An overview of conservation for maritime organic finds

Abstract

A general discussion on the considerations one should keep in mind, prior, during and after recovery of some organic artefacts found in a maritime environment. This is important especially in the evolving field of Underwater Archaeology in Malta. It covers a general introduction to the underwater environment, a review on the nature and properties of the different organic materials, which can be excavated and on the specificities of material deterioration in seawater. The organic finds tackled are leather, textile, rope, and skeletal material. Wood is briefly referred to although extensive auxiliary studies have been done by others. The considerations of the conservator as well as the conservation ethics are briefly related. During and post-excavation considerations, such as labelling, documenting, photographing, storage, packing and transportation, are all considered and recommended. The main bulk of the written material in this study is based on a literature and consists of proposals for first aid treatments as well as for long term conservation methodologies of such materials. Some information on the permanent storage or exhibition is also thought-out. A simple documentation database was also practically designed for such artefacts. Case studies of some artefacts excavated during Easter 2002 from Dockyard Creek, Cottonera, Malta are discussed and proposals put forth for some analysis and conservation treatments for them. This paper should guide the reader towards a better understanding and helps instigate further research, as the research below is still quite limited.