Posters by Skyler Jenkins
American Institute for Conservation 51st Annual Meeting, Jacksonville, FL, 2023
Scanning micro X-ray fluorescence (Scanning μXRF), otherwise referred to as Macro XRF (MA-XRF) ha... more Scanning micro X-ray fluorescence (Scanning μXRF), otherwise referred to as Macro XRF (MA-XRF) has become a common technique in the analysis of 2-dimensional artworks such as paintings, but has been less frequently applied to the analysis of archaeological metals. Several recent studies focusing on copper alloys have tested the application of MA-XRF for the identification of bronze disease with mixed success.The current study builds off of this research by testing the application of MA-XRF as an instrumental method to assess the efficacy of two commonly used treatments for bronze disease, benzotriazole (BTA) and silver oxide.
Ancient copper alloy coins exhibiting bronze disease (copper chloride corrosion) were selected for this study by conducting a survey of the coins in the collection of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Coins were initially selected based on visual evidence of bronze disease, which was confirmed through microchemical testing for chlorides. The selected coins were scanned before treatment using the VMFA’s Bruker CRONO MA-XRF to map the presence of chlorine on their surfaces. The chloride corrosion was then mechanically removed and the coins were treated alternately by immersion in 3% BTA in ethanol, and with spot application of silver oxide powder slurry in ethanol followed by scanning using the same MA-XRF system and settings. The effectiveness of the treatments will be assessed using a high humidity micro-chamber in order to correlate the results with the MA-XRF data.
This poster will present the results from analysis of the two copper alloy coins including elemental maps of chlorine distribution from before and after treatment. The pros and cons of using MA-XRF for the identification of bronze disease, and the assessment of common bronze disease treatment methods will also be discussed.
In 2014, a rare bleu persan ceramic urn (OBJ-16JA-00008) was excavated by the Colonial Williamsbu... more In 2014, a rare bleu persan ceramic urn (OBJ-16JA-00008) was excavated by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s (CWF) Archaeology Department on the campus of the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. The conservation treatment of this urn was the focus of a recent Kress Fellowship. This vessel emerged fragmented and severely delaminated with 2,500+ glaze shards excavated along with almost 60 ceramic sherds. After an initial cleaning of the glaze shards, several exhibited thick grey-brown accretions concentrated on the interior surface preventing a flush fit between the glaze and the ceramic body. In this case, the accretion removal was vital for detached glaze fragments to be adhered to the ceramic body. Sample glaze shards were selected from the more than 2,500. Criteria for sample selection consisted of adequate accretions and small enough size for micro-analysis.
Previous applications of chelators in cultural heritage focus mainly on iron stain and surface dirt removal. Within archaeological conservation, chelators are used to remove unwanted accretions acquired during burial. Archaeological accretions usually consist of calcareous and/or siliceous deposits. The soil from where the urn was excavated had considerable amounts of calcium and elevated levels of magnesium from a large cache of oyster shells found nearby. Recent research on using chelators on archaeological glass focus on their efficacy on more highly deteriorated and older examples. The goals of this research were to amalgamate previous research findings and provide more insight into the use of chelators on archaeological glass and glaze. EDTA and ammonium citrate are chelators that are commonly used and more widely available in cultural heritage conservation to remove metallic staining or metallic salt-based materials and are the focus of this study.
Experimental samples were characterized with optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) before and after treatment. The glaze, accretion, and ceramic body were characterized with these methods. Experimental samples were evaluated throughout the study for optical and chemical changes. Focus was given to the chelator effect on the glaze as well as the ease of accretion removal. Ammonium citrate and disodium EDTA chelators were individually tested each at two different concentrations with three different application times. Preliminary research and results indicate that EDTA at 7% concentration with an application time of approximately 12.5 minutes was sufficient in tandem with mechanical removal of the accretion.
This research plays an important role in providing more information about the effects of chelating agents on historical archaeological glaze and glass. With additional testing, this data can potentially be applied to other glazed ceramics outside of historical archaeology.
In 2011, the Arizona State Museum (ASM) basketry collection became an official project of the Sa... more In 2011, the Arizona State Museum (ASM) basketry collection became an official project of the Save America’s Treasures (SAT) program. Known as “Woven Wonders: Basketry Project,” this effort addressed the need for new environmentally controlled, secure, unified space for over 35,000 cataloged items that includes arguably the largest and most comprehensive collection of southwest basketry items. Much has been accomplished since the initial SAT grant. Specifically, treatment protocols have been developed, approved, executed, and refined with funding from two IMLS awards. The treatments and storage supports used on basketry at the ASM are based on professional standards and special knowledge gained during the Item-by-Item survey during the multi-year treatment phase of the project. The equipment, supplies and materials for the conservation treatment of the basketry have been tested for use in conservation and are generally available through known distributors within the fields of conservation and collections management. They are considered safe, appropriate, stable, and reversible. The conservation of a research based collection has required conservators to be mindful of: surface sampling protocols; indigenous and historic use, residues, and repairs; and identification of materials and technologies. Mending, the general expression that emphasizes the idea of making something damaged whole and complete is not exactly the correct definition for all basketry conservation treatments. However, the techniques employed seek to address a specific structural problem with minimal introduction of new material or disturbance of original material. This poster illustrates details for many of the successful treatments developed for items in the ethnographic and archaeological collection.
The ASM Lab developed and tested a new response model to approach conservation projects under res... more The ASM Lab developed and tested a new response model to approach conservation projects under restricted time which included the following: • Over 50 southwest archaeological and ethnographic ceramic vessels • Amassed in the lab and awaiting conservation, including incoming loans, new accessions, label issues, mysteries found in collection, residue research, mishandling problems, and exhibit preparation • 3 week window of lab activity • Participants with inter-disciplinary expertise and a range of skill levels • Professional conservators and scientists, conservation interns, a museum intern from Tohono O'odham nation, an archaeologist from Colombia, museum staff, and volunteers
Papers by Skyler Jenkins
ICOM-CC Recent Advances in Glass and Ceramics Conservation, 2022
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s Archaeology Department excavated a rare bleu persan flower urn... more Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s Archaeology Department excavated a rare bleu persan flower urn on the campus of the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia in 2014. One of only a few published examples of nearly whole bleu persan urns excavated in the North American colonies, the urn in question emerged fragmented into approximately 60 ceramic sherds with thousands of delaminated glaze shards scattered throughout various contexts. This paper describes a comprehensive treatment and analytical study that adds to the limited body of knowledge of these urns and provides avenues for further research.
Bioapatite or hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a biocomposite and the main component of hard tissues such ... more Bioapatite or hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a biocomposite and the main component of hard tissues such as bones and teeth. Owing to its unique physical and chemical properties, synthetically produced hydroxyapatite has found extensive applications in medicine and dentistry. More recently, the direct in situ formation of hydroxyapatite through reaction chemistries between calcium-rich matrices in stone, wall paintings, and bone, and ammonium phosphate precursors induced via a wet-chemistry route, has been explored as a potential inorganic mineral consolidant for cultural heritage artifacts. Building on previous studies, this research tests a new multi-step process to control the deposition, crystal formation and growth of HAP on archaeological bone, through the application of calcium hydroxide colloids, collagen, and diammonium phosphate precursors. Here we describe the step-by-step approach for the application of precursors, formation of HAP and the methods of evaluation based on the characterization of the chemistry and microstructure of pre-consolidated and consolidated bone, and the evaluation of optical and mechanical properties of consolidated samples.
Fra tutela e ricerca, Indagini Archeologiche in territorio Amerino, a cura di Elena Roscini, 2022
This contribution is a preliminary report of the new excavation season (2016-2019) at Poggio Gram... more This contribution is a preliminary report of the new excavation season (2016-2019) at Poggio Gramignano, an archaeological site located in Lugnano in Teverina (Umbria). This is a multi-year project, a partnership between the University of Arizona, Yale University, Stanford University and the Municipality of Lugnano in Teverina, that continues previous reasearches begun over three decades ago, from 1982. The new excavation campaigns aim to better understand the Roman villa and its surrounding area, with particular focus on the late Roman infant cemetery discovered within the storage magazines.
KIVA, 2016
Advances in conservation employed at the Arizona State Museum have expanded the research options ... more Advances in conservation employed at the Arizona State Museum have expanded the research options for over 35,000 ethnographic and archaeological perishable objects since 2012. The Woven Wonders basketry conservation project has provided increased access to the collection, instituted new conservation treatment technique, initiated new research topics, provided advanced educational opportunities, instigated new forms of collaborative conservation, and reduced material loss from items in the collection. The Woven Wonders project was funded with a Save America's Treasure grant, two Institute of Museum and Library Services grants, one Preservation Training Grant, two Kress Foundation grants, and numerous private donations. The project has resulted in a state-ofthe-art visible storage vault with an adjacent interpretive gallery that is home to the Woven Through Time: American Treasures of Native Basketry and Fiber Art. Desde 2012, avances en los métodos de conservación empleados por el Museo del Estado de Arizona han ampliado las opciones para la investigación tocante a los más de treinta y cinco mil objetos perecederos en su colección etnográfica e arqueológica. El proyecto de conservación de cestería Woven Wonders ("Maravillas de Cestería") ha mejorado acceso público a la colección, también ha establecido técnicas nuevas de restauración, comenzado tópicos nuevos de indagación, proveído oportunidades para educación avanzada, iniciado formas nuevas de colaborar en conservación, y reducido pérdidas en material de objetos en la colección. Se sostiene el proyecto Woven Wonders por un subsidio de Save America's Treasures, dos del Institute of Museum and Library Services, uno de Preservation Training, dos de la fundación Kress, y varias donaciones privadas. El proyecto ha resultado en un almacén de la última tecnología con una galería interpretativa adyacente, el hogar de la exhibición Woven Through Time: American Treasures of Native Basketry and Fiber Art.
Advances in conservation employed at the Arizona State Museum have expanded the research options ... more Advances in conservation employed at the Arizona State Museum have expanded the research options for over 35,000 ethnographic and archaeological perishable objects since 2012. The Woven Wonders basketry conservation project has pro- vided increased access to the collection, instituted new conservation treatment technique, initiated new research topics, provided advanced educational oppor- tunities, instigated new forms of collaborative conservation, and reduced material loss from items in the collection. The Woven Wonders project was funded with a Save America’s Treasure grant, two Institute of Museum and Library Services grants, one Preservation Training Grant, two Kress Foundation grants, and numerous private donations. The project has resulted in a state-of- the-art visible storage vault with an adjacent interpretive gallery that is home to the Woven Through Time: American Treasures of Native Basketry and Fiber Art.
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Posters by Skyler Jenkins
Ancient copper alloy coins exhibiting bronze disease (copper chloride corrosion) were selected for this study by conducting a survey of the coins in the collection of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Coins were initially selected based on visual evidence of bronze disease, which was confirmed through microchemical testing for chlorides. The selected coins were scanned before treatment using the VMFA’s Bruker CRONO MA-XRF to map the presence of chlorine on their surfaces. The chloride corrosion was then mechanically removed and the coins were treated alternately by immersion in 3% BTA in ethanol, and with spot application of silver oxide powder slurry in ethanol followed by scanning using the same MA-XRF system and settings. The effectiveness of the treatments will be assessed using a high humidity micro-chamber in order to correlate the results with the MA-XRF data.
This poster will present the results from analysis of the two copper alloy coins including elemental maps of chlorine distribution from before and after treatment. The pros and cons of using MA-XRF for the identification of bronze disease, and the assessment of common bronze disease treatment methods will also be discussed.
Previous applications of chelators in cultural heritage focus mainly on iron stain and surface dirt removal. Within archaeological conservation, chelators are used to remove unwanted accretions acquired during burial. Archaeological accretions usually consist of calcareous and/or siliceous deposits. The soil from where the urn was excavated had considerable amounts of calcium and elevated levels of magnesium from a large cache of oyster shells found nearby. Recent research on using chelators on archaeological glass focus on their efficacy on more highly deteriorated and older examples. The goals of this research were to amalgamate previous research findings and provide more insight into the use of chelators on archaeological glass and glaze. EDTA and ammonium citrate are chelators that are commonly used and more widely available in cultural heritage conservation to remove metallic staining or metallic salt-based materials and are the focus of this study.
Experimental samples were characterized with optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) before and after treatment. The glaze, accretion, and ceramic body were characterized with these methods. Experimental samples were evaluated throughout the study for optical and chemical changes. Focus was given to the chelator effect on the glaze as well as the ease of accretion removal. Ammonium citrate and disodium EDTA chelators were individually tested each at two different concentrations with three different application times. Preliminary research and results indicate that EDTA at 7% concentration with an application time of approximately 12.5 minutes was sufficient in tandem with mechanical removal of the accretion.
This research plays an important role in providing more information about the effects of chelating agents on historical archaeological glaze and glass. With additional testing, this data can potentially be applied to other glazed ceramics outside of historical archaeology.
Papers by Skyler Jenkins
Ancient copper alloy coins exhibiting bronze disease (copper chloride corrosion) were selected for this study by conducting a survey of the coins in the collection of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Coins were initially selected based on visual evidence of bronze disease, which was confirmed through microchemical testing for chlorides. The selected coins were scanned before treatment using the VMFA’s Bruker CRONO MA-XRF to map the presence of chlorine on their surfaces. The chloride corrosion was then mechanically removed and the coins were treated alternately by immersion in 3% BTA in ethanol, and with spot application of silver oxide powder slurry in ethanol followed by scanning using the same MA-XRF system and settings. The effectiveness of the treatments will be assessed using a high humidity micro-chamber in order to correlate the results with the MA-XRF data.
This poster will present the results from analysis of the two copper alloy coins including elemental maps of chlorine distribution from before and after treatment. The pros and cons of using MA-XRF for the identification of bronze disease, and the assessment of common bronze disease treatment methods will also be discussed.
Previous applications of chelators in cultural heritage focus mainly on iron stain and surface dirt removal. Within archaeological conservation, chelators are used to remove unwanted accretions acquired during burial. Archaeological accretions usually consist of calcareous and/or siliceous deposits. The soil from where the urn was excavated had considerable amounts of calcium and elevated levels of magnesium from a large cache of oyster shells found nearby. Recent research on using chelators on archaeological glass focus on their efficacy on more highly deteriorated and older examples. The goals of this research were to amalgamate previous research findings and provide more insight into the use of chelators on archaeological glass and glaze. EDTA and ammonium citrate are chelators that are commonly used and more widely available in cultural heritage conservation to remove metallic staining or metallic salt-based materials and are the focus of this study.
Experimental samples were characterized with optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) before and after treatment. The glaze, accretion, and ceramic body were characterized with these methods. Experimental samples were evaluated throughout the study for optical and chemical changes. Focus was given to the chelator effect on the glaze as well as the ease of accretion removal. Ammonium citrate and disodium EDTA chelators were individually tested each at two different concentrations with three different application times. Preliminary research and results indicate that EDTA at 7% concentration with an application time of approximately 12.5 minutes was sufficient in tandem with mechanical removal of the accretion.
This research plays an important role in providing more information about the effects of chelating agents on historical archaeological glaze and glass. With additional testing, this data can potentially be applied to other glazed ceramics outside of historical archaeology.