The Conservation of Glass Ingots from the Bronze Age Uluburun Shipwreck

Abstract

Various desalination, drying, consolidation and reconstruction strategies have been employed in the conservation of an unparalleled collection of Bronze Age glass ingots found on the Uluburun shipwreck, excavated by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA) between 1984 and 1994. Presented here are the results of a survey undertaken to determine the effects of these different treatments. Included is an in-depth description of the treatment of four ingots, as well as the use of different gap-filling materials: Paraloid ® B-44, Multiwax W-445, a cellulose powder/Paraloid ® B-72/fumed silica mixture and a two-part epoxy putty. A general treatment approach for ancient glass excavated from a marine environment is suggested based on the conservators' experiences, the findings of the survey report and the re-examination of treated ingots.