The British Archaeological Jobs Resource (BAJR) has launched a GBP1000 appeal to help a museum in Georgia get back on ts feet. The Nokalakevi Museum was looted in 1991 during political disturbances that followed Georgia's independence. Valuable exhibits were taken and windows and cabinets wrecked.

Despite the fact that most other artefacts were subsequently transferred to the National Museum of Georgia in Tbilisi for safety, the Nokalakevi Museum is still open, although visitors are advised to bring their own torch since there is no electricity. The Museum holds pottery and exhibits from the 6th century BC to the modern period. It is located next to one of the most important archaeological sites in West Georgia where many of the artefacts were found. The site was a fortified administrative centre and capital of the west Georgian kingdoms of Colchis and Egrisi-Lazika, the land of the mythical Golden Fleece, of Medea and of the Jason and the Argonauts legend.

The money will be used to buy an electricity generator that will rovide power for the museum and the local community, as well as to repair damaged display cases and increase security so important artefacts can return. BAJR’s David Connolly said, 'With more money we can even replace the war damaged dig houses and fit them out with accommodation and work rooms for visiting specialists. Even a pound will make the difference; how often do you get to rescue a museum for a quid!'

Send donations to: David Connolly, Museum Appeal, 5/2 Hamilton Terrace, Edinburgh, EH15 1NB, or log on to the
BAJR website.

Web links :

Main Appeal Site

Expedition Site

Georgian History