Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-t7fkt Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-29T06:18:59.495Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Eco-Archæometry and Conservation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2011

G. Burns  and
A.N. Bond
G. Burns
Affiliation:
Archæometric Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaM5S 1Al
A.N. Bond
Affiliation:
Department of English, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaM5S lAl
Get access

Abstract

In recent years there has been considerable progress in archaological excavation in various parts of the world. However, and especially in developing countries, much of the newlyexcavated and culturally significant antiquities deteriorates, often precipitously, irreversibly and unexpectedly, soon after excavation is completed. By analyzing opinions of specialists concerned with these deteriorations it is concluded that the discipline of practical conservation is structured in such a way that it can provide, at least for the present, only limited care for much of the recently excavated cultural heritage. This occurs to a significant degree because the discipline of archceologicalf ield conservation (which deals with the preservation of archaological sites and monuments situatedon these sites) is still in its infancy. The development of the discipline of field conservation can be considerably enhanced by efforts of environmental scientists because most of the deterioration is due to some adverse impact of the environment. This task is now the goal of the subdiscipline of environmental archaological science, often abbreviated asecoarchaeometry, which deals with the physics, geology and chemistry (be it biological, inorganic, organic or physical) of the deterioration of our cultural heritage. Eco-archwuometry is in a position to develop cost-effective shortcuts to the efficient salvage of deteriorating antiquities. Examples of eco-archwometric studies in Egypt, which already produced constructive results, are provided.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 352: Symposium – Materials Issues in Art and Archaeology IV , 1995 , 31
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1995

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1. Burns, G. “Deterioration of our Cultural Heritage”, Nature, 353, 658–660 (1991).Google Scholar
2. Burns, G. “Eco-archaeometry”, Interdisciplinary Science Reviews, 12, 81–90 (1992).Google Scholar
3. Burns, G., Matsui, K.M., Smeaton, J.E. & Wilson- Yang, K.M. “Eco-archaometry in Egypt” in Baer, N.S. Sabbioni, C., Sors, A.I., (eds.), Science, Technology and European Cultural Heritage, Proceedings of Meetings, 1989, pp. 383–387. Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., Oxford (1991).Google Scholar
4. Feilden, B.M. “The State of Europe's Architectural Heritage: a Personal View”, in Baer, N.S., Sabbioni, C., Sors, A.I., (eds.), Science, Technology and European Cultural Heritage, Proceedings of Meetings, 1989, pp. 3–16. Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., Oxford (1991).Google Scholar
5. Van Grieken, R., Vleugels, G., Roekens, E. & Veny, P. “Modem Micro-analytical Techniques to Elucidate the Causes and Mechanisms of Damage to Cultural Property.”, in Baer, N.S., Sabbioni, C., Sors, A.I., (eds.), Science, Technology and European Cultural Heritage, Proceedings of Meetings, 1989, pp. 101–110. Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., Oxford (1991).Google Scholar
6. Dunsmuir, J.H., Chianelly, R.R., Dechman, W.H., Hardenberg, J.H. and Vandiver, P. “X-ray Microtomography of Ceramic Artifacts”, Abstracts, Material Issues in Art and Archeology, IV (1994).Google Scholar
7. French, P. “In Situ Conservation of Archaeological Sites in Turkey, with Particular Reference to the Temples of Rome and Augustus, Ankara”, in Baer, N.S., Sabbioni, C., Sors, A.I., (eds.), Science, Technology and European Cultural Heritage, Proceedings of Meetings, 1989, pp. 335–357. Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., Oxford (1991).Google Scholar
8. Toracca, G. “Application of Science and Technology to Conservation Practice”, in Baer, N.S., Sabbioni, C., Sors, A.I., (eds.), Science, Technology and European Cultural Heritage, Proceedings of Meetings, 1989, pp. 221–232. Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., Oxford (1991).Google Scholar
9. Bair, N.S. “Introduction” in Baer, N.S., Sabbioni, C., Sors, A.I., (eds.), Science, Technology and European Cultural Heritage, Proceedings of Meetings, 1989, pp. xxxi–xxxxii. Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., Oxford (1991).Google Scholar
10. Guichen, De G., “Scientists and Preservation of Cultural Heritage”, in Baer, N.S., Sabbioni, C., Sors, A.I., (eds.), Science, Technology and European Cultural Heritage, Proceedings of Meetings, 1989, pp. 17–26. Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., Oxford (1991).Google Scholar
11. Romer, J. And Romer, E. “The Rape of Tutankhamun”, M.O'Mara Books Ltd. (1993).Google Scholar
12. Billard, T.C. and Bums, G. “Solution of the Continuity Equation for the Karnak Area”, Nature, 285, 654–655 (1980).Google Scholar
13. Burns, George, Billard, T.C. and Matsui, K.M., Salinity Threat to Upper Egypt, Nature, 344, 28 (1990).Google Scholar