Abstract
Large bones present their own conservation problems. Three fossil elephant scapulae, received in different states of preservation, demonstrated the difficulties faced by a conservator on a low budget. Considerations included the state of preservation and the need to prepare the objects for research rather than display. Since the elephant finds were part of a taphonomic research project, preserving the bone surfaces was of supreme importance. Fill materials had to be light because of the need for researchers to handle the objects post-conservation. Following studies of other cases of gapfilling, both in modern and ancient bones, and considering the restrictions and particular requirements of the materials available, a system was devised consisting of Japanese tissue impregnated with Paraloid B-72 in acetone applied in layers over a scaffolding of rods, with a final layer of microcrystalline wax then being applied. The resultant fill was lightweight, reversible, relatively cheap, and unobtrusive to the researching scientists.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 53-64 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Journal of the Institute of Conservation |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Mar 2013 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:We would like to thank the participants of the Revadim Quarry excavation directed by Ofer Marder in collaboration with Ianir Mile-vski and Hamoudi Khalaily, from the Israel Antiquities Authority. The conservation was partially funded by the Israel Antiquities Authority and by the Irene-Levi Sala CARE Foundation.
Keywords
- Japanese tissue
- Paraloid B-72
- Revadim Quarry
- conservation
- elephant bone
- fill materials
- taphonomy