Examples of Conservation Fieldwork
The conservator plays a key role on an archaeological excavation, ensuring that most of the finds uncovered during the excavation process are properly preserved for future study. S/he is often called upon to stabilize and lift especially fragile objects out of the ground. Other vital tasks include cleaning, reconstructing and safely packing archaeological finds so that they can be studied by different specialists on the excavation. The conservator is also familiar with the materials and techniques used to make different archaeological objects, and can therefore work with excavation staff to understand how particular objects were manufactured. Another significant responsibility is monitoring the relative humidity and temperature changes at the site in order to plan for the most appropriate storage of objects once they are excavated and packed.
Images courtesy of the Pennsylvania-Yale-Institute of Fine Arts Expedition to Abydos (PYIFA).
Lifting wall painting fragments from a Coptic monk’s cell with conservator Mark Abbe.
Left image: Consolidating human bone fragments prior to lifting.
Right image: Lifting Early Dynastic coffin planks with archaeologist Jen Lavris.
Consolidating human bone fragments prior to lifting.
Left image: Examining a painted coffin with conservator Deborah Schorsch.
Right image: Stabilizing Coptic period plaster with conservator Mark Abbe.
Consolidating an Early Dynastic wine jar prior to lifting it from a grave.