"Saltman" a new archaeological discovery: scientific investigation and conservation

Abstract

The conservation and scientific investigation of organic materials in general and ancient human remains in particular have always been a topic of immense interest to scholars. The so called “Iceman” is one example which has attracted both general the public and experts worldwide since its discovery in 1991. The discovery of the Saltman in Iran in 1994, in a remarkable condition of preservation, is another example of this. The remains were found in a salt mine located in the village of Hamzehloo, near Zanjan. After the initial investigation by archaeologist, all the finds were transferred to Research Center for Conservation of Cultural Relics for scientific investigation and preservation. All the remains were subjected to Carbon-14 dating, radiographic examinations, computer tomography, texture examinations, genetic research, chemical, biological and physical examinations of the hair, trace element analysis, technological and compositional examinations and lastly conservation of all the remains.