Main Inventory Number: C-2012-313
Subsequent Inventory Numbers: C-2012-360 (Sp. Find 318 and 303), C-2012-360 (Sp. Find 304)
Date of discovery: 6/14/2012
Date of intervention: 27/11/2014-16/04/2015
Provenance: Cetamura del Chianti (SI)
Superintendent: Archaeological Superintendence of Tuscany
Subsequent Inventory Numbers: C-2012-360 (Sp. Find 318 and 303), C-2012-360 (Sp. Find 304)
Date of discovery: 6/14/2012
Date of intervention: 27/11/2014-16/04/2015
Provenance: Cetamura del Chianti (SI)
Superintendent: Archaeological Superintendence of Tuscany
BACKGROUND: Situla E is one of thirteen bronze buckets found in the well at Cetamura (5N/ 18 W.86.A, dating from the early Roman empire). The tallest preserved height of the bucket is 24.8 cm, the circumference for the interior of the rim is 17.3 cm, and the weight is 575 g. Additionally, the find consists of
thirty-three fragments (total of 92 g), one base with lead components (187 g), and one bone fragment. The widest point of the base is 16.7 cm by a width of 14.5 cm.
thirty-three fragments (total of 92 g), one base with lead components (187 g), and one bone fragment. The widest point of the base is 16.7 cm by a width of 14.5 cm.
IMAGE: entirety of find prior to treatment, side one
IMAGE: Entirety of find prior to treatment, side two
IMAGE: Detail of bottom of situla
CONDITION: After removal from the well, mud was removed from the interior, and the bucket was packed polyethylene foam supports (Tecnope RF) and extra water for transport. Previous intervention includes: Xray analysis (done at the Centro di Restauro SBAT Firenze), photo documentation, and washing with distilled water (both performed by Professor N. Marosi on 27/7/2012) (Figures 3-4). The bucket and all fragments but the base were allowed to dry under supervision. Prior to the second intervention, the bucket was found to be in a similar condition of fragility with diffused corrosion.
detail of bottom fragment with feet
test portion prior to cleaning
test portion after cleaning
TREATMENT: A cleaning test was performed on an area that exhibited organic deposits. An area approximately 5cm x 5cm was taped off using masking tape and a small scalpel was used to gently scrape off any sediment. A soft bristle brush was used to help clear the area of dust. The tape was then removed and the success of the cleaning was judged to be satisfactory. A second and third area of cleaning were accomplished using the same method but this time on a vertical
stripe running the length of the bucket and including a piece of the preserved rim. Following the second cleaning, and prior to removing the tape, a final dusting using the goat hair attachment on the micro motor was performed. Work continued in this fashion around the entire exterior of the bucket. If any tougher deposits were encountered, they were left on the bucket since any insisting risked damaging the bronze. In general, the corrosion was heavier and tougher to remove along the lip of the bucket. Other areas had a high build up of organic deposits or rust stains. For regions containing only a light layer of rust deposits only the micro motor was used since any scalpel work risked removing the stable patina underneath.
The bottom of the bucket was found detached from the object, and had been stored in water. The first step was to gently
wash away any built up dirt using a soft brush and deinoized water. On the outside, some rust deposits were found and removed with scalpel. Afterwards, the base was allowed to dry under supervision. Once dried, the base was cleaned using a scalpel and micro motor with goat hair attachment to remove loose corrosion deposits. The distinctive white corrosion found in the areas of what would have been the other two feet were evidence of the presence of lead and largely left intact
stripe running the length of the bucket and including a piece of the preserved rim. Following the second cleaning, and prior to removing the tape, a final dusting using the goat hair attachment on the micro motor was performed. Work continued in this fashion around the entire exterior of the bucket. If any tougher deposits were encountered, they were left on the bucket since any insisting risked damaging the bronze. In general, the corrosion was heavier and tougher to remove along the lip of the bucket. Other areas had a high build up of organic deposits or rust stains. For regions containing only a light layer of rust deposits only the micro motor was used since any scalpel work risked removing the stable patina underneath.
The bottom of the bucket was found detached from the object, and had been stored in water. The first step was to gently
wash away any built up dirt using a soft brush and deinoized water. On the outside, some rust deposits were found and removed with scalpel. Afterwards, the base was allowed to dry under supervision. Once dried, the base was cleaned using a scalpel and micro motor with goat hair attachment to remove loose corrosion deposits. The distinctive white corrosion found in the areas of what would have been the other two feet were evidence of the presence of lead and largely left intact
taping off portion for cleaning
using micro brush attachment
portion of situla after cleaning and removal of tape
FUTURE MAINTENANCE: Once all pieces of the find have been stabilized and cleaned, further conservation possibilities for display can be considered. Storage for the bronze pieces should be in an area with a RH of below 35%.
IMAGE: Situla post-treatment