Painted Lug-Eared Vessel, Sp. Find 710 A, B

Main Inventory Number: C-2013-1300
Subsequent Inventory Numbers: C-2013-1208, Sp. Find 710 A, B, C-2013-1403, C-2013-1380
Date of discovery: 6/10/2013-6/11/2013
Date of intervention: 16/10/2014-13/11/2014
Provenance: Cetamura del Chianti (SI)
Superintendent: Archaeological Superintendence of Tuscany
Collaborators: Conservation students Erin Gavin, Charlotte Hecht, and Ali Wysopal.

BACKGROUND: The components of the main find (inventory number C-2013-1300) consisted of thirty-seven individual fragments found in the well (coordinates 5N/18W) with a recorded locus number of 103.1, indicating that the object dates from the late 2nd century B.C.E. The Musell reading was 10yr 6/4 with a light, yellowish-brown color. An estimated rim diameter of 12.5cm was determined using an Arcaios vessel diameter chart (Fig. 2). This wheel-thrown vessel was categorized onsite as type CF3 by the archaeologist team. According to the Cetamura Lab Manual, this classification is characterized by its rough, pinkish white exterior, and gray interior. The vessels themselves were commonly used for storage or tableware, and are some of the most prolific goods found at the Cetamura site. Individual finds associated with Sp. Find 710 A, B were also found in the well, but under a different locus, 104.1. C-2013-1208 consisted of 2 rim fragments, C-2013-1403 again contained a rim piece weighing .7g, and C-2013-1380 included four shards with a total weight of 37g. All independent assortments were documented as being the same type CF3. All subsequent finds were treated as individual groups until it was certain they belonged to the main assemblage. Eventually, it was proven that all fragments from finds C-2013-1208, C-2013-1403, and at least one from C-2013-1380 did belong to the main vessel. At this point, all fragments were referred to under the primary inventory number.

CONDITION: Some general cleaning with water and brushes had taken place on site, but noticeable deposits of dried dirt and traces of iron corrosion product remained both along the surface and edge of all fragments. Many of the pieces also had the remains of a red slip. This decoration was better preserved on some fragments than others, and care was taken in all future interventions to not disturb the embellishment further. Otherwise, there was no observed powdering of the ceramic body, and the shards were considered stable.

TREATMENT:  Since a large amount of the vessel was accounted for, plans were made to use K-60 PVAC in ethanol adhesive to reconstruct the object. First each fragment was mechanically cleaned using a scalpel and soft, bristle brush to remove dirt deposits along the edges. The dried mud on the surface had to be cleaned using de-ionized water applied via cotton swab to loosen the sediment. For the areas of the surface with decoration, no mechanical picking was allowed. Instead, alcohol and a cotton swab were used to gently remove dirt using a rolling motion and never insisting. Alcohol was used in lieu of water for its higher evaporation rate. For all cleaning methods, a test was first performed in an inconspicuous area to ensure that no harm would come to the object. In the case of the solvent used to clean the decorated areas, Professor Nora Marosi performed the test and concluded that the red color was fairly stable and would only come off with some insisting.

For this reason, it can be concluded that the decoration was applied prior to firing. A final cleaning of a redbrown, iron corrosion powder from the surface was down mechanically with a scalpel and soft, bristle brush. K-60 PVAC (circa 30% in ethanol) was used to assemble the fragments. A heat gun was used to facilitate the drying process, and sand trays helped the cylindrical object hold its shape while setting. Construction began from the base up and in sections (allowing appropriate drying times for a more stable build). Rim pieces were assembled simultaneously. This continued until no more pieces could be placed on either the rim or the base. Unfortunately, enough pieces were missing to make attachment of the rim and base impossible. At this point, intervention was stopped. The object was photographed and stored for further conservation in the future.