Celtic finds in Basel: testing the conservator's stamina

Abstract

The salvage excavation of a large, very important Celtic settlement has necessitated the development of a ‘minimal intervention’ approach to conserve the thousands of artifacts which have been recovered. Most of the 2000-year-old finds are inorganic and their state of preservation varies. Wrought iron artifacts are in the worst condition and are the most difficult to treat and stabilize. This paper presents an overview of the conservation treatments for the diverse Celtic finds and of the gradual improvements in regard to their long-term care.