Archaeological Conservation and Technology provide holistic approach to the study of artefacts and associated residues, from creation, through use, modification, burial and recovery and subsequent investigative analysis.
Archaeological Conservators are an integral part of the archaeological process. Their involvement can start with on-site assistance, through investigative conservation to conservation for display. They contribute to artefact studies using scientific techniques to reveal aspects of their manufacture, use and deposition so we can add to our understanding of past societies and ensure the long term preservation of the archaeological resource for the future.
Technology is the scientific investigation of the ways in which archaeological and historic materials were manufactured, making use of material science techniques such as microscopy and chemical analysis. These techniques are best applied to inorganic materials and so technology tends to focus on the investigation of metals, glasses and ceramics. Artefacts are often studied, however, in many cases the only evidence for early industrial processes are the structures, tools and waste products recovered from archaeological sites (such as furnaces, crucibles and slag).
