Abstract
A rare find of a high-status 17th century oval box, retrieved from a shipwreck, provided a unique opportunity to research the construction and finishing layers of an object that is untouched for 350 years. This case study was used to demonstrate the extent of data that can be gained from analytical techniques prior to conservation. The amalgam-gilt brass object was studied by optical and electron microscopy, X-radiography, micro-computed X-ray tomography, neutron tomography, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, proton-induced X-ray emission and gas chromatography. The results have led to a characterisation of the manufacturing methods used on the box and to a better understanding of the practicality of modern analytical methods and techniques in (maritime) archaeological research.
Highlights
During the summer of 2014, a remarkable group of maritime archaeological finds was discovered near the coast of the Dutch island of Texel
The case study presented in this paper demonstrates the extent of scientific data that can be gained using a wide range of analytical techniques
The box has been studied in its entirety, but the results of the side with Venus and the side with Leda are comparable
Summary
During the summer of 2014, a remarkable group of maritime archaeological finds was discovered near the coast of the Dutch island of Texel. Since the moment of discovery, it has become evident that the group of finds belonged to a mid-17th century ship, most likely Dutch but still of unknown origin and destination (Vos et al, 2019). The shipwreck got assigned the working name Burgzand-Noord 17 (BZN17) after its findspot on the Burgzand-Noord sandbank (see Fig. SOI 1.1 for the geographical location). The contents of the shipwreck included ob jects of both organic and inorganic materials. A 17th century silk gown, has gained much international attention, both in academia and to the general public for its rarity and unique maritime context. The pristine condition of the objects, untouched for the last 350 years, offers a unique opportunity to investigate manufacturing processes of what seems to be a very rich collection
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