During the second half of the 1920-ies and the beginning of the 1930-ies, the All-Ukrainian Archaeological Committee of the All-Ukrainian Academy of Sciences was a leading institution that coordinated archaeological and art studies in Ukraine and performed consolidation functions and methodological support. It was the staff of this institution, including Serhii Hamchenko, who determined whether an archaeologist or art critic could obtain permission to conduct expeditionary research (measurements, reconnaissance, excavations) – Archaeological Excavation Permit document (or mandate). Serhii Hamchenko, as the vice-president (comrade of the chairman) of the All-Ukrainian Archaeological Committee (the AUAC), has done a lot for the structural and administrative design of the institution. Numerous notes on the current work and principles of the AUAC’s activities in the researcher’s personal fund testify to the archaeologist’s extraordinary administrative abilities. In one of the drafts, Serhii Hamchenko, outlining his views on the composition of the AUAC, wrote: “1. Full members – work, manage, create. 2. Staff members – work under guidance, learn to create.”.

Anna Yanenko