The Journal of the Building Limes Forum Burning the Bones of the Earth; Across the Albanian- Greek Border: Correlation of Ethnographic Field Notes with Scientific Knowledge”
This article presents preliminary findings from an extensive research project titled ‘Burning the Bones of the Earth’, which began in 2021. It documents the technology of traditional lime kilns in the trans-border region between Albania and Greece.
Authors: Ioanna Ntoutsi, Faidon Moudopoulos-Athanasiou.
The file is available in English.
- Tags: Lime
Rel. project: KERETSI BURNING THE BONES OF THE EARTH TZOUMERKA SCHOOL
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‘Burning the Bones of the Earth’ was initiated in November 2021 and concluded two years later, following extensive field research in several locations of Epirus in NW Greece and in regions of S. Albania. Its objective was to trace and document the traditional craftsmanship of wood-fired, flare-type lime kilns on both sides of the border; to explore the knowledge, practice, and social dimensions regarding the lime kiln technology and the ways it evolved in the two neighbouring countries. Full documentation of the project was uploaded at the British Museum’s Digital Resources Website on November 2025 and is now fully accessible to the community. In this resource you can find the documentation guide (downloadable file) and the full programmes website:
The file is available in English.
- Publication
This study examines the traditional technology of pine tar kilns in Greece, focusing on the case of Distrato in Epirus, where the last traditional artisans reside. Pine tar (katrami) is a viscous liquid produced by the destructive distillation of resinous wood, primarily from pine trees. This practice has a long history globally and in the Mediterranean, with applications in medicine, cosmetics, fuels, and waterproofing for construction and shipbuilding.
Authors: Christos Theocharis, Ioanna Doutsis, Panos Kostoulas, Grigoris Koutropoulos
The file is available in French.
- Educational material
“HERO – Heritage Ecological Renovation for Inclusion Opportunities – is an Erasmus+ cooperation project associating 5 partners organization involved in the field of heritage restoration, eco-construction, training, and social inclusion. Between 2021 and 2024, partners have gathered their expertise to develop, test, and improve new approaches to heritage restoration :
- Inclusive and adapted to people far from training and employment
- Eco-friendly and respectful of the environment
The H.E.R.O project was implemented under the Erasmus+ programme and was completed after 3 years (2021-2024) of transnational cooperation between 4 actors Acta Vista (France) leading partner, Bao Formation (France), Pour la Solidarite (Belgium), 4Grada Dragodid (Croatia), Boulouki (Greece).