Family workshops by the COPATRIMONI project bring prehistory to a hundred participants this summer in Conca de Barberà

Conca de Barberà hosted five family workshops this summer dedicated to bringing the region's prehistoric heritage closer to audiences of all ages. The activities took place in the municipalities of l’Espluga de Francolí, Solivella, Vallclara, Belltall, and Vilanova de Prades, with the participation of over a hundred people.

This new programming continues the first round of workshops held during Easter and consolidates an initiative that combines the dissemination of scientific knowledge with creative and participatory activities. The goal is to make archaeological research engaging and accessible to the public, especially families and children, while highlighting the rich prehistoric heritage of Conca de Barberà.

Activities to discover, experiment, and rethink prehistory

The COPATRIMONI project designed five workshop formats focused on the region's prehistoric archaeological heritage, three of which were conducted this summer:

• “Creativity in Prehistory” offers an immersion into the rock art of Conca de Barberà, allowing participants to experiment with artistic techniques used in prehistoric times and understand the symbolic value of these expressions.
• “When Necklaces Talk” is an activity designed to challenge stereotypes about how we perceive prehistoric communities. Attendees created their own ornaments inspired by documented archaeological pieces from the region.
• “Secret in the Bones” focuses on the study of prehistoric burials and the insights they provide regarding the life, beliefs, and social organization of past communities. The activity also addresses the need to review gender stereotypes in archaeological interpretation.

Networking with the local region

The organization of these workshops was made possible through the collaboration of various local entities, notably the Oficina Jove del Consell Comarcal de la Conca de Barberà, the Coves de l’Espluga, and the participating town halls, which provided spaces and logistical support to carry out the activities.

This collaboration enables the rollout of activities across different municipalities in the region, directly connecting local residents with scientific and archaeological knowledge while strengthening the bond between the community and its heritage.

A project to strengthen the link between community and heritage

The workshops are part of the project “Citizenship and education to preserve the prehistoric heritage of Conca de Barberà – COPATRIMONI”, led by IPHES-CERCA and funded by the Department of Research and Universities of the Generalitat de Catalunya through AGAUR, within the framework of the IMPAC call (ref. IMPAC24/00096), in collaboration with the Consell Comarcal de la Conca de Barberà and the Diputació de Tarragona.

COPATRIMONI aims to strengthen the connection between research and the public, promote awareness and appreciation of the prehistoric and archaeological heritage of Conca de Barberà, and raise awareness about the importance of its preservation.