Ancient Artifact Materials and Conservation
A treatment safe for one material can permanently damage another or erase archaeological evidence.
Ceramic and Terracotta
Fired clay, slips, pigments, inclusions, breaks and reconstruction.
Material and careStone
Marble, limestone, basalt, steatite and carved stone.
Material and careBronze and Copper Alloys
Cast and worked copper-alloy objects with corrosion and patina.
Material and careIron
Forged and cast iron objects with potentially unstable corrosion.
Material and careGold and Silver
Precious-metal jewelry, vessels, coins and fittings.
Material and careAncient Glass
Blown, cast, core-formed and molded glass.
Material and careFaience and Glazed Materials
Silica-based faience, glaze, frit and composite materials.
Material and careBone, Ivory and Antler
Organic carved materials with wildlife-law and conservation concerns.
Material and careWood
Ancient wood, carved panels, coffin fragments and waterlogged material.
Material and careTextiles
Wool, linen, cotton and other archaeological fibers.
Material and careLeather and Parchment
Tanned hides, parchment, footwear, bindings and written material.
Material and carePigments and Painted Surfaces
Painted pottery, sculpture, plaster and polychrome objects.
Material and careComposite Objects
Objects combining metal, wood, stone, glass, textile or restorations.
Material and careScientific Testing
Thermoluminescence, radiocarbon, XRF, microscopy and imaging.