San Gemini Preservation Studies 2010

Introduction to Conservation of Archaeological Ceramic  in Italy (3 Credits) 

Session 1 (May 23 - June 19) 4 weeks

Course #: S1-3

Instructor: Prof. Bianca Fossa 

E-mail: bfossa@tiscali.it

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The course aims to give basic knowledge of archaeological ceramic objects. Through theoretical seminars and practical sessions, the participants will have the opportunity to get introduced to different activities involved in the conservation of archaeological ceramic finds, recently excavated in the Baths of the ancient Roman town of Carsulae. 

 

Since the course has an introductory approach to conservation of ceramics, the students will start with some direct practical exercises with clay materials and fabrication techniques in order to better understand the nature and the properties of those materials. They will then be introduced to the basic methodologies and techniques involved in first aid and conservation of archaeological ceramics.  

 

The course duration is 4 weeks. From Monday to Friday, theoretical seminars and lessons will be held during the morning with practical sessions in the afternoon. Some site study visits to Carsulae, the Deruta Ceramic Museum and a local ceramic manufacturer are scheduled.

 

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

   
1

 

Historical Introduction to San Gemini and the Region

History of the evolution of The city of san Gemini

Visit to the city of San Gemini

Visit to the ancient city of Carsulae

 

2

CERAMIC in HISTORY

Brief history of ceramic

Ceramic main typologies

History of ceramic in Italy

 

3

CERAMIC MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGIES

Nature of materials and fabrication technologies

Decoration materials and techniques

 

4

ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONTEXT & CERAMIC

Inorganic and organic materials: nature and properties

The environment of abandonment

Ceramic decay: processes and morphology

 

5

CERAMIC CONSERVATION

The methodological approach

Visual exams of ceramics and scientific investigation

Archaeological Ceramic Documentation & Recording

Cleaning techniques and materials

Consolidation techniques and materials

Fragments search methodology

Joining techniques and materials

Gap filling, surface protection & supports

 

5

CERAMIC COLLECTIONS & MUSEUM CONSERVATION

Museums environments & ceramics

Organizing ceramic materials for storage and exhibition

 

6

SITE STUDY VISITS

Visit to Excavations in Carsulae

Visit to Deruta Ceramic Museum

Visit to a local ceramic manufacturer