Conservation @ the Carlos - Videos

A purple slip began to appear on Panamanian pottery of the Coclé region around 500 AD. The coloration of this slip is unusual because most purple slips in the Americas are more maroon. The production technology of these Panamanian ceramics has been little studied and many uninformed statements have been made about the identification of the purple slip. Andrew W. Mellon Assistant Conservator Kathryn Etre studied the technology of these ceramics to identify the firing temperature of these ceramics and the mineral of the purple slip. This presentation describes the use of various analytical techniques, including Polarized Light Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, and X-Ray Florescence to characterize the minerals within these ceramics. Additionally, experimental archaeology was used to recreate this ceramic production technology.

Andrew W. Mellon Assistant Conservator Kathryn Etre treated this pyxis (or lidded pot) from the Geometric Age in Greece for installation in the Greek and Roman Galleries at the Michael C Carlos Museum of Emory University. Among other condition issues, salts from the burial environment were causing loss of the decorated ceramic surface. This presentation describes the treatment of the pyxis, including the role of diffusion to remove salts from the ceramic and the relationship between salinity and conductivity. This podcast is part of the Science of Art series that explores concepts taught in General Chemistry classes through case studies featuring objects and conservation projects from the Carlos Museum.

While preparing a Dogon Kanaga mask for exhibition at the Carlos Museum, Andrew W. Mellon Fellow Ashley Jehle discovered clues to the object’s original construction. Informed by careful examination of the object, research into its use, and consultation with the curator, the conservation treatment improved the object’s stability and appearance.

Beads from an Old Kingdom broad collar and choker were loaned from The Georg Steindorff Egyptian Museum of the University of Leipzig to the Michael C. Carlos Museum for examination and restringing.