The Conservation of Glass Ingots from the Bronze Age Uluburun Shipwreck

Various desalination, drying, consolidation and reconstruction strategies have been employed in the conservation of an unparalleled collection of Bronze Age glass ingots found oil the Uluburun shipwreck, excavated by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology), (INA) between 1984 and 1994. Presented here are the results of a survey undertaken to determine the effects of these different treatments. Included is all in-depth description of the treatment of four ingots, as well as the use of different gap-filling materials: Paraloid (R) B-44, Multiwax W-445, a cellulose powder/Paraloid (R) B-72/fumed silica mixture and a two-part epoxy putty A general treatment approach for ancient glass excavated from a marine environment is suggested based oil the conservators' experiences, the findings of the survey report mid the re-examination of treated ingots.