When we sit down in a bookshop, we do not imagine that we will attend a philosophy class. At most, we can think of the philosophical letters behind the pages of each book stoically stored on the shelves.
It is on the shelves of that space, and yet it moves. Lar Doce Livro (Home Sweet Book) gave us a unique experience in this regard last Saturday, January 25.
Paulo Alexandre Monteiro is one of the most important underwater archaeologists in the world today. He is an energetic fighter against treasure hunting and a recognized researcher in the scientific field of the underwater world; he is also an excellent communicator and a champion of archaeology and its associated heritage.
He began his career as an archaeologist on the island of Terceira in the 1990s and has since traveled around the world in search of the common heritages that Portugal has planted wherever he has gone on his travels.
As part of the “Conversations with Archaeology” conference cycle, Lar Doce Livro promoted Alexandre Monteiro’s visit to the island of Terceira to talk about the vast work he helped to develop in the bay of Angra do Heroísmo and beyond during his stay in the archipelago, as an underwater archaeologist, in conjunction with the National Center for Nautical and Underwater Archaeology.
The result was a very well-spent evening, during which paths and biases were discussed, and an attempt was made to find a point of continuity in what the current Regional Directorate for Culture promotes through its archaeology office.
In truth, the current reality is more complex than it might seem at first glance.
It is common knowledge that the archaeologists of the regional directorate left the Center where they were based, for reasons that have never been explained and duly promoted by unjustified managers. At least, that’s the information we’re getting from the chaotic corridors of power in the Palacete Silveira e Paulo. I don’t want to elaborate. But it is public knowledge or should be, that these same archaeologists were responsible for the only European Heritage Label ever awarded to underwater archaeological heritage in the world. And we know that this path was taken, often in defiance of the bosses and in musty offices from which voices of dissent emanated.
These voices crossed paths at Lar Doce Livro, a bookshop and restaurant I have already had the opportunity to praise here in other circumstances. Guided by the hand of Alexandre Monteiro, we immersed ourselves in these works and shared
knowledge and good humor. We know that there were more controversial subjects relating to audiology, which were touched on in a general way. But it’s the underwater world and its importance that are worth talking about. No matter how much our ruling classes try to stifle these valences, the earth turns, and underwater archaeology yields results.
So, contrary to the current tendency to talk about suitcases, airports, breastfeeding, and other unfortunate subjects, this text serves the sole purpose of thanking.
Thank you, Alexandre, Luís Neto, Marta, and Joel, for providing us with an oasis in the midst of all the nonsense that abounds today.
The Azores are one of the places with the greatest potential in its submerged archaeology as a tourist and cultural asset. Alexandre Monteiro reminded us of this reality and appealed to those who decide. We need a vision from the top of regional
regional policy. More investment. More human resources. Increased representation within the respective organization. And recognition of that sector within public culture. It’s the only sector that has delivered real results in recent years.
Make the most of our archaeology offices. Otherwise, you’ll lose the people who were the Azores if you don’t. I agree.


Alexandra Manes is from Flores Island but lives in Terceira Island, Azores. She is a regular contributing writer for several Azorean newspapers, a political and cultural activist, and has served in the Azorean Parliament.

NOVIDADES will feature occasional opinion pieces from various leading thinkers and writers from the Azores to give the diaspora and those interested in the current Azores a sense of the significant opinions on some of the archipelago’s issues.

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL).