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Archaeological Ceramic, Glass, and Stone

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The Archaeologist’s Manual for Conservation

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Conclusion

Misidentification of ceramics and pottery is always possible so long as stains hide the true color and nature of the piece and tool marks and mold marks are obscured by concretion and staining. Fortunately conservation remedies for these problems are not difficult and will aid in the micro-excavation and evaluation of siliceous artifacts.

Yet ceramic, glass and lithic artifacts pose unique problems for the archaeologist/ conservator. In many ways the robust nature of these objects work against them, in that they deceive the archaeologist/conservator, or curator into thinking that the materials are indestructible and need no stabilization. This is simply not the case, many of these artifacts have been damaged over time in a great many ways and many will continue to degrade in the laboratory or museum if the artifact is not treated and stabilized for storage.

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(2004). Archaeological Ceramic, Glass, and Stone. In: The Archaeologist’s Manual for Conservation. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-48613-X_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-48613-X_7

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-306-48466-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-306-48613-5

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