Stabilization of the Tlaltecuhtli monolith pigments

A painted monolith, as important as the Aztec Calendar or the Coyolxauhqui, has been discovered in the ritual Aztec center of Mexico City. It represents Tlaltecuhtli, the bisexual manifestation of the Earth from whom all life comes. Still, pigments, which have lost their conglomerating resins, have to be retained. In this study, the consolidation of ochre pigment on original fragments from the Aztec sculpture is presented. Several compounds were tested as consolidants, on the one hand natural polysaccharides, Funori and Slobber of Nopal exudate, on the other derivatives of cellulose, Methocel^® and Klucel^®, and also commercial consolidants as KSE 300^® and Paraloid B72^®. To simulate the ageing of consolidated samples, they were treated in an Accelerated Weathering Tester. Then, both sets of samples, fresh and aged, were characterized structural, morphological and texturally by using X-ray diffraction, electronic microscopy and nitrogen adsorption, respectively. A leaching test was performed on consolidated samples to evaluate the consolidant efficiency.     

Remains of the day-preservation of organic micro-residues on stone tools

Here I report on the decay processes of microscopic organic residues left on stone tool surfaces after their use. Residue analysis on ancient stone tools facilitates reconstruction of past activities. This study enables predictions about the circumstances under which ancient residues preserve. Experimental tool sets with modern residues were buried for a year in separate deposits at Sterkfontein, Sibudu (South Africa) and Zelhem (the Netherlands) whose pH and geomorphology varied, they were then analysed using light microscopy. Biological weathering mainly causes residue decay. In unstable environments rich in microbes and micro-organisms, residues decay quickly. From an archaeological perspective this means that sites that are stable, desiccated, waterlogged, extremely acidic or alkaline and extremely cold or hot sites. Different residue types have different preservation optima and this may lead to a preservation and perhaps interpretation bias. The preliminary predictive models presented in this paper could aid in the considered selection of sites and samples.     

“玄奘画像”解读——特别关注其密教图像元素

西安兴教寺所存玄奘石刻像与日本现存无名氏画玄奘像,所携带的历史信息超出了图像本身。作者认为,这一源于早期行脚僧图像的出现,是由于玄奘西行求法的成功,刺激了社会民众对行脚僧的认同,加之西来传法僧的大量涌现,于是在唐末、尤其是在宋代,出现了一批行脚僧图像,并由初时的胡僧梵相,变为汉僧模样,进而附会到玄奘的图像创作上。而在日本所存著名的"玄奘画像",事实上可能是一个具密教性质的僧人图像。作者试图通过有关这一图像的文献解读,全面分析该图像所包含的历史信息。     

A high-resolution electron microscopic and energy-dispersive spectroscopic study on the molecular mechanism underpinning the natural preservation of 2300 Y.O. naturally-mummified human remains and the occurrence of small-sized [Zn][Al]Carbon spheres

In this paper we use Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy to characterize the surface of the skin of a 2300 YO, naturally-preserved mummy, belonging to a two-year and eight month girl (“Pepita”), found inside a cave located in Altamira, Querétaro, México (21°40′–20°01′; 99°03′–100°36′). The cave was found in Sierra Gorda, an orographic region with a relief of sedimentary origin from the Gulf of Mexico, composed by high mountains with altitude values surpassing 3000 m above sea level, with ample and steep canyons, and a prominent role on the exploitation and distribution of cinnabar (HgS). The skin showed the presence of small-sized spherules, containing Al (≤43%) in the most exposed region (5–10 μm depth). Thin layers and structural microdomains covered small and large spheres. Structures conformed by stacked, nano-sized particles located far-from-the bunches contained C (≤45%), Zn and Si (≤10%), and minor amounts of Ca (≤2.6%). By contrast, regions between spheres contained high amounts of Ca (≤23%) and Al (≤15%), but lacked Zn and Si. Carbon spheres showed two distinctive composition, a signature that their formation might have occurred in a least two different stages via concentric growth mechanisms, with the incorporation of Zn and Al at a later stage. [Zn][Al]Carbon spheres showed morphology and growth patterns that compared to those resulting from the hydrothermal carbonization by Fe²⁺ ions under mild conditions, suggesting a common mechanism of formation. Textural changes of thin films found between [Zn][Al]Carbon spheres were attributed to differences in viscosity, which might have contributed to increases in functionality and specific surface area (by means of decreases in size) and, in turn, facilitating the sequestration of biomolecules. We propose that the presence of [Zn][Al]Carbon spheres provides protection against bacterial and UV attack. The physical properties of these spheres helped entrap biomolecules. Taken together, these factors contributed to the preservation of Pepita.     

Assessing natural variation and the effects of charring,burial and pre-treatment on the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values of archaeobotanical cereals and pulses

The aim of this study is to assess the potential of charred archaeobotanical cereal grain and pulse seed δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values to provide evidence of crop growing conditions and as a potential component of palaeodietary studies. In order to reliably interpret archaeobotanical δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values it is necessary to take into account the impact of charring, burial and laboratory pre-treatment procedures. We examine the effects of charring and burial on bulk δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, %C, %N and C:N ratios in modern cereal and pulse material, and of cleaning by acid–base–acid (ABA) pre-treatment on modern and archaeobotanical charred material. Our study utilised bulk grain and seed samples to help account for within-ear/pod and between-plant variability in δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values. Heating at relatively low temperatures and for prolonged times (230 °C for up to 24 h) is conducive to the formation of well preserved, undistorted charred cereal grain and pulse seed. Heating for 24 h has a systematic and predictable effect on δ¹⁵N values, with increases of around 1‰ on average in cereal grains and pulse seeds, and no consistent impact on δ¹³C values. Increases in δ¹⁵N are likely due to the loss of lighter ¹⁴N via N-containing volatiles. Burial (for up to 2 years) and ABA pre-treatment have no significant effects on δ¹³C or δ¹⁵N values. After pre-treatment, however, the %C and %N contents of the archaeobotanical material more closely resembles that of the modern charred grains and seeds, suggesting that archaeobotanical remains accumulate non-structural material during burial but retain their original carbon and nitrogen content. Therefore %C, %N contents and C:N ratios can provide useful criteria for assessing archaeobotanical preservation.     

罗泽南友人弟子述略

罗泽南是晚清理学的重要代表人物。他不仅以经世实学相标榜,而且还着手解决现实社会政治为程朱理学所提出的新课题,与曾国藩、刘蓉、郭嵩焘、王錱、李续宾、蒋益澧、杨昌等一群有着共同学术旨趣的师友弟子一起投入到所谓的“湘军事业”中,残酷镇压了太平天国起义,为晚清的“同治中兴”、“理学复兴”创造了重要的条件。     

中国古代砖石建筑及其保护修复概述

砖石建筑是指利用砖石材料以一定的结构形式砌筑的建筑物或构筑物,这是中国传统建筑营造的一大类型,在中国建筑史上具有悠久历史和重要地位。我国现存砖石建筑分布地域广、数量多,本文从保护角度出发,介绍了砖石建筑历史及类型,并结合具体案例,对砖石建筑的保护与修复过程中的病害类型、原因、治理方法等进行了概述。     

城墙命运变迁与遗产保护思考

近五六十年来,人们对古城墙的态度发生了巨大的变化,与之密切相关的城墙命运也是如此,经历了一个从拆除到日渐重视保存、从趋于保护到热衷于修复和重建的历史过程。本文对这一过程及其重要人事进行了梳理,并分析了相关重要影响因素。同时,基于城墙命运巨大变化的历史考察,对快速城市化过程中的城市文化遗产保护进行了多方面的思考。     

于阗的地神图像及其流变

于阗是著名的西域古国,汉唐时期佛教及其艺术在其地兴盛一时。本文主要围绕一百余年来在新疆和田地区发现的多件地神图像,结合文献,探讨了此类图像的外在形式、文献依据及其所反映的思想内涵。作者认为,于阗佛寺的地神图像是据《金光明经·坚牢地神品》绘制,它影响了龟兹和敦煌佛教绘画的王族供养人画像,反映了出身为世俗人的王族供养人试图藉此神化自我,宣扬王权天授的思想。     

增福财神的信仰历史与当下现状

增福财神又称增福神,最早出现在河北、山东等地。元代碑刻记载了增福神的传说和信仰,称该神在五代、两宋得到过朝廷的敕封。元杂剧塑造了增福神的形象,描写了当时增福神信仰的流行情况。增福神的上位神是东岳大帝,因而他主掌地狱各司,也掌管人间衣禄食禄、贵贱高下,故又被称作福禄之神。明清时期增福财神信仰已流传到华北各省,多地志书都曾记载过增福财神庙会。清代以后,随着五显、赵公明、关公、比干等财神的兴起,增福财神逐渐被取代,只是信仰并未消失。河北曲周县相传是增福财神李诡祖生前任职、死后葬身的地方,信仰氛围一向浓厚,今天仍保留了较多的民间传统色彩。     

复辟时期的英国财政与税收史研究评述

复辟时期是英国财政与税收史上的一个重要转型时代.长期以来,西方学界对复辟时期的财政与税收进行了深入探究.总体性、贯通性研究和专题性研究都成果斐然.研究主要集中在复辟王权财政状况、财政收入的税收和非税收构成、财政管理、复辟时期财政税收的性质和地位等方面.此外,还有一些学者从不同维度对复辟时期的财政税收展开研究,亦取得了不少研究成果.     

Ancient DNA in archaeological wheat grains: preservation conditions and the study of pre-Hispanic agriculture on the island of Gran Canaria (Spain)

The recovery of ancient DNA from archaeological wheat samples under different preservation conditions was assessed using a number of genetic markers. It was possible to amplify nuclear DNA from desiccated grains but not from charred. The desiccated grain was from a pre-Hispanic grain silo in Gran Canaria and showed excellent DNA preservation, enabling the amplification of the ribosomal DNA markers IGS and ITS, the upstream region of the HMW-glutenin locus and single-locus nuclear microsatellites. Our results demonstrated the presence of both durum and bread wheat in an assemblage of naked grain. We were also able to identify different genotypes in durum wheat and compare these with extant landraces, providing insights into the agrarian practices of the ancient Canarians and the origin of their crops.     

彩绘文物调查及修复技术和理念探讨

将彩绘作为文物保护修复中的一项重要研究,已经在颜料分析、绘画技艺、源流传承等方面做了大量的工作。然而彩绘文物形式多样,通常以彩绘砖石质、彩绘泥塑、彩绘陶器、壁画、木质彩绘、彩绘漆器甚至彩绘金属器形式存在,每种不同基质表层的彩绘文物调查及修复时所要采取的技术手段和秉持的理念都会有所差别,但是又能够触类旁通、互相借鉴。笔者尝试从近年来亲历的彩绘石质、彩绘泥塑、壁画、建筑彩画文物保护、调查项目中所感受的困惑和获得的经验中,探讨不同材质彩绘文物的调查与修复,希望可以得到更多学科基于文物保护意义上的专业支持和积极融合。     

Towards a Political Theology of Vulnerability Anthropological and Theological Propositions

Abstract

Recent experiences of terror, violence, and catastrophe, such as the terror attacks in Norway in 2011 or the Peshawar School Massacre leaving 132 children and nine staff dead on December 16, 2014, strengthen the sense of the fundamental vulnerability in human existence. In this article, it is argued that political theology, in responding to such experiences, should aim at perceiving and protecting vulnerability as a value. For this purpose, basic propositions for a theological anthropology of vulnerability are put forward. Likewise, propositions for interpreting God as vulnerable are presented, criticizing the traditional theistic concept of God as immutable and hence unable to suffer. The relevance of these propositions for political theology is finally addressed.     

Geochemical indicators of preservation status and site deterioration at Star Carr

This paper presents the results of a project aimed at investigating the deterioration of organic remains at the Mesolithic site of Star Carr. Analyses of pH, Electrical Conductivity and Redox Potential are reported from borehole transects across the unexcavated part of the site. A comparison of field and laboratory measurements is made, leading to the characterisation of different preservation zones and identification of ‘vulnerable’ sediments at the site. These data are augmented by geochemical analyses of contemporary borehole sequences and adjacent historic monoliths. Analysis of surface water and groundwater has also been undertaken to assist in the interpretation of the site hydrology and geochemistry. The relationship between ‘natural’ geology and preservation potential, and the evidence for a ‘halo’ preservation effect in virgin sediments adjacent to previous archaeology trenches is investigated.     

陈独秀与光复会关系考述

本文论述了陈独秀与光复会的密切关系:光复会成立前,陈独秀参加了与光复会有渊源关系的军国民教育会暗杀团等组织,结识了后来光复会的重要人物蔡元培、刘光汉等人.光复会成立时,陈独秀身在上海,加入其中.光复会成立后,陈独秀邀请刘师培等光复会员赴芜湖安徽公学等校执教,光复会在芜湖得到迅速发展,又组织岳王会,该会成为光复会的外围组织;陈独秀还参与光复会员吴樾暗杀五大臣的策划,与章太炎、刘师培等人发起组织亚洲和亲会.     

青铜文物保护技术的传承与发展

本文回顾了二十世纪青铜文物保护技术及相关的问题,随着二十一世纪的到来,现代社会的高度发展,提出了青铜文物保护即保护技术与工艺研究二个部分,并应制定相应的法律保护传统工艺的设想。     

千手观音造像石质本体修复研究

石质本体修复是大足石刻千手观音造像抢救性保护工程的重要环节,本文针对千手观音造像保存现状,从石质本体基本特性和环境因素等方面分析劣化机理,依据工程地质勘察等研究成果,在实验室试验、现场试验的基础上,选择典型病害区域开展石质本体局部修复试验及技术路线研究,确定了醋酸纤维素材料ZB-WB-S为石质本体修复材料,探索出了合适的修复工艺.在总体保护修复方案获得审批后,分区域开展石质本体加固、补形等修复工作,并在修复工作开展中不断改进和完善施工工艺,通过对修复效果检测及跟踪监测,基本达到了预期修复效果与目标,恢复了千手观音造像的稳定性和完整性,最大限度保留了千手观音雕刻形态的历史信息,为下一步造像表面髹漆贴金和彩绘修复提供了良好的操作条件.     

北周墓出土彩绘陶器的加固与保护

陕西省考古研究所在西安咸阳国际机场二期建设中抢救性发掘了三座大型高等级北周时期墓葬,出土了数百件精美彩陶俑,形象十分逼真生动。由于彩陶器出土提取于淤泥之中,为了及时有效的保护好这批文物,考古队在第一时间内将出土陶器全部运回所内文保室进行抢救性保护。此次保护的主要任务和难点是,在最佳时间实现土层与彩绘层的成功分离,逐渐降低饱水彩陶器的含水率,使其最终在大气中趋于稳定,最后及时加固和封护彩绘层并采用适合该陶质强度的粘接剂进行粘接复原。经过十年来的时间证明,此次实施的保护方案正确,保护措施得当,保护结果令人满意。     

“地方”与“国家”文化权力的博弈——明代以降云南腾冲地区汉景帝神祠考论

汉景帝神是滇西腾冲地区的重要神明,它象征着中原王朝入主西南以前云南本土政权的存在。自明代以来关于汉景帝神的身份便有多种说法,入清后官方与民间围绕着汉景帝神的身份更是展开了"论辩"。在论战中,地方士绅将汉景帝神与中原"正统政权"建立起联系,使之成为掌控地方资源及话语权的一种手段。另一方面,这种论战同样发生在滇西其他地区乃至整个西南,体现了在国家开发地方的过程中当地人运用自己的智慧与国家展开互动,更是区域历史观念与"国家"历史观念之间的博弈。与汉景帝神祠建立关联的娘孃庙则展现出在长时段的历史过程中地方对于"不同来源"的文化的接纳与"本地历史传统"的延续。