Wider unknown traces of a large Neolithic settlement, as well as monumental megalithic tombs in the Inowrocław district inspired to build a very broad humanistic reflection on culture and the beginning of local identity. High school students were involved in the project. The effects are intriguing.

In the 2019/2020 school year, a humanistic project was carried out in Królówka (High School No. 3 in Inowrocław), which reached into the darkness of intriguing secrets. Thanks to the power of imagination, books, meetings with scientists in the school auditorium (from many research centers in Poland), art workshops, the latest technology and the support of many institutions, the oldest, still visible, traces of culture in the Inowrocław poviat were carefully looked at. It also served to expand humanistic reflection, which resulted in the book Trapezy i tears. Shapes of the earliest culture of the Inowrocław County ”. In addition to theoretical reflection, the publication includes the effects of high school students' work - an intersemiotic artistic translation inspired by satellite photos and laser scans, a humanistic dialogue conducted by students, and short stories.

This humanistic lesson treated as a starting point two - previously unknown - places in the Inowrocław County. It turns out that in the vast field in the village of Kaczkowo there are traces of a large settlement of former farmers. These are the oldest traces of houses visible to the naked eye, also signs of the first social structure, housing estates, roads. It is also the oldest cemetery in Kujawy (the dead in the Brest-Kujawy culture were most probably buried under their houses). People who lived here 6,000 years ago already had their own social organization, culture, beliefs and symbolism.

The second place - representing the traces of the Funnel Beaker culture - is the site of the megalithic Kujawy tombs from around 5500 years ago. They are located just behind the Inowrocław bypass, in the village of Łojewo. They are real colossi - one of them is over 200 meters long and is probably the largest Neolithic building in Poland. Only one person was buried inside the tomb. Who was she? The first ruler of this part of Kujawy? Shaman? Clan chief? To build such facilities, it was necessary to function in a very organized community, to have a strong belief system, power and technical knowledge. It is puzzling that the shapes of the houses and tombs are similar. Development of, among others this thread can be found in the book.

The project does not stop at humanistic reflection. Drone films were also created, presenting the oldest traces of culture for the first time. You can find them on YouTube - "Megality inowrocławskie", "Neolithic houses near Inowrocław".

Links to movies: https://youtu.be/amIXShxHdkU, https://youtu.be/zPDR5gTVCRE

The presented traces of people's lives from thousands of years ago demand protection. Their legal status is not regulated and they are in danger of being destroyed by human activity in the vicinity. Common awareness of their existence can accelerate certain actions.

On September 10, 2020, a meeting will be held in the school hall (if epidemiological considerations allow, if not - in the green high school) promoting the book. It will be combined with the opening of an outdoor exhibition related to the effects of the project. In a representative place, on the school's fence, specially prepared boards will be displayed, presenting both the effects of the project and the knowledge about the oldest traces of culture in the poviat (and perhaps in Poland and this part of Europe). The exhibition will be open to the public during the European Heritage Days. It is worth mentioning that knowledge about Neolithic culture is pan-European, even global.

The initiator and coordinator of the project is a Polish teacher from "Królówka" - Dr. Łukasz Oliwkowski.

The book and exhibition were financed by the County Office in Inowrocław. The honorary patron of the project is the Starost of Inowrocław, Mrs. Wiesława Pawłowska. Scientific patronage is held by the Faculty of Archeology of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. Cooperation with the Museum of Jan Kasprowicz in Inowrocław.

Address
Marii Konopnickiej, 88-100 powiat inowrocławski, Pologne