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i Pričujoče besedilo je kratko poročilo o projektu NAVIS, s katerim želimo okrepiti zavest o arheolo-
ški dediščini; v ta namen gradimo zgodovinska plovila z uporabo orodij in tehnik, ki so kolikor mogo-
če blizu izvirnim.
Ključne besede: Projekt Navis, zgodovinska plovila, zgodovinska orodja, kulturna dediščina, deblak, ve-
slanje, eksperimentalna arheologija
This paper is a report about the project NAVIS, through which we try to raise the awareness of archae-
ological heritage through construction of historical vessels using historically authentic tools and tech-
niques.
Keywords: Projekt Navis, historical vessels, ancient tools, cultural heritage, logboat, paddling, experi-
mental archaeology
Projekt NAVIS - presentation and promotion of cultural 
(archeological) heritage through the construction 
and use of historic vessels
Matej Draksler, Mojca Fras, Rene Masaryk
97
In 2016 we have begun with the realization of the long-term project of the reconstruc-tion of historic vessels. Each year a vessel that 
once sailed along the Ljubljanica River, lakes or 
sea, is reconstructed and presented to the pub-
lic (schools, the professional and general public). 
Since the beginning of the project students of ar-
chaeology and other volunteers constructed two 
Roman logboats under the guidance of experts. 
The building site was opened to the public and 
anyone was able to observe or participate, as we 
encourage the visitors to join in and experience 
life in the past in a original way. 
The practical part of project is always held 
in spring and summer. During autumn and win-
ter nights we are researsching ancient vessels, de-
veloping project and connect people who are in 
love with experimental archaeology. In this year 
edition of the project in May and June, we will 
construct two prehistoric longboats that sailed 
Ljubljana’s marshes in neolithical period. We 
will use reconstructions of stone tools from vari-
ous known slovenian archaeological sites.
As mentioned above we use mostly recon-
structed tools as our goal is not only to construct 
the vessel but also to understand, learn and use 
the techniques that were used in the construc-
tion of such vessels. Each construction was fol-
lowed by launching of the boat on the Ljubljan-
ica River and promotional paddling with the 
intention to revive the use, which was typical for 
such a vessel and also contribute to the revitali-
zation of the former waterway.
 The project is implementant on many lev-
els - education, promotion and tourism. In co-
operation with the Department of Archaeology, 
Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana we carrie 
out the practical training for 3rd year students. 
In cooperation with the Museum and Galleries 
of Ljubljana, we present the heritage of the Lju-
bljanica River and the pilot project of the recent-
ly opened experience and exhibition site in Vrh-
doi: ht t ps://doi .org/10. 26493/2350-54 43.5(1)97-98
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nika »The Ljubljanica River« to the local and 
general public. Our goal is also to encourage the 
use of archaeological heritage in the develop­
ment of new tourism services so we organise and 
promote various events with a name Deblak je 
ŠPICA!
Povzetek
Skupina STIK (Arheofakt), Inštitut za podvodno arhe-
ologijo in institucija Škrateljc s še nekaj drugimi sodelu-
jočimi od leta 2016 sodelujejo v Projektu Navis – projekt 
rekonstrukcije starih plovil. Cilj tega projekta je prezen-
tirati in promovirati kulturno (arheološko) dediščino 
z osebno izkušnjo konstruiranja in rabe zgodovinskih 
plovil. Skupina skuša vsako leto sestaviti plovilo iz dolo-
čenega zgodovinskega obdobja, in sicer z orodji in teh-
nikami, ki so kolikor mogoče blizu izvirnim. Z lastnimi 
izkustvi javnosti predstavljamo načine življenja iz prete-
klosti, javnost pa je tudi vabljena k sodelovanju. Vsakdo 
je dobrodošel pri projektu, da sodeluje pri gradnji plovil 
in se udeležuje delavnic, ki potekajo med procesom nji-
hove gradnje. Ko so plovila končno nared, jih pošljemo 
prvo plovbo po reki, jezeru ali morju – in preteklost vno-
vič za trenutek postane del sodobnega življenja ...
Summary
Since 2016, the institute Skupina STIK (Arheofakt), 
Institute for Underwater Archaeology and institute 
Škrateljc with other participants, are leading a Projekt 
Navis - project of reconstructing old vessels. The aim of 
this long-term project is to present and promote cultur-
al (archaeological) heritage through first-hand experi-
ence of constructing and use of historical vessels. Each 
year the team attempts to construct a vessel from a cer-
tain historical period using tools and techniques, which 
are high-scale copies of the ancient originals. With our 
own experiences we are introducing to the public the 
way of life in the past. Also the public is encouraged to 
get involved in the project itself – everyone is welcome 
to help building the boats and attend the many work-
shops and events which are being held during the time 
of constructions of the mentioned vessels. Finally, when 
the vessels are ready, we send them for their maiden voy-
age on the river, lake or the sea and so the past becomes 
part of the contemporary life ...