The conservation of ancient Phrygian furniture from Gordion, Turkey

Abstract

Archaeological excavations conducted by the University of Pennsylvania at the site of Gordion in central Anatolia have uncovered impressive remains of the material culture of ancient Phrygia. During the 1950s, the exploration of three massive earthen burial mounds or tumuli located in the royal necropolis led to the discovery of a remarkable collection of wooden furniture. The treatment of an ornate inlaid table from Gordion was first reported in 1984. Since that time, methods and materials have been refined and adapted by an international group of conservators in order to treat over 40 pieces of furnitute from three royal tombs. Special problems have been addressed, including the re-treatment of several pieces consolidated initially with wax; the mounting for display of fragile, severely warped fragments; and the construction of a protective, permanent storage system.