Abstract
Archaeological materials recovered from earth or water have become altered physically, chemically, or biologically through time and intereaction with their burial surroundings, and are likely to need conservation treatment. Conservation is the treatment of artifacts by physical or chemical methods to arrest deterioration, prevent further degradation, and restore to something approaching the original appearance and condition. Treatments should be carried out by trained persons, but all those who deal with artifacts should seek an understanding of deterioration processes and conservation methods.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Selected Bibliography
Dowman, Elizabeth A. 1970 Conservation in Field Archæology. Methuen & Co. Ltd. Norfolk, England.
Brommelle N. S., and Perry Smith, et al. (editors) 1975 Conservation in Archæology and the Applied Arts. Contributions to the Stockholm Congress, 2–6 June 1975. International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. 608 Grand Buildings, Trafalgar Square, London.
Green, V. 1971 An Assesment of the Use of Benzotriazole. MS. Institute of Archaeology, University of London.
Guldbeck, Per E. 1972 The Care of Historical Collections: A Conservation Handbook for the Non-Specialist. American Association for State and Local History. Nashville.
Hamilton, D. L. 1973 Electrolytic Cleaning of Metal Articles Recovered from the Sea. In Science Diving International edited by N. C. Flemming, pp. 96–104. Proceedings of the Third Symposium of the Scientific Committee of the Confederation Mondiale des Activities Subaquatiques, London.
Hodges, Henry 1968 Artifacts. John Baker. London.
Katsev, M. J., and F. H. Van Doorninck, Jr. 1966 Replicas of Iron Tools from a Byzantine Shipwreck. Studies in Conservation Vol. II. No. 3.
Muhlethaler, B. 1973 Conservation of Waterlogged Wood and Wet Leather. Editions Eyrolles. Paris.
North, N. A., and C. Pearson 1975 Investigations into Methods for Conserving Iron Relics from the Sea. In Conservation in Archæology and the Applied Arts. International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. 608 Grand Buildings, Trafalgar Square, London.
Organ, R. M. 1967 The Reclamation of the Wholly Mineralized Silver in the Ur Lyre. In Proceedings of the Seminar, Application of Science in Examination of Works of Art. September 7–16, 1965. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Massachusetts.
1968 Design for Scientific Conservation of Antiquities. Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington.
Piel, Gerald, et al. (editors) 1967 Materials. W. H. Freeman and Company, San Francisco.
Plenderleith, H. J., and A. E. A. Werner 1971 The Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art. Oxford University Press. London.
Research Laboratory, Museum Of Fine Arts 1967 Application of Science in Examination of Works of Art. Proceedings of the Seminar, September 7–16, 1965. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Massachusetts.
Thompson, G. (editor) 1963 Recent Advances in Conservation. Proceedings of the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. Rome Conference 1961.
1967 Museum Climatology. Proceedings of the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. London Conference 1967. London.
Unesco, Museum And Monuments XI 1968 The Conservation of Cultural Property. UNESCO, place de Fortenoy, Paris.
Van Asperen De Boer, J.R.J. et al. (editors) 1956–1975 Studies in Conservation. The Journal of the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, Vol. 1 -20. International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, London.
Weier, L. 1971 Deterioration of Inorganic Materials Under the Sea. MS. Institute of Archaeology, University of London.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sanford, E. Conservation of artifacts: A question of survival. Hist Arch 9, 55–64 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03373430
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03373430