“Conservation qua Archaeology at Tell Mozan/Urkesh,”
in N. Agnew and J. Bridgland (eds.), Of the Past, for the Future: Integrating Archaeology and Conservation, Proceedings of the Conservation Theme at the 5th World Archaeological Congress, Washington D.C. 22-26 June 2003, Los Angeles: The Getty Conservation Institute, pp. 73-81.
Since the basic and intrinsic concept of destructiveness of the archaeological process, after having recording data, conservation must be indeed regarded as one of the main purposes for any archaeologist.
This paper presents a new approach in the conservation of the structures excavated from their earthy matrix at Tell Mozan. At first, some preliminary definitions of the conceptual goals are defined: why conservation? Conservation as itself is clearly an important step after (and during) an excavation, but the author’s new approach consists in considering conservation as “intrinsic to the excavation process because it teaches us about excavation” (p. 73).
To be much clearer: “In this light, ‘integrating archaeology and conservation’ does not mean so much developing a proper respect between two different individuals operating apart from another but rather adding an educational component in the professional training of both archaeologists and conservators, so that each can operate with the sensitivity of the other” (p. 74).
The best example to explain this concept is the conservation strategy applied at Urkesh, consisting of a modular and easy-realizable covering of the ancient mudbrick walls with metal structures and canvas (which also allows a direct inspection of the ancient remains for both specialists and tourists), shaping in this way (using different colours) the spatiality and functionality of the ancient buildings.
This method also implies an ethical theme, since it incentivizes a concrete engagement of the local community, in charge of the constant reparation of the covering structures.
[For further details about Urkesh’s conservation strategies, visit Preservation].
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