Topics Related to Conservation Highlights
A common question we are asked here at the lab is “How do the archaeologists and conservators identify an artifact?” How do we know what we are looking at, what it is made of, and what it was used for?
As the famous Mythbuster Adam Savage once said, “Remember kids, the only difference between [messing] around and science is writing it down”. The same can be said for archaeology and conservation.
Previously, we have discussed the process of conserving wood, the sailing of a vessel, the clues unco
Although the ship itself and a large portion of its contents—such as cask staves, gunstocks, and gun carriages—would have been made of wood, very little wood remains on site, for a variety of reasons.
As you have been following along with us, you have probably become aware of the scarcity of goods made from precious metals found on Queen Anne’s Revenge.
With the slow wrecking of Queen Anne’s Revenge, you wouldn’t expect much of value to be left on board and you would be absolutely right!
Metal objects from the Queen Anne’s Revenge shipwreck site vary greatly in their make-up, condition and functional use.
The most common material conservators encounter from the site of Queen Anne’s Revenge is lead.
What might dividers, trigger guards, nesting weights, an apothecary mortar, buttons, a powder scoop, and the inner workings of a pocket watch have in common?
Ceramics are some of the most abundant objects found on archaeological sites.