Sahar Borhan, Shahrzad Amin-Shirazi , Mahboubeh Bihgam,
Volume 1, Issue 3 (Spesial Issue 1.3 2019)
Abstract
The conservation and restoration of artifacts, including textiles, depends on understanding the characteristics and properties of the artifact. By increasing information about the artifact, decisions can be made with greater confidence and certainty about how to handle and preserve the artifacts. Fibers, as the main constituent of textiles, are an important part of the study of historical textiles, and answering the questions raised in the field of fiber technology and pathology can pave the way for the next steps in the conservation of a historical textile. The more and more accurate the information obtained in this field, the more accurate and reliable the conservation measures will be. In the study of fibers, a large part of the information is obtained using various laboratory methods and instrumental analysis and examining the surface and structure of the artifact. The diversity and multiplicity of these methods have made recognizing the advantages and limitations of each of these methods a key factor in study planning and experimental design. In this study, a woven flag belonging to the Onchi Meydan neighborhood in Ardabil city was subjected to laboratory studies. Despite the large number and diversity of samples, the identification of the fibers of this flag was carried out using flame and microscopic examination methods.
Hamid Fadaei, Majid Ayasi , Parisa Babar Shams Mogouei, Masoud Bater, Kazem Borhani-Ahang, Elahe Khakbaz Alvandian, Mohammad-Saeid Saedi , Roozbeh Shamseh, Reza Sheykh-Al-Eslami, Majid Oloumi , Mahdi Koliaei, Nahid Harati-Ardestani , Reza Hormehr , Soheila Zakavi ,
Volume 1, Issue 4 (Spesial Issue 1.4 2019)
Abstract
Archaeological excavations at the ancient site of Haft-Tepe commenced in the winter of 1965 under the direction of Dr. Negahban and continued for fourteen seasons until 1978. These excavations led to the discovery of a significant assemblage of architectural remains and diverse historical artefacts. Among the finds were various ceramic vessels and objects, a collection of clay tablets, seals and seal impressions, a range of bronze artefacts, numerous fragments of painted mud plaster, coffins, stone objects, clay busts, as well as decorative items such as necklaces, plaques, glass vessels, and bone tools. A considerable portion of these artefacts is today preserved in the Haft-Tepe Museum. In response to the quantity and importance of the discoveries, the idea of establishing a museum adjacent to the archaeological site was raised during the second season of excavations. Construction began in 1970 and, upon completion, the museum was inaugurated in the spring of 1973. With the outbreak of the Iran–Iraq War in 1980, the museum was closed; part of its prominent collection was transferred to Tehran, while other objects remained in situ. In the spring of 2001, research and conservation activities were resumed under the auspices of the Chogha Zanbil - Haft Tepe Cultural Heritage Base. One of the first major undertakings during this period was the reorganisation of the museum’s collection, carried out in collaboration with graduate students of conservation from the University of Art, Esfahan. In this process, artefacts that had previously been kept in unsuitable and scattered conditions were collected, classified, recorded, documented, and systematically arranged. This initiative laid a crucial foundation for the long-term preservation and safeguarding of the invaluable heritage of Haft-Tepe.
Dr. Hamid Fadaei, Dr. َazita Mirzaye, Mr. Kazem Borhani-Ahang,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (9-2026)
Abstract
The stucco decorations of Yazdegerd Castle, located in Kermanshah Province, hold a significant place in the study of Parthian-period Iran. Nearly three decades after the initial excavations of the site by Edward J. Keall, further excavations carried out in 2008 by the late Dr Masoud Azarnoush led to the discovery of new stucco fragments. In light of the conservation challenges associated with these decorations, attention was drawn to the need for their in situ preservation. Many of the fragments recovered from debris and soil had suffered from erosion, delamination, or salt encrustation due to soluble salts present in the soil, rendering the detailed study of the motifs difficult or impossible. Moreover, some of the stucco elements still in situ on the walls were severely affected by erosion. This study employs both archival research and fieldwork to collect and assess information related to the site and its stucco decorations. Key conservation activities included the removal of surface deposits using physical and chemical methods, reassembly and consolidation of fragments, and the organisation of appropriate storage conditions for the finds. The research indicates that techniques such as one-piece or multi-part moulding, direct carving or chiselling, followed by manual finishing and, in some cases, polychrome painting, were employed in the production of the stucco decorations. The findings also highlight the necessity for specialised measures and ongoing interventions to ensure the preservation of stucco in open-air archaeological contexts. Given the large number of stucco fragments uncovered at Yazdegerd Castle, the design and implementation of a comprehensive and long-term conservation plan is essential for safeguarding this valuable heritage. In this regard, several recommendations are offered to improve current conditions and enhance the quality of future conservation efforts at the site.
