Wet-Sites Artifacts: Preservation and Exhibition
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC Ballroom B/C/D
Start Date
21-5-2015
End Date
21-5-2015
Keywords
Archaeology, Preservation, Exhibition
Abstract
Over the last sixty years, archaeology has seen a rise in the discovery, excavation, and preservation of artifacts from wet sites, which differ greatly in composition to that of artifacts recovered from more common dry sites. Wet sites are unique as they are anaerobic. Oxygen is removed from the site through natural occurrences, this prevents bacteria and other agents of decay from taking hold on artifacts which would otherwise decay and vanish from the historical record. The result is a site rich in organic artifacts consisting of materials which are not found in other sites. Artifacts taken from wet sites pose difficulties and challenges that require a different tool set and conservation procedures in order to address the vulnerabilities of organic matter, which is as susceptible to decay. Artifacts taken from sites such as Hoko River and the Ozette Indian Village site, both in Washington State, as well as sites across the globe have shown the need for new techniques in how to deal with the various aspects with these artifacts. Because these artifacts have not been exposed to oxygen for such long periods of time, it is vital that, while excavating, handling, and preserving them, the artifacts continue to be in an environment deprived of oxygen, otherwise decay of these items will begin in earnest. In this poster, I will explore the techniques and practices in achieving the needs of artifacts in a wet site.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Andrew, "Wet-Sites Artifacts: Preservation and Exhibition" (2015). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 97.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2015/posters/97
Poster Number
43
Department/Program
Anthropology & Museum Studies
Additional Mentoring Department
Anthropology & Museum Studies
Additional Mentoring Department
Museum of Culture and Environment
Wet-Sites Artifacts: Preservation and Exhibition
SURC Ballroom B/C/D
Over the last sixty years, archaeology has seen a rise in the discovery, excavation, and preservation of artifacts from wet sites, which differ greatly in composition to that of artifacts recovered from more common dry sites. Wet sites are unique as they are anaerobic. Oxygen is removed from the site through natural occurrences, this prevents bacteria and other agents of decay from taking hold on artifacts which would otherwise decay and vanish from the historical record. The result is a site rich in organic artifacts consisting of materials which are not found in other sites. Artifacts taken from wet sites pose difficulties and challenges that require a different tool set and conservation procedures in order to address the vulnerabilities of organic matter, which is as susceptible to decay. Artifacts taken from sites such as Hoko River and the Ozette Indian Village site, both in Washington State, as well as sites across the globe have shown the need for new techniques in how to deal with the various aspects with these artifacts. Because these artifacts have not been exposed to oxygen for such long periods of time, it is vital that, while excavating, handling, and preserving them, the artifacts continue to be in an environment deprived of oxygen, otherwise decay of these items will begin in earnest. In this poster, I will explore the techniques and practices in achieving the needs of artifacts in a wet site.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Hope Amason, Lynnn Bethke