Materials Issues in Art and Archaeology VI

Book excerpt: This volume, the sixth in a continuing series, presents cutting edge multidisciplinary work on the characterization of ancient materials; the technologies of selection, production and usage by which materials are transformed into objects and artifacts; the science underlying their deterioration, preservation and conservation; and sociocultural interpretation derived from an empirical methodology of observation, measurement and experimentation. Preserving cultural heritage extends beyond artifact preservation to developing a critical understanding of how ancient people used technology and craft to solve problems of survival and organization and to make symbols or representations of what was important in their world, especially for its maintenance, longevity and beautification. Of particular interest in this volume are contributions which explore the interface and overlap among traditional materials science, the history of technology and the archaeological and conservation sciences, or that investigate new methods and applications of materials science in art and archaeology. Topics include: conservation and preservation science; preservation-design, characterization and assessment; characterization-new methods and improved techniques; archaeological science and archaeometry; site formation, site analysis, resource survey and organization of technology; weathering, dating, technology and authentication; archaeomaterials, technology and society; replicative experiments, synthesis of materials and model systems; historic technologies; and ancient technology and modern craft.