Nucleus (Jul 2019)
Nuclear techniques in a non-invasive approach to the archeometric study of Cuban cultural heritage
Abstract
On the occasion of the 500th Anniversary of Havana, we present a singular experience in the Havana City Historian's Office, where nuclear physicists and radiochemists in a multidisciplinary environment in the historic center of Havana, systematically study cultural heritage, from the Archaeometry Laboratory of the Cabinet of Conservation and Restoration. A review of our studies in the field of Archaeometry is presented, in which a non-invasive approach prevails from the beginning of this experience, which includes nuclear techniques, as main protagonists and is characterized by the diversity of cultural heritage examined. The research carried out includes the development of technologies, specific methodologies for the characterization or identification of different materials and types of cultural heritage, and general methodologies dedicated to answer questions of interest for the History of Art and Archeology or related to conservation and restoration, for eventually perform the Archaeometry studies and non-invasive conservation treatments of Cuban cultural assets. Most of these investigations have been carried out in situ, in the museums or places where these objects are conserved. In the discussion, the qualitative and quantitative analysis, and the validations are emphasized, according to the requirements of the case study. This article also addresses other valid experiences on the subject in the field of national and international collaborations.
