Artifacts of Unknown Origin: A Conservation Perspective

In the below video, trained conservator and ASOR Manager of Programs and Events LeeAnn Barnes Gordon gives her 2013 ASOR Annual Meeting paper, “Artifacts of Unknown Origin: A Conservation Perspective.”

A primary objective of archaeological conservation is the preservation of archaeological materials for the future. Conservation activities may sometimes play an integral role in the acquisition, authentication, scientific analysis, or display of unprovenienced artifacts, and conservators can provide a unique perspective in the discussion of the ethics of studying such materials.

This presentation will examine legal and professional guidelines to approaching the conservation of artifacts of unknown origin. It will demonstrate that ambiguities exist in the applicability and enforcement of ethical standards, which can lead to complex situations for conservators. For example, a conservator could be asked to treat an unprovenienced artifact that has been acquired legally by US law but in conflict with internationally recognized charters. When confronted with unprovenienced objects, conservators must consider their professional responsibilities to the conservation and archaeological communities, as well as to the stakeholders of the object. Technical examination can help to establish the provenience of artifacts, interventive treatment may improve the long-term stability, and restoration can facilitate better interpretation of an object. However, the potential consequences of these actions could include increasing the market value of such materials or result in loss of contextual information, such as burial accretions or residues, which could help link an object to its provenience.

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