Preserving Archaeological Remains In Situ: Three Case Studies in Trentino,Italy

Abstract

The paper presents the results of the restoration and conservation work which has been carried out in three archaeological areas in the Autonomous Province of Trento. The areas, which have been opened to the public for more than ten years, are the open-air archaeological site of Monte S. Martino, Roman Tridentum (an underground site under the historical city centre of Trento), and Fiavé (a pile dwelling site in a peat bog). These areas present very different environmental characteristics and have therefore required different interventions according to their speci?c situation.

In order to reduce maintenance and extraordinary costs, appropriate conservation of the archaeological remains is required. This consists of methodologies of conservation according to the characteristics of the environment; continuous monitoring systems and indirect preventive intervention; and annual maintenance planning.     

Laboratory Experiments as Support for Development of In Situ Conservation Methods

Abstract

Within the EU-Project BACPOLES (EVK4-CT-2001-00043) bacterial wood degradation could be simulated in laboratory experiments to investigate the living conditions of the up to now unknown bacteria consortia, named erosion bacteria (EB), which cause considerable decay on waterlogged archaeological wood. In these Microcosm (MC) experiments the role of oxygen and chemical composition of the sediment were investigated. Therefore, the microcosms were subjected to different gassing treatments and the free dissolved oxygen was measured in different depths of the microcosms by special oxygen sensors (optodes). In further experiments the chemical composition of the sediment was verified to investigate the influence of different nutrient concentrations to the degradation process by EB.

From the findings it can be concluded that bacterial wood decay can proceed without free oxygen present but that it is more intense if oxygen is available. A water flow like streams in the sea, simulated by vertical water circulation, seems to stimulate the degradation activity and the degradation of wood by EB seems to be a result of low nutrient levels in the surrounding area.     

In Situ Preservation of Ancient Floor Mosaics in Turkey

Abstract

As stated in the Burra Charter (1979) ‘A building or work should remain in its historical location. The moving of all or part of a building or work is unacceptable unless it is the sole means of ensuring its survival’. This statement has been neglected many times during rescue excavations in Turkey (e.g. Zeugma), whereas the destruction of ancient floor mosaics caused by lifting, especially when carried out by incompetent or inexperienced personnel at systematic archaeological excavations, has steered the authorities desire to preserve them in situ. However, due to the lack of conservation professionals and insufficient resources for conservation, it becomes a difficult issue to provide an effective preservation scheme for archaeological excavations. This paper aims to discuss this important issue in terms of the national legislation, preventative and interventive conservation approaches at various sites, exhibition and maintenance of mosaics, as well as the training of conservation technicians in Turkey.     

Issues of In Situ Conservation at Jinsha,People’s Republic of China

Abstract

The archaeological site of Jinsha, in Sichuan Province, China, was excavated in 2001, revealing extensive evidence of a substantial 3000 years old settlement. The site was subsequently sheltered and in 2007 an on-site museum was constructed. The shelter’s performance, in terms of environmental control, public interpretation and site management, is assessed. The need for more scientific research on site material science is highlighted.     

Editorial: The Nordic World Heritage Foundation

Abstract

This article identifies the current state of knowledge in the literature regarding the possible impacts of future climatic change on archaeological sites and ensembles. Drawing on the literature review a matrix of potential impacts is collated to provide a simplified overview. This theoretical ‘menu’ is then tested by applying it to a vulnerability assessment of the World Heritage site of Skellig Michael in Ireland. The case study results reveal some knowledge gaps, particularly in regard to the impacts of climate change on buried archaeological remains.     

From values to narrative: a new foundation for the conservation of historic buildings

Since its inception, modern conservation has derived the significance of a heritage asset from the identification and prioritisation of distinct classes of values. Different systems of values have been proposed, and the focus of the debate has been on the competing merits of such systems, with little attention paid to the genealogy of their theoretical foundation. If such values-based systems were ever appropriate, they are increasingly out of step with other areas of cultural life, and the resulting tensions are particularly manifested when considering change to historic buildings and environments. The currently under-theorised state of conservation is positively harmful both to the conservation professions and to the buildings we seek to protect. It is increasingly urgent therefore that we understand conservation’s philosophical origins, that we question the application of a late-nineteenth-century modernist approach to culture, and that we seek a better theoretical foundation.     

文物防霉剂华科—108的合成及应用研究

为研制一种适用于恶劣环境现场的物防霉剂,以N,N-二正辛基-3,3-二硫代二丙酰胺在溶剂中通氯气,环化制得2-正辛基-4-异噻唑啉-3-酮盐酸盐,经水解分离油相配以载体即得防霉剂华科-108。通过试验得到了最佳的反应条件(反应温度15．4-2℃,胺化物：氯气(摩尔比)=1：3．75,通气时间2h,搅拌时间1h,确立了可行有效的分析方法,收率可达70％。它在汉阳陵考古发掘现场应用中表现出明显的抑菌、杀菌、防霉效果和优良的适应性,可为类似情况的处理提供有益的借鉴。     

秦陵7号坑铜水禽彩绘保护及分析

K0007号陪葬坑出土了一批青铜水禽,在其中发现了少量残存的彩绘。本文从铜禽彩绘的保护、清理、彩绘颜料分析和彩绘施彩工艺分析等方面对铜水禽彩绘进行了分析研究。     

尊重大遗址保护中的民生要求——以中国东南地区的江苏为例

近年来,尊重民生要求作为大遗址保护的目标与任务,与保护工作实践有机结合,正迈向文化遗产保护发展的正确方向。江苏在大遗址保护的实践中,将其与建设遗址公园、改善城乡人居环境、建设新农村农业园区、发展休闲观光旅游等相结合,探索中国东南地区大遗址保护利用工作可持续发展的和谐之路。     

温故求新:促进大遗址保护的科学发展——大遗址保护思路再探

新中国成立后,特别是改革开放以来,我国的大遗址保护事业持续稳步发展:概念逐渐明确,队伍不断壮大,制度日臻完善,工作趋于主动,考古学及多学科合作的作用切实加强。在此基础上,对全国大遗址保护研究展示的现代化体系和地区的建设作进一步研究,必将促进大遗址保护事业的科学发展。