- 310-903-3884
Alice Boccia Paterakis
Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology, Conservation, Department Member
ABSTRACTA calcareous and non-calcareous clay were fired to 900 degrees Celsius and subsequently impregnated with a solution of Na2SO4. These test samples were then impregnated with one of three consolidants: Acryloid B72, Tetraethyl... more
ABSTRACTA calcareous and non-calcareous clay were fired to 900 degrees Celsius and subsequently impregnated with a solution of Na2SO4. These test samples were then impregnated with one of three consolidants: Acryloid B72, Tetraethyl Orthosilicate (TEOS), Methyl Triethoxysilane (MTS). Desalination tests using the static immersion and stirred solution methods were made to determine the effect of consolidation on the rate and extent of salt extraction. Desalination was monitored by Ionic Conductivity, Atomic Emission Spectroscopy and Ion Chromatography analysis of the extraction solutions.
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Abstract Presents the examination and XRF analysis of a gold cloisonné object dating from ca. 1800 BCE, discovered by the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology (JIAA) in the Kaman-Kalehöyük excavation of 2010 in Turkey, representing... more
Abstract Presents the examination and XRF analysis of a gold cloisonné object dating from ca. 1800 BCE, discovered by the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology (JIAA) in the Kaman-Kalehöyük excavation of 2010 in Turkey, representing the Assyrian Colony Period in Central Anatolia. Kaman-Kalehöyük is a rural settlement along the ancient Silk Road trade route dating from the Bronze Age (2300 BCE) through the Ottoman Empire. The object is constructed from hammered sheet gold and gold rings that may have portrayed a rearing lion. The composition was found to range from 87.3% to 96.1% gold, 1.8% to 10.5% silver, and 1.3% to 3.1% copper. The evidence for joining techniques is discussed based on elevated silver content in some areas indicating a gold-silver solder and overheating of the gold in places possibly resulting from any number of fusing methods. Areas of partially melted gold, the absence of inlays, and little evidence of use wear suggest that this object may have been damaged during manufacture, unfinished, or destined for reuse.
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Research Interests: Archaeology and Art
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A unique example of gold cloisonné dating to the 19 th c. BCE, the period of the Assyrian Trade Colonies in Central Anatolia, was discovered in the Kaman-Kalehöyük excavations in 2010 by the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology.... more
A unique example of gold cloisonné dating to the 19 th c. BCE, the period of the Assyrian Trade Colonies in Central Anatolia, was discovered in the Kaman-Kalehöyük excavations in 2010 by the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology. XRF analysis was carried out to study the composition and techniques of manufacture.
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Research Interests:
... Author: St Clair, William Title Article/Chapter: "The Elgin marbles: questions of stewardship and accountability" Title of Source: International journal of cultural property Volume Number: 8 Issue Number: 2... more
... Author: St Clair, William Title Article/Chapter: "The Elgin marbles: questions of stewardship and accountability" Title of Source: International journal of cultural property Volume Number: 8 Issue Number: 2 Date of Publication: 1999 Page Numbers: 391-521 ISSN: 0940-7391 ...
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AbstractPast and present conservation treatments for archaeological ceramic and metal artifacts can be detrimental to their preservation. Storage materials and conditions may contribute to this deterioration, independently and in... more
AbstractPast and present conservation treatments for archaeological ceramic and metal artifacts can be detrimental to their preservation. Storage materials and conditions may contribute to this deterioration, independently and in combination with treatment materials. The effects of all these factors on the subsequent analysis of ceramics and metals are considered. Several examples from the collection of the Agora Excavations in Athens are offered.
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This project reveals the proliferation in the awareness of acetate and other carbonyl corrosion on bronze artifacts in archaeological collections. Blue and blue-green carbonyl corrosion of bronze is a recent discovery in part due to its... more
This project reveals the proliferation in the awareness of acetate and other carbonyl corrosion on bronze artifacts in archaeological collections. Blue and blue-green carbonyl corrosion of bronze is a recent discovery in part due to its mistaken attribution over the years to bronze disease, chalconatronite, and azurite. This project examines sources of acetic acid, and evaluates the environmental conditions in which acetate corrosion develops and the influence of alloyed lead and sodium contaminants in this process. Case studies identifying corrosion by XRD on predominantly Egyptian archaeological bronzes, with a focus on Saqqara, revealed a preponderance of a sodium copper carbonate acetate and copper sodium formate acetate. These were identified on the majority of Saqqara bronzes sampled in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Ashmolean Museum, Liverpool Museum, Petrie Museum and British Museum. Unknown compounds not included in the International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD) catalogue were also discovered. Due to the novelty of this discovery, the conservation of bronze with carbonyl corrosion is as yet an unexplored area. This project examines passive and active means of conservation. Solubility and cleaning tests were carried out on the Saqqara bronzes. Solubility of carbonyl corrosion is discussed in terms of removability, influence on cleaning methods, and stabilization of corrosion by means of environmental control. Two coatings, the acrylate Incralac®, and the polyethylene wax emulsion Poligen® ES 91009, underwent corrosion testing on leaded and unleaded bronze with promising results as protective coatings against attack by volatile acetic acid.
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ABSTRACTGlass undergoes various corrosion mechanisms during burial. The state of deterioration and corrosion phenomena are deciding factors in the choice of conservation materials and techniques. Among the conservation treatments reviewed... more
ABSTRACTGlass undergoes various corrosion mechanisms during burial. The state of deterioration and corrosion phenomena are deciding factors in the choice of conservation materials and techniques. Among the conservation treatments reviewed for ancient, archaeological glass are pre-treatment storage, cleaning, consolidation of weakened and de-vitrified glass, adhesives for reconstruction, and fill materials for restoration. The most recent materials and techniques used by conservators are presented. The concepts of permanence and reversibility with regard to conservation methods and materials are examined.
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Abstract The Agora collection of copper alloys consists of mirrors, pins and needles, lamps, vases, tools, nails and other hardware, official weights, voting ballots, sculpture, jewelry, medical instruments, weapons, and coins excavated... more
Abstract The Agora collection of copper alloys consists of mirrors, pins and needles, lamps, vases, tools, nails and other hardware, official weights, voting ballots, sculpture, jewelry, medical instruments, weapons, and coins excavated on the North Slope of the Acropolis and in the Ancient Agora of Athens, and is housed in the Stoa of Attalos on-site. Blue, turquoise blue, dark brown, and white corrosion products on these copper alloys have been identified as a sodium copper carbonate actetate, copper (II) hydroxide, copper and tin oxide, and sodium acetate trihydrate, respectively. The analysis of the corrosion was carried out by x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis, and ion chromatography analysis. Conservation materials, as well as storage and environmental conditions, were found to play a role in the development of these corrosion products. Most of the objects have been chemically cleaned to various degrees. The role of cleaning and stabilizing agents containing sodium in creating the corrosion is considered. The contributing roles of acetic acid emissions from wooden storage materials and relative humidity are examined. Preliminary analysis of conservation coatings by FTIR was carried out to determine the effects of such coatings on the condition of the copper alloy collection. Solubilities of coatings used as lacquers and consolidants on the artifacts are reported. The coatings identified by FTIR were hydrocarbon waxes and cellulose nitrate. Observations regarding the conditions necessary for the development of corrosion are made. Recommendations for conservation and storage to prevent new corrosion or to alleviate further corrosion are given.
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A unique example of gold cloisonné dating to the 19 th c. BCE, the period of the Assyrian Trade Colonies in Central Anatolia, was discovered in the Kaman-Kalehöyük excavations in 2010 by the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology.... more
A unique example of gold cloisonné dating to the 19 th c. BCE, the period of the Assyrian Trade Colonies in Central Anatolia, was discovered in the Kaman-Kalehöyük excavations in 2010 by the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology. XRF analysis was carried out to study the composition and techniques of manufacture.
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Research Interests:
Research Interests:
ABSTRACTA calcareous and non-calcareous clay were fired to 900 degrees Celsius and subsequently impregnated with a solution of Na2SO4. These test samples were then impregnated with one of three consolidants: Acryloid B72, Tetraethyl... more
ABSTRACTA calcareous and non-calcareous clay were fired to 900 degrees Celsius and subsequently impregnated with a solution of Na2SO4. These test samples were then impregnated with one of three consolidants: Acryloid B72, Tetraethyl Orthosilicate (TEOS), Methyl Triethoxysilane (MTS). Desalination tests using the static immersion and stirred solution methods were made to determine the effect of consolidation on the rate and extent of salt extraction. Desalination was monitored by Ionic Conductivity, Atomic Emission Spectroscopy and Ion Chromatography analysis of the extraction solutions.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
A calcareous and non-calcareous ceramic fired at 900 degrees Celsius was impregnated with NaCl and subsequently consolidated with one ot three compounds: Paraloid B72, Tertraethyl Orthosilicate (TEOS), Methyl Triethoxysilane (MTS). The... more
A calcareous and non-calcareous ceramic fired at 900 degrees Celsius was impregnated with NaCl and subsequently consolidated with one ot three compounds: Paraloid B72, Tertraethyl Orthosilicate (TEOS), Methyl Triethoxysilane (MTS). The desalination methods of static immersion and stirred solution were tested. The effect of consolidation on the rate and extent of salt release was monitored by ionic conductivity, neutron activation analysis (NAA), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and ion chromatography (IC). Each of the consolidations allowed the release of NaCl; the rate of salt release was influenced mainly by the porosity of the ceramic.
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The processes of deterioration and physical properties of waterlogged wood are reviewed, and followed by an overview of the main methods used until today for its conservation. Materials and methods for consolidation of waterlogged wood... more
The processes of deterioration and physical properties of waterlogged wood are reviewed, and followed by an overview of the main methods used until today for its conservation. Materials and methods for consolidation of waterlogged wood are reviewed from their use in the 1950's until 1982. The wasa ship in stockholm is presented as an example.
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The sources of salt contamination in ceramics are examined. The behavior of both hydrous and anhydrous salts are discussed, and the physical and chemical processes of deterioration are described. Three methods of treating contaminated... more
The sources of salt contamination in ceramics are examined. The behavior of both hydrous and anhydrous salts are discussed, and the physical and chemical processes of deterioration are described. Three methods of treating contaminated ceramics are considered: the contron of the ambient relative humidity, the removal of the salts, and impregnation with a consolidating agent. Qualitative and quantitative tests for monitoring the removal of soluble salts (chlorides, sulphates, nitrates, carbonates, and phosphates) and for determining the completion of the extraction process are described. A comparison of the quantitative expressions of salts is made. Photographs, charts, references.
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The latter half of the twentieth century is marked by an ever growing concern and respect for the original artefact as well as for previous restorations. This trend may be explained by the difficulty encountered in removing old... more
The latter half of the twentieth century is marked by an ever growing concern and respect for the original artefact as well as for previous restorations. This trend may be explained by the difficulty encountered in removing old interventions, by developments in polymer science which have provided a wide variety of synthetic materials for conservation use, and by advances in analytical science which enable a more detailed examination of our cultural heritage. The development of reversible treatments is a logical outcome from this trend. Methods and materials used in ceramics repair from antiquity to the present are examined according to their ease and extent of removability. Numerous interpretations of the term ‘reversible' are discussed.
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Discusses the results of accelerated evaporation tests on pottery to determine the effects of consolidation and acid on the formation of salt efflorescence. The elemental and mineralogical composition of the two ceramics used in the tests... more
Discusses the results of accelerated evaporation tests on pottery to determine the effects of consolidation and acid on the formation of salt efflorescence. The elemental and mineralogical composition of the two ceramics used in the tests were determined by energy dispersive spectroscopy, neutron activation analysis, and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The first phase used the salts sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, and calcium acetate and an acrylic copolymer (Paraloid B-72), methyl triethoxysilane, and tetraethyl orthosilicate as consolidants. In the second part, pottery treated with hydrochloric acid and sodium chloride was subjected to acetic acid vapor. The consolidants allowed the salts to effloresce in varying degrees and the acetic acid vapor contributed to the formation of a compound or compounds based on calcium acetate, determined by infrared spectroscopy and XRD.
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In 1996 initial test results were published regarding the determination of adequate desalination of ceramics. These tests involved the desalination of efflorescing ceramic while monitoring ionic conductivity and its effect on subsequent... more
In 1996 initial test results were published regarding the determination of adequate desalination of ceramics. These tests involved the desalination of efflorescing ceramic while monitoring ionic conductivity and its effect on subsequent recrystallization. A five-step method for determining adequate desalination was proposed in the 1996 publication based on these results. This paper withdraws the five-step method since the results of subsequent testing have rendered it invalid. Efforts to stabilize effloreshing pottery have been successful by determining the eqRH of salt compounds present. The first two steps in the five-step method mentioned above are valid for the stabilization of salts by controlling the RH. The two most important contributions of this paper are insights into the unpredictability of salt crystallization and the RH buffering capacity of soluble salts.
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Three copper corrosion products on copper alloy objects in the Athenian Agora collection at the British Museum were analysed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled... more
Three copper corrosion products on copper alloy objects in the Athenian Agora collection at the British Museum were analysed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive analysis X-ray (SEM-EDAX), and ion chromatography (IC). The blue/green corrosion matrix was identified as sodium copper carbonate acetate, white crystals as sodium acetate trihydrate, a turquoise blue corrosion as spertinite (copper (II) hydroxide) and dark brown corrosion as a mixture of cassiterite and cuprite. The factors which may have led to the development of these compounds include cleaning and stabilisation agents such as sodium hydroxide and sodium sesquicarbonate, and acetic acid from wooden storage materials. The influence that the equilibrium Relative Humidity (eqRH) of these compounds may have on continued deterioration leads to a consideration of methods for their removal.
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Testing of chemical stabilization treatments and desiccated and anoxic storage microclimates for the protection of archaeological iron stored in unsuitable climatic conditions was carried out by the conservation department of the Japanese... more
Testing of chemical stabilization treatments and desiccated and anoxic storage microclimates for the protection of archaeological iron stored in unsuitable climatic conditions was carried out by the conservation department of the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology at the Kaman-Kalehöyük excavation inTurkey.The chemical stabilization treatments involved alkaline sulfite, barium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. Environmental stabilization was explored using RP-A oxygen scavengers in Escal® bags as part of the Revolutionary Preservation System (RP System®) manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.The efficiency of the chemical treatments was examined by comparison with mechanically cleaned iron objects.The efficiency of the storage systems was determined by comparing the chemically and non-chemically treated objects in the RP System® using RP-A scavengers and in polyethylene ziplock bags containing silica gel.The efficiency of these treatments and storage systems was examined and assessed at Kaman after a period ranging from 7 to 9 years.The anoxic and desiccating properties of the RP System® resulted in superior protective qualities over polyethylene bags with silica gel.The RP System® compensated for inadequate chemical stabilization and protected iron that had not been chemically stabilized.
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Acetate corrosion has been found predominantly on archaeological copper alloys that have been commonly stored in wooden cabinets. The purpose of this study is to assess the protective qualities of two coatings on two copper alloys exposed... more
Acetate corrosion has been found predominantly on archaeological copper alloys that have been commonly stored in
wooden cabinets. The purpose of this study is to assess the protective qualities of two coatings on two copper alloys
exposed to the corrosive action of acetic acid vapor by simulating storage environments under accelerated conditions.
The test coupons consisted of a copper tin alloy (ASTM B584) and a leaded copper tin alloy (ASTM B505). Two protective
coatings were tested: Incralac® (acrylic copolymer with benzotriazole) and Poligen® ES 91009 (ethylene copolymer
emulsion). The test coupons were exposed to acetic acid vapor of 4 ppm concentration in a relative humidity of 86%
at 30ºC for eight weeks. The efficiency of the protective coatings was assessed according to ASTM D1654-05, Standard
Method of Evaluation of Painted or Coated Specimens Subjected to Corrosive Environments.
wooden cabinets. The purpose of this study is to assess the protective qualities of two coatings on two copper alloys
exposed to the corrosive action of acetic acid vapor by simulating storage environments under accelerated conditions.
The test coupons consisted of a copper tin alloy (ASTM B584) and a leaded copper tin alloy (ASTM B505). Two protective
coatings were tested: Incralac® (acrylic copolymer with benzotriazole) and Poligen® ES 91009 (ethylene copolymer
emulsion). The test coupons were exposed to acetic acid vapor of 4 ppm concentration in a relative humidity of 86%
at 30ºC for eight weeks. The efficiency of the protective coatings was assessed according to ASTM D1654-05, Standard
Method of Evaluation of Painted or Coated Specimens Subjected to Corrosive Environments.
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Research Interests:
A unique example of gold cloisonné dating to the 19 th c. BCE, the period of the Assyrian Trade Colonies in Central Anatolia, was discovered in the Kaman-Kalehöyük excavations in 2010 by the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology.... more
A unique example of gold cloisonné dating to the 19 th c. BCE, the period of the Assyrian Trade Colonies in Central Anatolia, was discovered in the Kaman-Kalehöyük excavations in 2010 by the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology. XRF analysis was carried out to study the composition and techniques of manufacture.
Research Interests:
This paper looks at the implications of the loss of site illustrated by three diverse, site-specific new media art case studies: Taking Pictures by Janet Cardiff, Rio Videowall by Dara Birnbaum, and net.flag by Mark Napier. Focus will be... more
This paper looks at the implications of the loss of site illustrated by three diverse, site-specific new media art case studies: Taking Pictures by Janet Cardiff, Rio Videowall by Dara Birnbaum, and net.flag by Mark Napier. Focus will be placed on the challenges to permanence of new media art by exploring the impact of the expansion of the Saint Louis Art Museum and changes to geography of the surrounding park on Taking Pictures. The preservation of Taking Pictures is considered in the context of the other two case studies in terms of physical site-specificity vs. mediated site-specificity. The impact of new media technology, artist intent, and participant’s interactions are considered in terms of the functionality, viability, and preservation of site-specific new media art.
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JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and... more
JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about
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Two methods for the stabilisation of excavated iron artefacts are storage in anoxic and in desiccated microclimates. A series of tests were run by the Conservation Department of the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology (JIAA) in... more
Two methods for the stabilisation of excavated iron artefacts are storage in anoxic and in desiccated microclimates. A series of tests were run by the Conservation Department of the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology (JIAA) in Kaman, Turkey, to compare the efficiency of the anoxic and desiccating properties of the RP-A scavengers to the anoxic properties of the RP-K scavengers (Revolutionary Preservation System [RP System] manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.) and to the desiccating properties of silica gel in Escal bags. In the first three tests, an archaeological iron artefact from the Kaman collection was included in the test bags. The primary goals of the first three tests were to compare the desiccation rates of RP-A and silica gel and the time required for the oxygen depletion to reach 0.1% by RP-K and RP-A. Each test compared one method of anoxic control with a target of <0.1% oxygen against one method of desiccation with a target of 10% RH. RP-A was found to reduce the RH in the bag to a 'safe' level for iron (i.e. 10% RH) in three hours from the start of the test, whereas the silica gel required 14 hours. The fourth test assessed the efficiency of anoxic protection of mild steel coupons (CR1020) afforded by the RP-K scavengers in 60% RH for corrosion prevention by exposing the coupons to 60% RH with and without RP-K scavengers. Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (ESEM-EDS) was performed on three coupons on completion of test four. The goal of these tests was to determine the suitability of silica gel, the RP-K scavengers, and the RP-A scavengers to create environments with which to protect iron artefacts from corrosion. Based on the results of the four corrosion tests reported, RP-A can be recommended over silica gel for the immediate protection of archaeological iron from excavation. RP-K required 48 hours to reach <0.1% oxygen content based on the oxygen eye: it is recommended that a means more accurate than the oxygen eye indicator be implemented for monitoring oxygen depletion.
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... Author: St Clair, William Title Article/Chapter: "The Elgin marbles: questions of stewardship and accountability" Title of Source: International journal of cultural property Volume Number: 8 Issue Number: 2 Date of... more
... Author: St Clair, William Title Article/Chapter: "The Elgin marbles: questions of stewardship and accountability" Title of Source: International journal of cultural property Volume Number: 8 Issue Number: 2 Date of Publication: 1999 Page Numbers: 391-521 ISSN: 0940-7391 ...
Research Interests: Law and Cultural Property
... Author: Tubb, Kathryn Walker Title of Source: Antiquities : trade or betrayed - legal, ethical and conservation issues Contents Note: Contents Recovering Stolen Art Norman Palmer 1 The Aims of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means... more
... Author: Tubb, Kathryn Walker Title of Source: Antiquities : trade or betrayed - legal, ethical and conservation issues Contents Note: Contents Recovering Stolen Art Norman Palmer 1 The Aims of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the ...