This wrought iron hook was completely corroded and only a hollow mold of the original artifact survived in the surrounding concretion. Conservators cleaned and filled the natural cavity with epoxy resin in order to replicate the disintegrated artifact. The patina on the exterior of the cast is actually the metallic remnants of the original artifacts surface. Hooks such as this were used extensively in ship's rigging and tackle, as well as in the manipulation of cargo and heavy ordinance.