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Phiale, LSU0067
Date: Unknown, likely Achaemenid period (6th - 4th century BC) Artist: Unknown Materials: bronze Dimensions: 5.25” diameter at widest point, 2.25” tall Institution/Owner: Center for Near Eastern Archaeology, La Sierra University Key Treatment Steps
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Summary
This bronze phiale belonging to the Center for Near Eastern Archaeology at La Sierra University was examined and treated during Spring quarter of 2018. The medium sized, shallow bowl is similar in appearance to phiale of the Achaemenid style and period. The bowl was covered with a fairly compacted, sandy soil from burial. Several different corrosion products were observed on the surface, including some bumpy green spots and powdery blue/green corrosion, which were believed to be related to bronze disease.
Treatment involved mechanical removal of soil deposits using a scalpel and air abrasive cleaning. Testing and analysis was conducted in an effort to confirm the presence of copper chlorides, corrosion products related to bronze disease. This included microchemical spot tests for chlorides as well as x-ray powder diffraction. The bumps and powdery corrosion product were ultimately found to be related to bronze disease. The object was treated with a mixture of the corrosion inhibitors BTA and AMT via immersion, and coated with Incralac. Protective housing was prepared, and detailed documentation illustrating the extent of the bumpy corrosion and suggestions for monitoring active corrosion was provided.
This bronze phiale belonging to the Center for Near Eastern Archaeology at La Sierra University was examined and treated during Spring quarter of 2018. The medium sized, shallow bowl is similar in appearance to phiale of the Achaemenid style and period. The bowl was covered with a fairly compacted, sandy soil from burial. Several different corrosion products were observed on the surface, including some bumpy green spots and powdery blue/green corrosion, which were believed to be related to bronze disease.
Treatment involved mechanical removal of soil deposits using a scalpel and air abrasive cleaning. Testing and analysis was conducted in an effort to confirm the presence of copper chlorides, corrosion products related to bronze disease. This included microchemical spot tests for chlorides as well as x-ray powder diffraction. The bumps and powdery corrosion product were ultimately found to be related to bronze disease. The object was treated with a mixture of the corrosion inhibitors BTA and AMT via immersion, and coated with Incralac. Protective housing was prepared, and detailed documentation illustrating the extent of the bumpy corrosion and suggestions for monitoring active corrosion was provided.
Treatment Images
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