Inventory Number: C-2013-405-A
Date of discovery: 5/29/2013
Date of intervention: 13/11/2014-27/11/2014
Provenance: Cetamura del Chianti (SI)
Superintendent: Archaeological Superintendence of Tuscany
Date of discovery: 5/29/2013
Date of intervention: 13/11/2014-27/11/2014
Provenance: Cetamura del Chianti (SI)
Superintendent: Archaeological Superintendence of Tuscany
BACKGROUND: This bronze boss was one of two originally recorded under the main inventory number: C-2013-405. Found in Cetamura at coordinates 5N/18W, the objects were exhumed from the well. Locus number 95.1 dates the boss to the 1st century B.C.E. The average diameter was 3.1cm, with a width of 1.0 cm, and weight of 10 g. Object A contained a deposit of dried mud and organic matter within the concave back part that required further investigation
IMAGE: Inside of Boss prior to treatment
outside of boss prior to treatment
side of boss prior to treatment
detail image of outside of boss prior to treatment
CONDITION: Bronze boss A had dried out at some point during storage. No bronze disease was detected, only past corrosion and dirt deposits. As mentioned, the interior of the boss was full of mud from the well. The bronze itself was stable enough that this dirt could safely be removed.
using acetone to losen material
microexcavating the interior using pick
partial removal of soil
TREATMENT: Micro excavation was undertaken on the inside of the boss. The mud and organic material was removed methodically in layers using a dental pick and tweezers. If the dirt was too tough to remove, a small amount of acetone was applied via syringe. During the micro excavation, six pieces of micro fauna remains were uncovered. These included four long bones, one vertebra, and one unknown segment. These were documented and placed in a separate vial for future study by experts. Once the micro excavation was complete, the inside surface was wiped down using alcohol and a cotton swab to remove any remaining loose dirt. Mechanical removal of corrosion products was performed using a scalpel and always done in layers to have more control over the cleaning process. A soft, bristle brush and alcohol applied with a cotton swab were used to occasionally help clear the surface. A final cleaning using the micro motor tool was done with a goat hair
attachment to remove any dust, and the plastic fiber attachment to give the object a more polished look. The goal of the mechanical cleaning was to bring the surface to a clean, more uniform and stable layer that allowed for the original piece to be seen with out harming it. The process was stopped after tests of one of the iron deposits showed that the bronze underneath had mineralized into a white powder. For this reason, it was better for the overall stability of the object if the deposits were left since their removal could result in the formation of a hole. All of the aforementioned procedure was done under a magnifying lens. Final photograph documentation was taken and then the item was placed in a new, labeled container
attachment to remove any dust, and the plastic fiber attachment to give the object a more polished look. The goal of the mechanical cleaning was to bring the surface to a clean, more uniform and stable layer that allowed for the original piece to be seen with out harming it. The process was stopped after tests of one of the iron deposits showed that the bronze underneath had mineralized into a white powder. For this reason, it was better for the overall stability of the object if the deposits were left since their removal could result in the formation of a hole. All of the aforementioned procedure was done under a magnifying lens. Final photograph documentation was taken and then the item was placed in a new, labeled container
micro fauna remains found inside boss
boss after the removal of soil
mechanically cleaning exterior
FUTURE MAINTENANCE: The conservation of the bronze object can be considered complete for the time being. Since it was already dry with no signs of active corrosion, constant monitoring is unnecessary. Instead, proper storage (RH below 35%) should be the priority. The micro fauna remains should be stored at an RH of 50%. Also, their analysis could be helpful to the understanding of the Cetamura site and further research should be pursued.
inside of the boss after treatment
side of the boss after treatment
