The aim of the article is the preliminary presentation of the methodological tradition and theoretical condition of Polish archaeology. I focus here on the standard practice of Polish archaeologists, showing that either they have developed by themselves, borrowed or adapted elements of theories. Archaeological publications will be the basis for the article. The article also points to the multifaceted inspiration flowing from the humanities, social and biological sciences towards archaeology. The role of methodological turns was emphasized: anti-positivist, textual, visual, and performative. As a result, archaeology reached out to them with great hope, looking for answers to troublesome questions concerning forms of social life and culture in the past. The article highlights the individual aspects of Polish archaeology, including the nonobvious influence of Marxism, and processual and post-processual thinking.

The article is devoted to considerations regarding the idea of „new aesthetics” and its importance for archeology, especially prehistoric archeology. The current scientific reality as exceeding current paradigms and expanding research fields is diagnosed. This process also applies to the borders of art, which until recently seemed to be established, fixed and guaranteeing its clear separation from other spheres of life. The article shows aesthetics as noting this process and subject to change. This complicated current situation has created the idea of „new aesthetics”, entering new areas that previously did not belong to art or aesthetics. Similarly, the methods of analyzing these phenomena do not have a predetermined status. This gives new opportunities, especially when you notice the manifestations of universal aesthetics. They also relate to prehistoric archeology, giving it the opportunity to participate in the discourse proposed by „new aesthetics.”

January 4, 2020 was the 30th anniversary of the death of Professor Jan Żak, who died prematurely at the age of 67. His work and scientific activities were known and appreciated in various countries and during difficult times when he was professionally involved in archeology. The biography of Professor Jan Żak resulted largely from the spirit of the times in which he lived, but also from his open, curious personality. He touched the warfare, and his professional life took place in the realities of the People's Republic of Poland; he also witnessed its dramatic end. The aim of this article is not only to recall the methodological and theoretical foundations of J. Żak's scientific work, but also to try to answer the question about the contemporary methodology of archeology, practiced by the Professor's students and subsequent generations.

On March 23rd, 2023 the 100th anniversary of Professor Jan Żak’s birth was marked with an exhibition and a seminar meant to present the modern archeology he had been creating. In addition to Professor’s scientific achievements, there were fragments presented of three documentaries to illustrate his involvement into popularization of archeology. The article discusses also Professor’s work and scientific activities in the field of early medieval archeology, methodology of archaeology and general prehistory, widely recognized and appreciated not only in Poland but also abroad. In 1945 Jan Żak took part in the military operations of the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division, and his professional life took place in the realities of the People’s Republic of Poland. Particularly important were his organizational achievements as well as scientific contacts with researchers from Western Europe. The article also presents the direction of contemporary archeology methodology established by J. Żak, continued by his students and subsequent generations or archaeologists. On March 23rd, 2023 the 100th anniversary of Professor Jan Żak’s birth was marked with an exhibition and a seminar meant to present the modern archeology he had been creating. In addition to Professor’s scientific achievements, there were fragments presented of three documentaries to illustrate his involvement into popularization of archeology. The article discusses also Professor’s work and scientific activities in the field of early medieval archeology, methodology of archaeology and general prehistory, widely recognized and appreciated not only in Poland but also abroad. In 1945 Jan Żak took part in the military operations of the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division, and his professional life took place in the realities of the People’s Republic of Poland. Particularly important were his organizational achievements as well as scientific contacts with researchers from Western Europe. The article also presents the direction of contemporary archeology methodology established by J. Żak, continued by his students and subsequent generations or archaeologists.

The aim of the article is to discuss how phenomenological method might be applied for interpretation of rock paintings as works of prehistoric “art”. Polish phenomenologist, Roman Ingarden’s deliberations will be referred to, his diagnosis of cognitive attitudes towards works of music, with the aim of illustrating their usefulness on the ground of archaeology for interpretation of works of prehistoric “art”.

The reason for this article was the 90th birthday of Professor Stanisław Tabaczyński (born on April 1, 1930). However, at the last stage of editorial work, the sad news of his death reached us (November 28, 2020). All the more we would like to commemorate the Professor, recalling his achievements and merits, which place him among the most outstanding Polish archaeologists, including actual members of the Polish Academy of Sciences. He made a great contribution to the development of Polish and world archaeology in the area of theoretical and field archaeological research. Many of his scientific initiatives concerned the theory and anthropology of culture as well as the methodology of archaeological research and the syntheses of prehistory and the early Middle Ages. His achievements and influence on shaping the minds of archaeologists of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century cannot be overestimated.