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Detailed Outline of GCSPTA Vision and Specializations

Dagger with scabbard, early 19th C. Tbilisi, Georgia (The Wallace Collection).

1. Research and Lab

Documenting, organizing, and researching Georgian (Caucasian) weaponry and pertinent historical documents and records found in public and private collections in Georgia and abroad.
Organizing archaeological and ethnological expeditions to gather information on historical Georgian weapons, both domestically and internationally.
Locating and procuring historical weapon specimens and transferring them to the state museums of Georgia for permanent preservation, particularly those specimens of notable value with regard to arms studies, art history, or the history of Georgia.
Accurate replication of traditional technologies and replication of historical arms

2. Translation and Publishing

Engaging in the writing, compiling, and publishing of scholarly works (articles, monographs) on historical Georgian weaponry to introduce previously unknown artifacts or information that will enrich existing knowledge and provide new perspectives within the specified field.
Facilitating public access to scientific materials by preparing and publishing scientific works in a popular science format (brochures, albums, guides).
Republishing rare or hard-to-access scientific works on historical Caucasian weapons.
Translating and publishing relevant international scientific works into Georgian and translating Georgian works into English to disseminate and circulate knowledge.
Preparing digital formats and making them publicly available (with mandatory copyright respect),
Developing contemporary popular content on historical Caucasian weapons through mediums, including video clips, podcasts, and concise articles on social media platforms.

3. Restoration and Preservation

Proper restoration and preservation of historical artifacts: qualified storage and care for weaponry objects of historical value.
Supporting the production of traditional weapons, the use of traditional technologies and tools, the production of replicas of historical weapons, etc.
Ensuring clear and unambiguous attribution of newly made replicas as a mandatory condition, as follows: the signature (or original hallmark) of the master maker, the date of manufacture of the object (year), the presence of an appropriate modern stamp in the case of the use of precious metals, and so on.
Cooperating with and supporting organizations that share the values and vision of GCSPTA.
Conducting any non-prohibited activity provided for by Georgian legislation that helps fulfill the organization's main goals and tasks.

4. Consultation and Collaboration

Providing consultation for establishing the provenance and authenticity of an item in question.
Collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations such as museums, educational institutions, and research centers, offering expertise on historical weapons of the Caucasus when required.

Advising on proper restoration and preservation

Young Georgian Prince Tchavtchavadze

(Photo: National Parlament Library of Georgia)

Coordinating local and international academic gatherings (conferences, seminars, lectures, etc.) focused on historical Georgian weaponry and engaging in global and local academic events to connect and integrate Georgian weapon experts with the international community.
Providing ethical and intellectual encouragement and financial support to experts, weaponsmiths, and researchers of historical Caucasian weaponry and (awarding monetary prizes or scholarships, assisting in securing research grants, aiding in the publication of scholarly work, presenting honorary certificates, and so forth).
Supporting types of research indirectly related to historical Caucasian weaponry (military archaeology, analysis of visual and narrative sources, inquiries into military history, historical fencing, armed folk dances, and the like).
Organizing and participating in various public events (festivals, exhibitions, ceremonial processions, etc.) to promote and popularize historical Caucasian weaponry among the public.

Sword with Sheath (Shashka or Tcholauri), Tbilisi, early 19th century (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Collection of Giovanni P. Morosini, presented by his daughter Giulia, 1932)

Dimitri Ermakov, Bladesmith workshop, Tbilisi, Georgia (National Parliamentary Library of Georgia).