Mohammad Farjami, Hamzeh Hamzeh , Ali Asghar Mahmoudi-Nasab, Volume 2, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Archaeological excavations at historical sites are conducted to enhance our understanding of the past, shedding light on the lives of ancient communities across various regions and periods. South Khorasan, and eastern Iran in general, have been relatively understudied in terms of archaeology, making them among the lesser-known regions of Iran. Recent surveys and excavations in this area have provided highly valuable data for the archaeological community. This study focuses on the conservation of movable and immovable cultural artifacts during archaeological excavations at the historical site of Kahnek, located in Sarbisheh, South Khorasan Province. Four seasons of archaeological excavations were conducted at this site from 2013 to 2016, revealing evidence and cultural materials dating back to the early Islamic centuries through the Safavid period. The site contains two types of artifacts: movable objects, which must be handled separately from architectural remains, and architectural features and associated decorations, which must remain in situ and undergo conservation at the site. Activities such as structural reinforcement, preservation of in-situ remains, and site cleaning have been carried out. These measures aim to implement preventive conservation and mitigate any activities that could damage the site or diminish its historical and cultural significance. This research introduces the historical site and its cultural findings, offering recommendations for preventive conservation during excavations. The research methodology includes library studies, field and regional surveys, analysis of excavation data, and proposals for the temporary conservation of movable and immovable cultural artifacts.
During the second season of excavations at the Joubji archaeological site in Ramhormoz, three clay coffins from the Elamite period were uncovered. This report details all stages of the lightening or removal process of the central coffin, which was filled with soil covering the skeletons inside. The process included fungal decontamination, complete disinfection of the skeletons with necessary chemical agents, consolidation and stabilization of the skeletons, and reinforcement and stabilization of the coffin itself in its current state. The coffin was ultimately extracted from the site using the block-lifting method and transferred to the Ramhormoz Cultural Heritage Office. The rescue conservation of this unique and highly valuable coffin highlights a distinctive burial practice. Without proper attention and completion of specialized final conservation and restoration efforts, the deterioration process would have rapidly commenced. This article addresses the degradation and deterioration processes of the bones within the coffin and the methods employed for their protection.
The Southern Mound of Konar Sandal, situated in the Halil River basin, is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in the Jiroft plain. Among the notable discoveries at this site is a life-sized clay relief positioned within a recessed, doorway-like feature in a large room. This relief, recognized as the oldest known example of a monumental clay relief integrated with architecture in the Middle East, dates back to the third millennium BCE. Since its discovery in 2006, its conservation has posed significant challenges for experts. The history of illegal excavations in the region and the lack of adequate infrastructure for permanent protection and maintenance of the site have exacerbated these challenges, leading to occasional proposals to transfer the artifact to a museum. The primary research question focuses on identifying an appropriate approach for the on-site conservation of the clay relief. Using both library-based research and fieldwork, this study gathered information related to the site and the relief, documented environmental factors contributing to its deterioration, and analyzed the data. The findings indicate that the current protective cover is inadequate. Environmental conditions, particularly moisture rising from the soil containing soluble salts, significantly accelerate the relief's erosion and the deterioration of its surface paint layers. Based on these findings, the study provides recommendations for optimizing the conservation of the relief.
