Aims

At the end of the course, the student will be able :
to distinguish the objectives, the foundations and the stakes of conservation-restoration, including the responsibilities of the archaeologist towards the heritage that he/she helps to create ;
to define the first measures of conservation to be taken on an excavation site as well as the methods of material stocking while waiting for treatment ;
. to put forward a critical point of view in the choice and the planning :
- of a conservation-restoration treatment operated by a specialized laboratory ;
- of an arrangement formula for an archaeological site or an historic monument ;
to analyse the circumstances necessary for the survival, the integrity, and the accessibility of archaeological heritage.

Main themes

The course develops the principles and methods of conservation-restoration of Ancient archaeological heritage, transferable and real estate, and the materials that constitute it (wood, terracotta, glass, metal, paint coatings, mosaics). General conservation policy, international agreements, and safety measures against damage will also be presented.

Content and teaching methods

Content : - the conservation-restoration of archaeological heritage : definition and objectives ; the responsibilities of the archaeologist for heritage ; - The deontological principles of conservation-restoration : the Charter of Venice and the International Charter for the management of archaeological heritage ; - The practical methods of conservation-restoration and their risks, from the site to the gallery.
1. The traumatism of excavation.
2. The materials found in excavation (organic materials, ceramics, glass, metal, paint coatings, mosaic) : changes and deteriorations, treatment in the field, stocking, treatment in the laboratory.
3. The monuments and the sites (archaeological and historical) : causes of deterioration, conservation and arrangement for the public, material and formal genuineness.

Method : theoretical lectures alternating with critical case studies, based on a specific illustration.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Oral examination on the knowledge of the principles of conservation-restoration and the comprehension of treatments and essential processes operated in the field and in the laboratory.

Synopsis of the course with a bibliography and texts of the principal international agreements.

Visit to a scientific establishment of conservation-restoration (in 2001 : laboratories of the Service des Fouilles in Namur).

Other credits in programs