Origin: Abasseya 1 sector B
Date: February 2013
Name of the object: Ab1B.12.125 (2) – (NCAM34579)
Material: pottery
Dimensions: Maximum height conserved 87mm. Diameter of the base 35mm.
Description
Hemispherical bowl body and straight edge. Geometric decoration.
Characteristics
Five fragments that identify the full profile of the pottery, so its original form can be reconstructed. Concave base. Open hemispherical wall.
Red clay, heated in an oxygen rich environment (Red Ware).
In the outside, it shows polychrome remains with white and brown colors.
May be related, by the type of decoration, to some pottery from Merowe Museum.
Images (see below: Photographic documentation)
Image 1. Pottery before restoration.
Images 2 and 3. Pottery after restoration.
Conservation
Regular. The five fragments are only 25% of the complete bowl. The polychrome has mostly dissapeared, although it can still be distinguish the geometric decorative motif on the outside.
Objectives
Consolidation of the object and recuperation of its morphologic and decorative characteristics.
Minimum restoration needed to accomplish its stability and to be able to establish concordances with the site where it was found.
Treatment
Superficial cleaning with a solvent mix of demineralized water and alcohol (1-3).). Mechanical dry cleaning with a brush and scalpel to remove accumulated earthy concretions.
Consolidation
Fragments were joint with a nitro-cellulosic adhesive (Imedio blue bland).
Restoration
Reintegration of part of the base with plaster dyed with natural sienna earth pigment (Conscolor) using as a cast wax sheet “Reus” (of dental usage). Consolidation of the plaster on base of acrylic resin 2% Paraloid B-72 in acetone applied with a brush. Chromatic reintegration adjusting the color of the reintegrate part with a drizzle dyed with natural pigments with acrylic resin 3% Paraloid B-72 solution in acetone.
Recommendations for continued care and maintenance
Handling it as a block (with both hands)
Stable temperature between 24ºC and 30ºC
Do not expose directly to sunlight
Controlled dust-free atmosphere
Restored by Patricia Estrada
Degree of conservation-restoration
Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Barcelona
Margarita Alcobé
Curator-restorer Supervisor
February 2013
