Conservation of Metal Judaica from Excavations around Israel

Conservation of metal Judaica from excavations around Israel

Every year about 300 archaeological excavations are carried out all over Israel. Thousands of archaeological objects representing the rich and varied cultural heritage of the area are discovered and researched. Metal Judaica artifacts have a special place among these objects. They are significant documentation of the cultural environment that recreates and reflects (the intellect, mentality and) daily life of real people in the ancient world. That’s why is so important to conserve these objects.

The metal conservation laboratory is responsible for treating metal finds that originate in archaeological excavations. These objects are made of bronze, iron, lead, silver, and gold, and usually suffered corrosion due to their sensitivity to humidity and salts in the soil, which can cause heavy damage.

The conservation of metal archaeological finds is complicated because they are often in poor preservation condition. Since it is not a simple process to consolidate metal objects in this condition, we try to find suitable conservation strategy in each case of conservation for any object.

We would like to show a variety of Metal Judaica artifacts from different periods, made from different metals, in different preservation condition and the varied conservation strategy that was designed for each Metal Judaica artifact, depending on its condition.

AUTHORS

1.Helena Kupershmidt - Head, Metals Conservation Laboratory
Artifacts Treatment, Conservation and Laboratories Department

Israel Antiquities Authority Hamarpe St. 5, Jerusalem, Israel
email: lenaku@israntique.org.il

Tel. +97254-7205722

2. Ilia Reznitsky – Conservator, Metals Conservation Laboratory
Artifacts Treatment, Conservation and Laboratories Department

Israel Antiquities Authority Hamarpe St. 5, Jerusalem, Israel

Email: iliar@israntique.org.il

Tel.: +97252-8281054

3.Ilan Naor - Conservator, Metals Conservation Laboratory
Artifacts Treatment, Conservation and Laboratories Department

Israel Antiquities Authority Hamarpe St. 5, Jerusalem, Israel

Email: ilann@israntique.org.il

Tel.: +972-52336243