Conservation of Archaeological Resources II is designed as a hands-on class where students obtain real-world experience working with actual artifacts from archaeological sites and learn basic casting techniques used in conservation. Each student will be responsible for every stage of conservation for a selection of artifacts over the course of the semester, from initial planning and documentation to final sealants. Additionally, each student will make casts using latex and silicone rubber molds, mother molds, two-piece molds, and the lost wax method. Some students will be required to complete natural mold casting if their artifacts require it. As a result of the class, each student will produce a conservation portfolio summarizing all of the work done during the semester that can be used in future job searches.

Note: We are sharing the lab with ANTH 402, and they will be in the lab MW 10:15-12:30. For work that needs to be completed outside of normal class time, please coordinate with me to ensure that the space is available and we can arrange appropriate oversight.

ANTH 605 with a B or above average, or approval of the instructor.

Each student will obtain a comprehensive knowledge of the documentation, recording, analysis, and conservation of a variety of real archaeological materials. Additionally, students will gain experience in artifact casting and modelling using a wide variety of materials and techniques.

The physical outcome of the class is a diverse conservation portfolio.

1. A hard-copy of the portfolio highlighting your best version of each casting technique. This portfolio should convey expertise in each technique.
2. Each cast you are submitting for grading, as well as the other attempts. Be sure and differentiate them.
3. The original items that were copied
4. Conserved artifacts with tags and completed artifact cards
5. Artifact reports
6. A digital copy of
   1. Pre-conservation photos
   2. In-process photos
   3. Final photographs

Artifact conservation:
During the first week, students will select several artifacts to conserve over the course of the semester. (The number will vary semester to semester depending on artifact availability.) Artifacts must always be kept with their artifact number – these are actual artifacts. After initial documentation and X-rays, the students will draft individual conservation proposals on the official proposal form and submit them for approval. Once approved, the conservation of the artifact is the sole responsibility of the student. For each artifact, the student will submit the conserved artifact, artifact card, and a report. Reports should include official before, during, and after images, sketches, details of what treatments were selected and why, explanations of all processes, and historical contextualization.

Casting projects:
Throughout the semester, students will complete (1) a simple two-part cast of projectile points, (2) a two-part silicone rubber cast, (3) a latex and mother-mold cast, (4) a lost-wax cast.

Artifact Reports and casting portfolios must be 12pt Times New Roman with standard margins. All sources should be cited in text with page numbers, and each report should include a bibliography of all references cited. All final reports must be printed and assembled into a portfolio that covers every project in the class. There should be no casts or artifacts without a report and vice-versa.