Challenges in Field Conservation of Archaeological Findings in Iran; Current Status Analysis and Improvement Strategies
Subject Areas : Interdisciplinary studies
1 - PhD in Conservation and Restoration; Expert at the Research Institute for the Conservation and Restoration of Historical and Cultural Monuments, Tehran.
Keywords: In-situ conservation, Archaeological findings, Managerial challenges, Local methods, Community participation,
Abstract :
Iran, with over one million registered historical sites, is among the richest countries in terms of cultural heritage. However, the in-situ conservation of archaeological findings during field excavations faces significant challenges due to various managerial, environmental, technical, and human factors. This qualitative and descriptive-analytical study examines these challenges and proposes practical solutions. Findings indicate that the most critical issues include fragmented planning, insufficient funding and expertise, adverse climatic conditions (e.g., soil salinity and temperature fluctuations), improper conservation and documentation methods, and lack of local community involvement. Notably, most damage to artifacts occurs between their excavation and transfer to specialized laboratories. To address these issues, the study recommends developing national in-situ conservation standards based on international charters (e.g., Venice and London Charters), adopting digital technologies for documentation, utilizing climate-adapted local methods, and training local communities. Additionally, establishing a comprehensive database and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among archaeologists, conservators, and local communities are essential. The study emphasizes the need to integrate in-situ conservation into archaeological planning and allocate adequate resources to safeguard Iran’s cultural heritage.
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