Archaeometrical investigation and conservation of the decorated ivory sword hilt from the Derveni Grave B

Abstract

The Derveni graves, found in 1962, at the NW of Thessaloniki, still retain an important place in archaeological literature due to their rich content; they are dated from 323 BCE to the early 3rd century BCE and most probably belonged to noble cavalrymen, veterans of the army of Alexander, the Great. The ivory hilt of iron sword B 106a from Grave B preserves an extremely rare case of elaborate inlaid decoration of high artistic value and craftsmanship. The hilt and few fragments from the blade that survived have been repaired in the past, nevertheless a large part of the hilt’s decorated surface remained covered under a thick layer of iron corrosion products. Visual examination, X-Radiography, SEM- EDX analyses, Micro-EDXRF analyses and re-conservation have been done for the understanding and highlighting of the artifact's special character in terms of fabrication and decorative techniques and materials. In addition, archaeological research assigned the Derveni sword in a specific time frame and cultural environment.