the role of science in the care of cultural heritage
TRANSCRIPT
The role of science in the care of cultural heritage
Mary F. StriegelChief, Materials Conservation
Cultural resources are subjected to many agents of deterioration.
As a result, many are lost everyday due to poor maintenance, disasters, destruction, or decay
Cultural Resource Managers and Preservationists serve as stewards.
Challenge: Making informed decisions without researched facts.
Sound decisions based on scientific knowledge.
Understand how science can guide preservation.
CulturalResource
Analyst
Interpreter
Teacher
Product Evaluator
Technical Specialist
R&D Investigator
The Analyst:Understand Materials
Cultural Resource
Analyst
Interpreter
Teacher
Product Evaluator
Technical Specialist
R&D Investigator
Case #1: Study of metal composition
pXRF provides chemical fingerprints
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
keV
16RR1_anglesheet_11-6-08_40kV
16RR1_block_11-6-08_40kV
16RR1_foldsheet_11-6-08_40kV
16RR1_hand_11-5-08_40kV
16RR1_lipped_11-5-08_40kV
16RR1_sheet1_11-6-08_40kV
16RR1_sheet2_11-6-08_40kV
16RR1_sheet4_11-6-08_40KV
16RR1_sheet5_11-6-08_40kV
16RR1_sheet6_11-6-08_40kV
16RR1_sheet7_11-6-08_40kV
16RR1_sheet8_11-6-08_40kV
16RR1_sheet_11-5-08_40kV
16RR1_shortstrip_11-6-08_40kV
16RR1_strip_11-5-08_40kV
16RR1_tip_11-6-08_40kV
16RR1_tube1_11-6-08_40kV
16RR1_tube2_11-6-08_40KV
Ca
Si
Ba
Fe
Fe
Ca
KS
Cu Cu
ClP
Rh k backscatter
Pb
Pb
As
Cu sum peaks
Sr
Br
40 kV
Understand the object
The Interpreter:Introduces new technologies
Cultural Resource
Analyst
Interpreter
Teacher
Product Evaluator
Technical Specialist
R&D Investigator
Case #2: Creation of 3D models of basketry
Laser, Photogrammetry, RTI
Create virtual model
The Evaluator:Compare treatments
Cultural Resource
Analyst
Interpreter
Teacher
Product Evaluator
Technical Specialist
R&D Investigator
Case #3: Study products to clean grave markers
Test products/evaluate results
Recommend best practices
The R&D Investigator:Define Decay Mechanisms
Cultural Resource
Analyst
Interpreter
Teacher
Product Evaluator
Technical Specialist
R&D Investigator
Case #4: Decay of Granite
Recreate environment in the lab
Develop new treatments
CulturalResource
Analyst
Interpreter
Teacher
Product Evaluator
Technical Specialist
R&D Investigator
Mary StriegelEmail: Phone: Web: ncptt.nps.govFacebook: facebook.com/ncpttTwitter: twitter.com/ncpttFlickr: flickr.com/photos/ncpttmedia