The fragments of this alabastron,
a container made of alabaster or other materials for holding scented oils, were recovered in
several different loci (excavation units) over a few years of excavations. The archaeologists recognized the
significance of the find and gathered the pieces together.
Before Treatment |
Then pieces were then given over to conservation. After examining and documenting the
fragments, I reconstructed the vessel using my favorite adhesive, Acryloid
B-72, poly(ethyl methacrylate). If the alabastron
were going on display in a museum, I might have filled the gaps between
fragments, possibly with a mixture of B-72 bulked with fumed silica or glass
microballoons. But like on most
archaeological excavations, the goal of the conservator is to only stabilize the
artifact and make it available for research.
Therefore, replacement of the losses is unnecessary. Here is the finished alabastron.
After Treatment |
Now the object is ready to go back to the archaeologist, who
will draw and photograph the object and continue research on its
significance. An alabastron as large as
this one (9 cm in diameter and over 13 cm in length) was probably imported; archaeologists can use the find to develop
theories about trade and social interactions.
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