Inventory Number: C-2013-180
Date of discovery: 5/21/2013
Date of intervention: 18/9/14-25/9/14
Provenance: Cetamura del Chianti (SI)
Superindendent: Archeological Superintendence of Tuscany
Date of discovery: 5/21/2013
Date of intervention: 18/9/14-25/9/14
Provenance: Cetamura del Chianti (SI)
Superindendent: Archeological Superintendence of Tuscany
BACKGROUND: Found at the Cetamura site, in the Tuscany region of Italy, coordinates of the find are 5N/18W. locus 89.1, indicating that
the artifact was exhumed from the well and dates from the 1st century B.C.E. The fragment is a piece of red gloss, wheel thrown ceramic typical of the region. It was determined to be a base piece, and is decorated with incisions as well as a stamp reading: “LVCR”, with a possible second line of text. The preserved width and height of the front of the fragment is 6.6 cm and 4.9cm, respectively. The preserved width and height of the back is measures 4.1cm by 4.2cm
the artifact was exhumed from the well and dates from the 1st century B.C.E. The fragment is a piece of red gloss, wheel thrown ceramic typical of the region. It was determined to be a base piece, and is decorated with incisions as well as a stamp reading: “LVCR”, with a possible second line of text. The preserved width and height of the front of the fragment is 6.6 cm and 4.9cm, respectively. The preserved width and height of the back is measures 4.1cm by 4.2cm
IMAGE: fragment prior to treatment
IMAGE: fragment prior to treatment, interior side
CONDITION: The artifact had been initially cleaned at the excavation site using water and a toothbrush to wash and mechanically remove any large deposits. Therefore, the fragment was found to have minimal dirt deposits upon examination, prior to conservation treatment. The remaining dirt was light gray and lay in the rougher areas along the edge and in the decorations, both in the incision lines and stamp. The overall state of the artifact was deemed stable, with
no active flaking of the slip nor powdering of the body. In the areas of indentation (stamp and incised lines) there was missing slip that had been previously lost. The edges had some jagged areas, but overall were smooth, indicating that the break was old.
no active flaking of the slip nor powdering of the body. In the areas of indentation (stamp and incised lines) there was missing slip that had been previously lost. The edges had some jagged areas, but overall were smooth, indicating that the break was old.
TREATMENT: Prior to cleaning, a test was performed in a less apparent area to ensure that none of the original material was put at risk. It was found that a light mechanical motion with the brush did not affect the open cracks in the slip and did not cause any flaking. After this, cleaning with the brush was initiated on all dirt deposits and found to be reasonably effective. Stubborn dirt deposits remained again in the crevices of the edge of the fragment in the indents of decoration. At this point, cleaning using distilled water was chosen to help disintegrate and loosen the deposits. The used swabs were also monitored for any signs that the original material was being removed, allowing for a more controlled cleaning. The water cleaning was successful in removing a majority of dirt on the fragment’s surface. Any existing dirt was considered acceptable since its removal would require more persistent cleaning.
IMAGE: fragment prior to treatment, exterior side
IMAGE: fragment post-treatment, exterior side
IMAGE: detail of interior of fragment, post-treatment
FUTURE MAINTENANCE: Continued care should be focused on preventative conservation efforts. Since the artifact is not in currently in danger of decay, plans for future maintenance should center around proper storage to prevent damage from developing. Fragment should be stored in a safe, secured space with little sunlight and an RH of 55%. Besides environmental protection, the artifact should always be labeled with any accompanying records well organized. If any pieces are found during the continued conservation of finds from the Cetamura site that are potentially from the same object as fragment
C-2013-180, plans for reassembly should be made.
C-2013-180, plans for reassembly should be made.