History

18 Jul 1930

Swedish archaeologist Alfred Westholm describes his residential arrangements at Mersinaki area, near Vouni

 

Swedish archaeologist Alfred Westholm describes his residential arrangements at Mersinaki area, near Vouni:

I would disagree with anyone who thinks I cannot set up an encampment in a pleasant and practical manner. At least he or she would revise their opinion at this place. Einar has put generous resources at our disposal. Next to the excavation site itself, which lies some 20 metres from the shore, we have built two genuinely Funkis structures next to one another, one of them of wood, a wooden cube with 2-metre sides and fitted with a big padlock. The statues are locked in here every night. In a new spacious grass hut next to this we have housed Lazaros, Kristos and the police surveillance. This building can even accommodate the packing material. I myself reside about 200 metres from there in my own reed tent, all the way down on the pebbles at the shore. There are a couple of old trees here, under whose shade I take my meals unseen by the workers and far away from the ruckus and dust of the excavation. It is simply wonderful! The kitchen has been organised under another tree nearby. I do not know how I can better describe my reed tent other than as a typical Funkis building, ugly on the outside but wonderful inside. It is the most ideal solution for a summer residence on Cyprus. It never gets really hot or cold in here as in a tent, the walls gently let in the wind without any noticeable draft. Even in a storm, not a kerosene light flickers. The space allows for a little comfortable furnishing: a large bed with a mosquito net, a couple of tables, some chairs, room for drawings, bags and toiletries. There is never a mosquito down here by the water, which is important for my well-being. Up at Vouni they were in the millions this last period. That is why Einar wanted me to relocate. Mersinaki is thus an excellent camping place.