Evaluation of Conservation and Preservation Practices in a Southwest Pottery Collection (2009-04)

Executive Summary

A variety of materials and methods have been used to preserve ceramic vessels. Many have proven successful, while others are damaging. Monitoring and evaluation of past treatments is a documented research priority in the conservation field. The Arizona State Museum (ASM) has examined, recorded and analyzed the performance of past treatments on the museum’s collection. Previous grant funds enabled a condition assessment of 20,000 southwest vessels and a modern storage facility. NCPTT funds were used to monitor and evaluate previous preservation treatments. This research has afforded the opportunity to look forwards and backwards to identify patterns in archaeological methods, museum management and conservation.

The collection of whole ceramic vessels at the Arizona State Museum (ASM) spans nearly 2000 years and encompasses all the major cultures and historical periods of the Southwestern United States.  The survey including the examination of adhesives was undertaken and has resulted in valuable information about the conservation and repair history of the vessels. By using visible examination, chemical spot testing, UV auto fluorescence, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) distinctive patterns of adhesive use have revealed how cultural groups, archaeologists, and conservators have used adhesives and repair techniques over time. Assessing the results will allow conservators to develop treatment strategies and prioritize conservation resources according to the needs of the collection.  The opportunity to reconstruct early repair practices provides the museum conservators and curators with a valuable tool to evaluate, protect, and study this important collection.

Twitter It!

Related posts:

1. An Evaluation of Supercritical Drying and PEG/Freeze Drying of Waterlogged Archaeological Wood (2007-04) This study evaluates the physical effects of drying waterlogged archaeological...
2. Conservation and Art Materials Dictionary (2000-07) Knowledge of material properties, reactivity and history can be crucial...
3. An Evaluation of Supercritical Drying and PEG/Freeze-Drying of Waterlogged Archaeological Wood A new preservation technique involving the use of supercritical fluids...
4. Sourcing Shell and Shell-Tempered Artifacts Using Laser Ablation (2009-02) This project involved developing a new method for using the...
5. Report for NCPTT on Funding Priorities in Materials Conservation (1996-07) The AIC polled its membership in May 1996 via a...