6. Maintenance: introduction

A chapter of the digital monograph: Site conservation

NOTE: on this topic, cf. also the dedicated topical book on “CONSERVATION”.

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Needs and limits

Maintenance is a critical dimension of the project. Mechanisms set in place at the moment of the initial conservation loose all their effectiveness very rapidly if they are not attended to on a regular basis.

It is therefore imperative to understand well the recurrent problems, to identify the needs that must be addressed, and to set up explicit routines that may be followed even when the Expedition is not in session.

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Steps in implementation

Until 2010, I waited to implement maintenance procedures until the return of the Expedition in summer time. This was for two reasons:

1. first, I wanted to inspect de visu the problems that would arise during the winter months, in order to gain some insight in the causes for deterioration;
2. second, I was not sure what might be the best way to intervene to resolve the individual problems.

In 2010 I set up a protocol for review during our absence, with specific tasks assigned to three individuals. One of our guards, Muhammad Omo, was responsible for a general oversight and for minimal interventions, such as the removal of unwanted vegetation. Ibrahim Khellu was responsible for keeping a written record of the situation during the year, outlining special problems. Diadin Mustapha was the photographer who would document the situation on a regular basis and especially in moments of distress. Photographs and reports would be communicated to me via the Internet. With the assistance of Stefania Ermidoro in Italy and Yasmine Mahmoud in Damascus, I relayed to the three individuals in Mozan instructions on how to proceed with additional work, particularly with regard to the repair of torn side panels. The effectiveness of this approach will be reviewed upon our return to the site.