Archaeological Artifact Conservation

Catalog description

Credits 4. 3 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Provides an in-depth introduction to the theory and practice of conserving archaeological artifacts, emphasizing the stabilization and long-term preservation of materials recovered from terrestrial and underwater sites. Examines both theoretical grounding and extensive hands-on experience in the laboratory, learning to assess artifact condition, select appropriate treatment strategies and apply conservation techniques to a wide range of materials including organics, ceramics, glass and metals. Through lectures, readings and laboratory exercises, students explore the chemical and physical principles underlying conservation, the ethical considerations surrounding intervention and preservation and the role of conservation within archaeological research and curation. TOPICS AND THEMES. Principles of archaeological conservation and preservation; conservation ethics and documentation; health and safety in the conservation laboratory; adhesives and consolidants; conservation of organic materials including bone, ivory, wood, leather, textiles and rope; stabilization of siliceous materials such as ceramics, glass and stone; corrosion processes and treatment of archaeological metals including iron, copper alloys, lead, tin and precious metals; electrolytic and chemical cleaning methods; desalinization and drying processes; material identification and condition assessment; factors of decay in burial environments; field conservation practices; reconstruction techniques and aesthetic reintegration; and integration of conservation data into archaeological interpretation and collections management. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.