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Founded in the spirit of Doctors without Borders, Conservators without Borders (CWB) is a volunteer organisation that provides support to archaeological projects where insufficient funding or expertise does not allow for conservation activity. Priority is given to sites in countries where finds are in need of urgent attention, either during or post-excavation. Other key objectives include collaboration with archaeologists, the development of sustainable methods of conservation alongside stakeholders, outreach to local communities, and conservation training for students, volunteers and the wider community. In 2007, CWB was awarded a grant by University College London (UCL) Futures to carry out two pilot seasons in 2007 and 2008. With the grant, CWB has run successful projects in Greece, Jordan and Peru. This article introduces CWB and describes its unique projects to date.
For more information regarding CWB’s founding principles, projects or contact details, visit www.conservatorswithoutborders.org.
Background to Conservators without Borders As post-graduate conservation students at University College London’s (UCL) Institute of Archaeology in 2006, Melina Smirniou, Christie Pohl and Dominica D’Arcangelo together identified a need for increased conservation input on archaeological sites. Through their on-site experience, each had witnessed opportunities whereby the life and use of objects might be prolonged through the implementation of basic preventive techniques. They also realised that funding short-falls, a lack of understanding about the long-term benefits of conservation, and a lack of regulation by host countries all meant that conservators were rarely considered critical to on-site archaeological teams. Devising an international volunteer organisation called Conservators without Borders (CWB), the founding members looked at ways in which conservators could become more actively involved in archaeological projects through improved communication with archaeologists and specialists. Active and dynamic approaches to information exchange were seen as key to improving the visibility and understanding of conservation and its modern principles. CWB’s founding members believe that raising the profile of conservation is one way to successfully inform decision makers about the benefits of conservation. Ultimately, CWB would like to have a positive influence on how they choose to spend their money when planning future projects. A timely grant was awarded to CWB by UCL Futures, a grant making body which funds non-research projects carried out by members of the UCL community, in the spring of 2007. It allowed CWB to run a two-year pilot programme from 2007-2008 which provided the opportunity to practically trial its theoretical underpinnings. The founders began to look for archaeological sites that fit CWB’s missions. One of CWB’s aims is to provide field conservation support to archaeological sites where insufficient funding and expertise does not allow for any on-site conservation activity. Priority is given to sites where finds are in need of special or urgent conservation attention and where there is a keen interest in artefacts’ preservation. Another guiding principle of CWB’s work is to cooperate with archaeologists, heritage professionals, local communities and students to build long-term, preventive conservation programmes. The three primary strands of CWB’s activities include: practical conservation, education and outreach. The initiative also aims to work closely with conservation students to contribute to their training by giving them experience with conservation in the context of archaeological sites. Through the provision of outreach, education and training, communities become better equipped to understand conservation needs and have an increased ability to participate in conservation activities. CWB’s practical work consists of first aid conservation on newly or post-excavated unstable objects and helping to improve artefacts’ packaging in storage. With limited resources, CWB aims to make a lasting impact in a short period of time by restricting complex remedial conservation treatments to the most urgent cases. The goal is to treat and stabilise as much material as possible in a 2-3 week fieldwork session. The focus of CWB’s training is to show how damage can be minimised through preventive conservation techniques rather than repairing damage after it has occurred. CWB has been warmly welcomed by hosts in Greece, Jordan and Peru. Feedback from the conservation community at large has been positive and encouraging. The overall results of the pilot seasons are promising and CWB is currently seeking funding to carry on their work. The remainder of this article describes each of CWB’s projects to date. Greece The first CWB project took place on the island of Kythera in Greece for a total of five weeks during the summers of 2007 and 2008. Kythera is 280 sq km in area and is situated between the southern tip of the Peloponnese and the island of Crete. The island has a very rich archaeological heritage resulting from 7000 years of continuous occupation, which spans the late Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman and Modern Greek periods [1]. In the 1960’s, the British School at Athens excavated at the coastal site of Kastri concentrating on the Early Bronze Age layers and the Minoan presence on the island. Apart from Minoan finds, there are artefacts from Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. The collection is comprised of pottery sherds, ceramic, metal, stone and glass small finds. Poor packaging and inappropriate micro and macro environmental conditions resulted in the deterioration of the objects. An earthquake in 2006 severely damaged the museum where these objects were stored. Their movement to the storerooms of the Kythera Island Project (KIP) ultimately lead to CWB’s involvement. The co-directors of KIP, Cyprian Broodbank and Evangelia Kiriatzi, recognised that something needed to be done to stabilise the objects and make them more accessible for researchers. CWB was invited to collaborate with the KIP directors to improve the overall conditions of the collection and implement a new storage regime. Two conservation students, Saray Naidorf and Jackie Chapman, joined the CWB founding members to provide conservation assistance in Kythera. The CWB conservators and KIP directors together made the decision to first treat and stabilise the most vulnerable and fragile objects, and then re-house the small finds which specialists frequently access. The final task involved reconstructing and repacking ceramic vessels and fragments from the Early Bronze Age tombs. The original small finds packaging included paper bags, cigarette cases, biscuit tins, and small paper boxes with sheeps’ wool; all were stored with larger ceramic vessels in open wooden crates filled with hay and straw. This organic material resulted in pest infestation and some of the ceramic and glass sherds had shattered upon contact with one another as a result of the poor original packaging. Many of the metal objects – iron, copper alloys, and lead – were actively deteriorating. The team cleaned the small finds, mechanically removed active corrosion, consolidated flaking glass surfaces, reconstructed several ceramic vessels, replaced the old storage material with new conservation-grade packaging, and relocated the collection into air-tight containers or polyethylene bags, as appropriate. This packing method created a stable micro-environment which will prevent further damage. New identification tags and labels were also made. The collaboration between the teams and interdisciplinary approach to the work was very informative for both the CWB conservators and KIP archaeologists. The two-way communication meant that archaeologists extended their understanding of conservation processes while the CWB team addressed the KIP’s priorities and implemented a complimentary work system using available resources. The biggest challenge during the project was overcoming the bureaucratic administrative museum structure and local politics in order to reach the local community. CWB realised that trust can be built through establishing a long-term relationship. During the first season in Kythera, the team managed to launch an initial communication channel with the local authorities and aimed to collaborate with these officials to develop sustainable archaeological conservation practices. Building trust is an on-going effort and CWB strives to develop relations with museum and local authorities through transparency and openness. During the 2007-2008 seasons in Kythera, a total of 751 ceramic, metal, glass and stone objects were stabilised and re-housed in conservation-appropriate storage and packaging conditions. An initial outreach effort was established, aiming to promote best conservation practices and sustainability, and a continuous dialogue with all the stakeholders involved was also encouraged and fostered. Figure 2. Several wooden boxes in which archaeological objects excavated by the British School in Athens in the 1960’s were originally stored. Figure 4. Dominica D’Arcangelo removing wood chips and straw from a storage box. Figure 5. Ceramic objects after repackaging. Figure 6. (from left to right) Melina Smirniou, Christie Pohl and student volunteer, Saray Naidhorf treating ceramic objects in 2007. Figure 7. (right) From left to right: Jackie Chapman, professional conservator and Melina Smirniou cleaning ceramic sherds prior to repackaging them in 2008. CWB began discussing a collaborative mission with Jordan’s Department of Antiquities (DoA) in the spring of 2007. The DoA expressed a need to treat post-excavated material in storage, involving objects from six different museum collections: the National Archaeological Museum in Amman, the Umm Qais Archaeological Museum, the Dar As-Saraya Museum in Irbid, the Jarash Archaeological Museum, the Al-Karak Antiquities museum and the Petra Archaeological Museum. The primary materials treated from each of the six collections included copper-alloy and glass artefacts. CWB teams travelled to Jordan for a total of six weeks in the autumn of 2007 and 2008. The DoA provided accommodation and working space for CWB at a dig house on the archaeological site in Jarash. The team also worked at the Petra Archaeological Park Headquarters and the National Museum in Amman. The strategy in Jordan was multi-disciplined. Each day, CWB gave a four-hour training session with interested employees and archaeologists from each museum. In the afternoon and evening, CWB had time to carry out additional conservation treatments. The DoA organised several trips for CWB allowing them to get a useful picture of local issues in terms of storage conditions, museum displays, space and budgetary restrictions. Training sessions were initially focused on preventive conservation measures, including packing techniques using conservation-grade materials, appropriate environmental conditions and creating controlled micro-environments for archaeological metals. Important health and safety measures were also discussed with each group of participants. After covering minimal intervention, preventive conservation methods and best practices, the team members discussed and demonstrated basic chemical and mechanical cleaning techniques. CWB’s microscope allowed the museum employees and archaeologists to view objects in a new way and use it as a tool for removing active corrosion from copper alloys. CWB also described methods for consolidating fragile glass vessels to preserve a weathered surface and how to reconstruct fragmentary ceramic objects through support fills. This interaction gave participants a better idea of the more complex practical treatments used in conservation and a more well-rounded understanding of conservation methods and processes. The aim was to pass on skills to the trainees that could be utilised to better preserve artefacts within Jordan’s museum collections. By demonstrating more complex conservation work, CWB communicated the necessity of formal training for many of the treatments and the importance of consulting a conservator for involved remedial work. Overall, the CWB work in Jordan was successful in terms of stabilising a finite number of objects from the six collections. The outreach activities gave the participants an introduction to valuable and achievable preventive conservation measures and gave them more confidence in handling objects. Amy Drago and Mags Felter, the volunteer conservators that were part of the CWB team in Jordan, provided invaluable help as they shared their knowledge and expertise with the local professionals. The work in Jordan was very rewarding due to the enthusiasm and appreciation of the participants. Knowledge sharing, an important aim for CWB, was carried out successfully. Travelling and working in Jordan for two consecutive years allowed CWB to build on relationships and establish a growing sense of trust. Reciprocal relations, particularly with tangible benefits for the countries and participants involved, are fundamental to CWB’s mission and are a crucial ingredient for negotiations and successful, international archaeological collaborations.
Figure 9. View of the Oval Plaza in Jarash, Jordan.
Figure 10. CWB conservators working with archaeologists and museum employees at the Petra Archaeological Park Headquarters, Jordan during the 2007 season. Figure 15. Professional conservator and volunteer, Margrethe Felter, mounting a copper alloy belt from the Amman National Archaeological Museum. Figure 16. Melina Smirniou (center) discussing an object treatment with Jordanian participants Dr. Fatma Marii (left) and Nihad Hendawi (right).
Peru
CWB worked on the northern coast of Peru for 3 weeks in 2008 at two separate archaeological sites. The first project took place at San José de Moro, a Moche period site (AD 200 – 800), in collaboration with Project Director Luis Jaime Castillo. This project, which also incorporates a field school, is one of the only Moche cemeteries currently being researched. It has yielded some of the most complex elite burial and ritual settings pertaining to 1,000 years of continuous occupation. The excavations and related studies at San José de Moro have helped scholars understand traditions, beliefs, artwork, and organizational and governmental forms of ancient societies of the area [2]. CWB’s work at San José de Moro primarily involved the conservation and restoration of unique unfired clay house models, or maquetas. These objects, painted with colourful natural pigments, were found in an elite tomb during the 2007 excavation season. The conservation of the maquetas was extremely challenging due to the fragile nature of the unfired clay and the considerable damage that had occurred since their excavation. CWB worked with excavation assistants to find joins between the clay maqueta fragments and collaborated with them on designing a roof support for one of the models. Some of the field school students were interested in conservation and assisted with the remedial work. The conservators also assisted on-site with the excavation and lifting of fragile textile samples associated with human remains. The team concluded their visit with a lecture on archaeological conservation methods for the field and a summary of the work completed during their visit. The second project in Peru took place at Magdalena de Cao in collaboration with Principal Investigator Jeffrey Quilter. This colonial period site abuts the El Brujo Archaeological Complex and contains an early Spanish church and town. The CWB team worked alongside American and Peruvian archaeologists, as well as other specialists to conserve paper, textile and metal finds. At Magdalena de Cao, CWB carried out documentation, cleaning and re-housing of the finds using conservation-grade packaging materials. The team implemented a visible storage system for all of the 2008 paper finds that minimises handling and allows researchers to view both sides. In addition to the work on the artefacts, CWB also had the opportunity to discuss several different conservation issues and concerns with the El Brujo Archaeological Complex employees, technicians and archaeologists. During this process, suggestions were made for preventive conservation practices and the long-term care of vulnerable materials. The conservators also demonstrated some basic conservation techniques, showing the variety of tools and materials used during the project. Because CWB works in different geographical locations, language can sometimes be a challenge. In order to achieve the most effective communication, CWB recruits volunteers with language skills that are beneficial for a specific project. Diana Medellin and Judy Jungels, both professional conservators, were part of the CWB team for the projects in Peru. Diana is from Mexico and was instrumental in the discussions and translations that took place between local peoples and the CWB conservators. Once again, establishing a sense of trust between CWB and the project stakeholders was key to the success of both projects in Peru. Skepticism and doubts about the involvement of conservation on an archaeological project can be overcome through the identification of the archaeologists’ needs and tailoring the conservation activities to these priorities. The time spent at each site in Peru was limited; however, CWB had the opportunity to demonstrate how conservators can be an asset to an archaeological project and contribute to the overall understanding of a site by conserving associated finds. The response to the two Peruvian projects was very positive and CWB has been invited to continue collaborative work at San José de Moro and Magdalena de Cao.
Figure 17. Peru. One of the unfired clay 'maquetas' after excavation and before conservation treatment.
Figure 18. The 'maqueta' after conservation treatment. Figure 19. CWB volunteer conservator, Diana Medellin, working with one of the Peruvian excavation assistants. Figure 20. San José de Moro field school students assisting with the conservation of the 'maquetas'. Figure 21. The CWB Peru team working in the field at San José de Moro. Figure 22. CWB conservators touring Magdalena de Cao Viejo with Principal Investigator Jeffrey Quilter. Figure 23. Paper finds from Magdalena de Cao after conservation treatment and rehousing. Figure 24. CWB conservators during an outreach session with archaeologists, technicians and excavation assistants at the El Brujo Archaeological Complex. Each of the projects is distinctly unique, but all three provide examples of how conservators can add value to archaeological sites and programs. These case studies also highlight some of the key considerations and challenges involved in the successful collaborations. Based on projects in 2007-2008, CWB firmly believes that two-way communication and interdisciplinary working are fundamental to raising the profile of conservation. In addition, they provide opportunities for conservators to respond to real world concerns and problems with practical, feasible solutions. Conservators have an important role to listen carefully to local needs before formulating sustainable conservation suggestions. CWB’s activities demonstrate that amongst the sites visited, there is a real openness, willingness to learn and appreciation for the information exchange on offer. There is great potential for long-term relationships with contacts in Jordan, Greece and Peru as a result of CWB’s 2007 and 2008 projects. CWB is enormously indebted to its volunteers. Its success is due to their commitment and contribution of their expertise, time and energy. Thank you to Saray Naidorf, Amy Drago, Jackie Chapman, Judy Jungels, Diana Medellin and Margrethe Felter. The directors would also like to acknowledge the support of their respective employers who have granted leave requests allowing the coordination of all of CWB’s projects: the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute, The Peabody Museum, The British Museum and the Institute of Archaeology, UCL. CWB is interested in hearing about archaeological projects which are interested in conservation support. For more information on CWB and details on how to get in touch, please visit our website: www.conservatorswithoutborders.org
References:
1. A. Bevan and J. Conolly, "GIS, archaeological survey and landscape archaeology on the island of Kythera, Greece", Journal of Field Archaeology, 29, 2004, pp. 123-138.
2. L.J. Castillo Butters, Programa Arqueológico San José de Moro, Temporada 2005, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú,Lima, 2006
About the authors: Dominica D'Arcangelo 34A St. Asaph Road, Brockley, London SE4 2EJ, UK Contact: dominica@eccomi.co.uk Dominica D'Arcangelo (BA, MA, MSc) is a conservator currently employed as a research assistant at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London. Since beginning her conservation career, she has been interested in the communication of conservation to other heritage professionals and the public. Christie Pohl 15A Buena Vista Park, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140 USA Contact: christiepohl3@msn.com Christie Pohl (BA, MA, MSc) is an archaeological conservator and has experience with inorganic and organic materials, including waterlogged artefacts. She was a Samuel H. Kress fellow in archaeological conservation at the Smithsonian's Museum Conservation Institute from 2006-2007 and is currently an assistant objects conservator at Harvard University's Peabody Museum. Melina Smirniou Conservation and Scientific Research, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, UK Contact: m.smirniou@ucl.ac.uk Melina Smirniou (BSc, MA, MSc) is an archaeological conservator currently employed in the Stone, Wall Paintings and Mosaics conservation section at the British Museum. She is also working on a PhD at the Institute of Archaeology, UCL, focusing on Late Bronze Age glass production in Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean.
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