore is financed by “Earth Watch” which is a research centre based in Boston. The doctor, as has already been mentioned, hasn't asked for any economic assistance, but he does see fit to receiving help in the protection and conservation of the area. Each summer, when the excavations start up again, time and money has to be invested in clearing the whole area, which during the winter has become overgrown with scrub bushes and weeds. Dr. Waldren is indignant about the fact that a disproportionate amount of money is invested in tourism in the area, not all of it substantiated; an example being the Carthusian monastery in Valldemossa where a monk's cell, purporting to be that used by Chopin is open for public viewing. Not only is this rife with historical inaccuracy, but Dr. Waldren is also mindful of the fact that much public reverence is given to the name of George Sand, a woman who hated Majorcans as much as she hated their culture. Other work carried out on the archaeological site is carried out by groups of volunteers who come for a couple of weeks at a time throughout the summer. These volunteers, through the experience gained in their unpaid work, develop a privileged insight into the world of archaeology. People from all walks of life come to help out at the site. Some are highly knowledgeable on the subject and others are simply involved for pleasure. But Dr. Waldren is happy to see that there are some people who come year after year. A strong feeling of comradeship exists amongst the volunteers who thereby make connections with many countries from around the world. The helpers come from France, Germany, Belgium, England, and as far away as the United States of America, Australia. Many of the discoveries of these excavations, and others such as the Muleta Cave, can be seen in the Museum of Deià, also under the direction of William Waldren.