Conservation of artifacts: A question of survival

Abstract

Archaeological materials recovered from earth or water have become altered physically, chemically, or biologically through time and intereaction with their burial surroundings, and are likely to need conservation treatment. Conservation is the treatment of artifacts by physical or chemical methods to arrest deterioration, prevent further degradation, and restore to something approaching the original appearance and condition. Treatments should be carried out by trained persons, but all those who deal with artifacts should seek an understanding of deterioration processes and conservation methods.