Page 159 - Manual for Activities directed at the Underwater Cultural Heritage

conservation treatment since it was raised in 1982, and will probably continue this treatment for at least another decade.
In any project, the timescale of the conservation process depends on a number of factors, such as the size of the excavation, the range, volume and condition of the excavated material and the availability of conservation facilities and resources either on-site or at the conservation laboratories of the receiving museum or institution.
Since it is usually quite difficult to know beforehand many of the factors that influence conservation requirements, particularly the types, amount and condition of the archaeological material, an accu- rate conservation timescale is difficult to establish. Nevertheless, a conservation strategy and an esti- mated timetable have to be considered and developed in the planning phase. This strategy should include pre-excavation considerations, possible on-site con- servation, laboratory conservation and long-term stabilization requirements. To do this, consultation with conservators and other relevant specialists is essential. Also, an initial site investigation and a sampling strategy are advisable. Finally, reference to similar projects could be used as a guide. Without due thought being given to conservation before excavation, a project can face serious problems when unexpected materials and conditions are found, and the recovery and treatment of finds could significantly affect the project timetable.
Post-fieldwork activities
Post-fieldwork activities include the assessment and processing of data gathered during the excavation as well as the study and analysis of excavated material. Obviously, some of these activities should be carried out simultaneously with other activities. For example, the artefact records should be kept up-to-date while the fieldwork is underway; once the fieldwork is done, the artefact records in all likelihood are finished as well. Other activities, however, need to be completed in a sequence; so one activity can not start until another one has been completed. For example,
158
Project duration – timetable