Műtárgyvédelem, 2004 (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum)

Összefoglalók

object they came from. This is why the documentation should be thorough and evident. In 1996, we started investigations on the technique and the history of the technique of archaeological leather finds with the support of the National Scientific Research Fund. The present study describes a few results of these investigations.

1. We prepared a documentation system that helps to collect more data from a production technological aspect about footwear remains recovered from archaeological excavations (like e.g. animal species, cut, measurements, seam types, distances between stitches, closing methods, ornaments etc.). We have prepared a collection of the most common stitch types and sewing types found on leather objects in Hungary and of the main, traditional terms concerning footwear. As we intend to compare our work with the results of other European countries, we examined how the data of similar finds are registered in countries where leather finds are frequent as e.g. in The Netherlands, Germany, England and Poland. Finally, we have prepared four different data sheet according to the types of finds that are the most frequently recovered in Hungary.

2. We revised the various physical and chemical analyses that have been applied on archaeological leather in Hungary since the 60’s. From the experiences, we compiled a list of analyses that are indispensable and easy to do before restoration, the ones that do not damage the object or demand only a minimal sample, that are not expensive and can be executed in any restoration laboratory with an average equipment and that can, at the same time, furnish sufficient information to choose the appropriate cleaning and conservation procedures (preliminary organoleptic examinations, microscopy, pH measurement, tanning analyses to identify leathers of vegetal or alum tawing). Naturally, many important data can be gained, if necessary, from further instrumental analyses, but the above ones are essential.

3. We have revised the leather conservation procedures that were applied in Hungary in the 1960’s and 1970’s and the former treatments were compared with the methods used to date in Europe. For this purpose we used finds, where the applied methods have been published. Zoltán Szalay, whose pioneering work created the basis of leather restoration in Hungary, realised that the leathers should not be treated with oil or grease. He experimented with polybasic alcohol (glycerol, glycols, sorbite), poly-ethylene-glycol of a lower molecular weight and fatty alcohols. The majority of the conserved leathers are preserved in an extraordinarily excellent condition even after more than 30 years. Their colour is not very dark, the soles have kept their shapes, the majority of the uppers are pleasant to the touch, they are not sticky or moist, they are flexible, and easily endure movement and inspection. Their pH value is around the desired value of 5, and we could not find any trace of biological damage.

We intend to use the results of the investigations in restorer training. Thus the restorers who leave the university will know and hopefully apply the documentation, instrumental analytical methods and leather conservation procedures that encompass the experiences of many generations.

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