Methods аnd Approaches to the Conservation of Archaeological Wooden Structures and Objects in Belarus

Abstract

The paper generalizes the data about the methods of conservation of archaeological wooden structures and objects, used by Belarusian scientists beginning from the 1950s and up to the present. The conservation stages of wooden structures of the Berestye stronghold, as well as materials from the excavations of the Minsk and Mstislavl strongholds, are identified and considered. Based on the study of field reports, the methods of field conservation of the unearthed wooden structures, as well as the dynamics of their destruction, are noted. The ways of conservation of wooden objects, found during archaeological studies in Berestye, Minsk, Slutsk, and Pinsk are described separately. It is emphasized that conservation of both wet archaeological wood and wood that has become dry as a result of uncontrolled drying was carried out. It is noted that nowadays it is urgent to create guidelines for practicing archaeologists that regulate the procedure for working with unearthed objects from organic materials from the moment of discovery till transfer to storage.

Keywords

• archaeological wood
• conservation
• museumification
• phenolic alcohols
• berestye
• minsk stronghold