None of the members of our research group were familiar with the host institution, ARQVA. During the initial research phase, it became clear that without physically visiting the museum, we could not gain a deep understanding of the complexities of the issues presented to us. To prepare for the visit, we engaged in readings and screenings to grasp the cultural context underpinning ARQVA, along with its research, principles, and goals. We designed our trip to focus not only on the museum experience but also on the diverse water-based cultural manifestations of Murcia’s region.
The field trip was crucial for grounding our research in underwater archaeology and the maritime cultural landscape of Cartagena. During our visit, we concentrated on exploring the museum and its surroundings, guided by various local communities’ perspectives.
We began on Wednesday, April 17, with an introduction to the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology by Abraham Ramirez, the museum’s librarian. He shared insights on archaeological and artistic practices and guided us through the museum’s pedagogical initiatives, its archive collection, and the challenges that can make visitors feel unwelcome—issues such as the architecture, limited collection, and the museum’s somewhat isolated focus.
On Thursday morning, we visited Cartagena’s Municipal Archive, where we investigated the evolution of naval charts from past centuries to the present, as well as the historical episodes of flash floods that have inundated the city. Maps and cartographies often conceal information and subtext that can enhance our understanding of the territory in profound, sometimes mystical ways. We were particularly interested in the city’s periodic floods, as they temporarily transform Cartagena into an underwater archaeological site. This raised questions about the city’s existing predisposition or sensitivity to hosting such a museum.
That afternoon, we were guided through ARQVATEC, a specialized laboratory dedicated to the treatment of archaeological relics on a chemical and micro-scale. This step plays a vital role in preserving artifacts, employing advanced techniques that ensure their longevity and integrity. The processes of desalination and dehydration, for instance, are intricate and time-consuming, typically taking around 8 to 12 years to complete through various treatment phases. We were fascinated by the meticulous steps involved in these processes, as well as the challenges faced in conserving underwater finds, which deepened our appreciation for the labor and expertise required to maintain the cultural heritage encapsulated within these relics.
In the evening, we played a board game called “deep adventure”. It is a simple game in which each player has to collect relics from under the sea before the oxygen runs out. Although innocent and naive, the game demonstrated how useful game dynamics can be in explaining complex concepts. In the era of participatory and gamified museums, playing this game reminded us to stay playful and not overthink our approach to the task at hand.
Over the weekend, we visited the Marchamalo Salt Mines, which are currently being restored through the ANSE initiative. ANSE is an environmentally conscious organization operating primarily in the southeastern Iberian Peninsula, dedicated to protecting nature through various projects, campaigns, outreach efforts, and research. During our visit, they introduced us to their ongoing restoration work at the Marchamalo Salt Mines, which had been abandoned since the mid-1990s. This restoration effort not only aims to rehabilitate the salt mines but also serves as a strategy to revive the local wildlife after years of pollution and environmental degradation caused by extensive industrial agriculture in the Mar Menor region.
We shared the first Saturday of the season with the fishermen of La Almadraba of La Azohía. We ate and conspired with the activists of the Popular Legislative Initiative of the Mar Menor. This group is a brilliant example of people reconnecting with their environment after decades of turning their backs on it. The region of Murcia was sold to agricultural speculators, and the repercussion was the anoxia of the Mar Menor. After tons of fish washed up dead on the shores of the lagoon, the citizens mobilized to reclaim their territory. Maria Teresa Vicente and numerous incredibly organized activists gathered the necessary signatures to grant legal personality to the Mar Menor; what they shared that afternoon was living history. Their efforts extend beyond restoring the natural environment of Murcia; they aim to transform the region’s entire culture into an ecologically conscious one.
The generosity of the people who accompanied us, along with our approach to the territories from their perspectives, inspired us to engage with the museum in the context of its environment and issues. We sought to blur the boundaries of the monumental building, connecting its treasures and stories with current pressing concerns.