Storage solutions for excavated textiles: tending to their recalcitrant behaviour

Abstract

This paper discusses the selection of packaging and storage means that facilitate the preservation, protection and managerial needs for a group of excavated textiles where their physical and chemical properties have been unrecognisably altered as a result of the burial process (in this case mineralisation). The newly acquired properties include a significant loss in weight (possibly due to mineralisation causing dehydration), extreme hydrophobia, brittleness and zero mechanical strength and elasticity. Developing an appropriate packaging and storage method depends on the methodology employed, the system selected and the materials used. The box-in-box method was selected for better controlling environmental parameters. The textiles were systematically organised in a way that they are stable and readily accessible with minimum handling. The materials used included open and close-cell polyethylene foam, copolymer polyethylene and polypropylene board, non-woven polyethylene fabric and the antistatic type of polyester film. All materials and methods applied exhibit great versatility and are potentially useful for conservators in similar situations.