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Inscribed Stele
Date: pre-Angkorian period (1st - 9th century AD) Materials: Sandstone Dimensions (HxWxD, cm): 73.6 x 29.25 x 22 Institution/Owner: Takeo Museum, Angkor Borei, Cambodia Key Treatment Steps
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Summary
This pre-Angkorian stele belonging to the Takeo provincial museum was transferred to the Stone Conservation Workshop at the National Museum of Cambodia to undergo conservation treatment. The stele exhibits severe contour scaling, a condition issue affecting a large number of stone artifacts in Cambodia. The outer layer of stone, approximately 2.5 mm thick, had lifted away from the rest of the stone. Gaps behind the thick surface layer measured between 2 and 5 mm. The scaling was most severe on the front of the stele, and the inherent weakness of the delaminated layer had led to the loss of approximately one third of the inscription. Smaller areas of delamination, or "blisters" were present on the reverse of the stele.
The goal of this treatment was to stabilize delaminated areas in order to prevent further loss and impart strength. Stabilization of the front face of the inscription is a necessary first step to prepare the stele for "estampage", a traditional documentation process used to better visualize and record ancient inscriptions on Khmer stele. This involves application of dampened paper over the inscription, and producing a rubbing with ink. During this process, pressure inevitably is applied to the surface, therefore the scaling layer must be strong enough to withstand it.
During my time at the National Museum, I was tasked with developing a treatment protocol for this artifact. I conducted material testing using ethyl silicate consolidants and bulking agents available in the lab. I summarized and documented my various mock-ups evaluating consistency, ease of mixing, color, weight, viscosity, cohesion, shrinkage, and cracking. I found a mixture of fine sandstone powder, sand, and ceramic microballoons to exhibit the best performance when mixed with the ethyl silicate. I began treatment work on the reverse of the stele, gradually repositioning and supporting the object in order to allow for gravity to assist in the transportation of my bulked consolidant. I worked on this project throughout my ten-week stay at the NMC, starting with the blistered areas on the reverse, and finally began treatment on the inscribed face during my last week.
This pre-Angkorian stele belonging to the Takeo provincial museum was transferred to the Stone Conservation Workshop at the National Museum of Cambodia to undergo conservation treatment. The stele exhibits severe contour scaling, a condition issue affecting a large number of stone artifacts in Cambodia. The outer layer of stone, approximately 2.5 mm thick, had lifted away from the rest of the stone. Gaps behind the thick surface layer measured between 2 and 5 mm. The scaling was most severe on the front of the stele, and the inherent weakness of the delaminated layer had led to the loss of approximately one third of the inscription. Smaller areas of delamination, or "blisters" were present on the reverse of the stele.
The goal of this treatment was to stabilize delaminated areas in order to prevent further loss and impart strength. Stabilization of the front face of the inscription is a necessary first step to prepare the stele for "estampage", a traditional documentation process used to better visualize and record ancient inscriptions on Khmer stele. This involves application of dampened paper over the inscription, and producing a rubbing with ink. During this process, pressure inevitably is applied to the surface, therefore the scaling layer must be strong enough to withstand it.
During my time at the National Museum, I was tasked with developing a treatment protocol for this artifact. I conducted material testing using ethyl silicate consolidants and bulking agents available in the lab. I summarized and documented my various mock-ups evaluating consistency, ease of mixing, color, weight, viscosity, cohesion, shrinkage, and cracking. I found a mixture of fine sandstone powder, sand, and ceramic microballoons to exhibit the best performance when mixed with the ethyl silicate. I began treatment work on the reverse of the stele, gradually repositioning and supporting the object in order to allow for gravity to assist in the transportation of my bulked consolidant. I worked on this project throughout my ten-week stay at the NMC, starting with the blistered areas on the reverse, and finally began treatment on the inscribed face during my last week.
Treatment Images
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