CONSERVATION AND PRESERVATION AT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES LABRAUNDA
Freccero Agneta, PhD
The Swedish Institute, Rome, Italy agnetafreccero@yahoo.it
Keywords: conservation, archaeological site, marble
Excavations at the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of Zeus
Labraundos at Labraunda started in 1948. The archaeologists
uncovered seven buildings partly built in marble from the fourth
century B.C. Most of the fragments found, mainly sculpted
architectural details such as capitals, columns, and friezes,
remain at the site. These objects, probably made of a largegrained local white marble, have been exposed to weather and
wind for over half a century and are now in great need of
conservation interventions. A survey was made in 2010 to study
the natural conditions at the site and to estimate the general state
of preservation of the marbles, with the objective to make a
long-term plan for conservation. The fragments are totally or
partially covered with mosses and lichens. Most of them are
loosing the finely cut decorations due to detachment of crystals,
i.e. sugaring, a few practically fall apart at touch and many
present fissures or even severe cracks that tend to break the
stone. Considering the prevailing circumstances, preservation of
the site is regarded as the principal objective rather than
conservation or restoration of a few selected objects.
Fig.1. Labraunda, Andron A.
A few cleaning and consolidation tests were made during the
survey in 2010, and the results will be evaluated during next
archaeological campaign, starting in August 2011. So far,
natural soaps, a non-toxic biocide, and water-based colloidal
silica have been tested in situ, as part of the basic idea of an
ecological approach, using simple and non-toxic conservation
substances and, as far as possible, to avoid modern chemicals
such as solvents dangerous for human health. Some additional
material tests are planned to be performed on gravely decayed
marble. Small samples of marble are being examined by a
mineralogist to establish if one or more marble types occur at
the site. As far as possible substances will be chosen, aiming at
saving the marble as well as safe-guarding nature and persons.
Labraunda marble.
Fig 2, Above. Fresh marble..
Fig 3. Below. Sugaring marble.
Conservation at an archaeological site such as Labraunda
should be regarded as a total environment evaluation rather
than the study of singular items. The need for conservation
interventions is urgent. Consolidation of the fragments is
necessary to preserve not only the sculpted, finely cut details,
but also to preserve the surface of larger forms. This
conservation project is part of the Swedish excavation project
at Labraunda, which will also include studies on the standing
structures and a preservation plan of these.