Research Collections

Archives
The archival collections pertain mostly to archaeological research conducted in Cyprus from the late-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth centuries, thereby making these documents important for studies on the history of archaeology on the island. The Joan du Plat Papers include ethnographic photographs of Cyprus and Palestine as well as her personal and professional correspondence with A.H.S. Megaw (the director of the Department of Antiquities at the end of the British colonial period). The Claude F.A. Schaeffer Papers contain correspondence with mid-twentieth century archaeologists; for example, Sir Arthur Evans, Sir Max Mallowan, John Chadwick, and Porphyrios Dikaios among others. In addition, the Papers include photographs of well-known personalities like Dame Agatha Christie. Within the Dorothy Evelyn Stewart Papers are catalogues of prehistoric pottery, notes on the excavations at Vounous (1937-1938), and files on the foundation of the Australasian Research Foundation for Cypriot and Near Eastern Archaeology. Particularly interesting are four 1880s diaries written by F.H.H. Guillemard. Other archival materials in the overall collection include watercolors, miscellaneous letters, photo negatives, and slides.

Maps
CAARI maintains extensive holdings of maps with over 270 maps of Cyprus, and over 500 maps of other Mediterranean areas. The collection includes both historical and contemporary maps. Cartographical subjects include elevation studies, mineral deposits, and forestation patterns of the island. The CAARI map collection has been catalogued as part of the Mediterranean Maps Project. For a complete listing of maps at CAARI, visit the following website:

http://www.aiys.org/aodl/public/medmaps/MEDMAPS_site/MM_pages/index.htm

Artifact Collection
The ceramic and geological collection includes artifacts and other materials?such as examples of contemporary flora and fauna?from Cyprus and nearby regions. These collections form an outstanding teaching and research tool, with examples of ceramics dating from the Neolithic period to the post-medieval period in Cypriot history. The collections are organized according to date and archaeological site. Over 14,000 items have been catalogued in a readily accessible database


C.F.A. Schaeffer at Enkomi, 1972


Dr. Giraud Foster, past CAARI President, and Trustee Helena Wylde Swiny examine traditional Cypriot pottery.


Jim and Eve Stewart on their departure from Melbourne for a trip to Cyprus in 1958. Note the "vourka" or Cypriot shepherd's bag made from the skin of a sheep or goat carried by Jim. This bag was later given by Eve to CAARI and now hangs in the front hall.