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Care of Archaeological Materials Begins in the Field

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 August 2019

Glenna Nielsen-Grimm Open the ORCID record for Glenna Nielsen-Grimm [Opens in a new window]  and
Robyn Haynie
Glenna Nielsen-Grimm*
Affiliation:
Natural History Museum of Utah, University of Utah, 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA
Robyn Haynie
Affiliation:
Utah Museum of Fine Arts, University of Utah, 410 Campus Center Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
*
(gnielsen@nhmu.utah.edu corresponding author)
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Abstract

Care of archaeological materials should begin when recovered in the field. Care and stabilization of objects in the field will greatly increase their research and exhibit potential. Identifying problems and understanding basic solutions to object care and stabilization is an important part of training for all potential object handlers. Proper care and stabilization of objects can and should be a priority for all object users—excavators, lab analysts, museum staff, and researchers. Constant dialogue and communication between repository specialists and archaeologists can be the most useful source for care of all archaeological objects.

El cuidado de los materiales arqueológicos debe comenzar en el campo. La planificación previa y el presupuesto para el cuidado de objetos es un primer paso esencial en el cuidado de objetos. El cuidado y la estabilización de los objetos, si se inician en el campo, aumentarán considerablemente e potencial para la investigación y exhibición del objeto cuando finalmente se coloque en un museo. La identificación de problemas y la comprensión de algunas soluciones básicas para el cuidado y la estabilización de objetos es una parte importante de la capacitación para todos los posibles manipuladores de objetos, no solo para los especialistas que cuidan los artefactos enlos museos. El cuidado adecuado y la estabilización de los objetos pueden y deben ser una prioridad para todos los usuarios de objetos: excavadoras, analistas de laboratorio, personal del museo e investigadores. El diálogo y las comunicaciones constantes entre los especialistas en repositorios y los arqueólogos pueden ser la fuente más útil de cuidado y estabilización para todos los objetos arqueológicos.

Keywords

Care of archaeological collectionsfield stabilization of archaeological materialsobject careCuidado de colecciones arqueologicasestabilizacion de campo de materiales arqueologicoscuidado de objetos
Type
How to Series
Information
Advances in Archaeological Practice , Volume 7 , Special Issue 3: Archaeological Collections Care: Current Topics and Innovative Trends in the Repository , August 2019 , pp. 284 - 291
Copyright
Copyright 2019 © Society for American Archaeology 

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References

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