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Mardi Gras Ongoing Conservation

All artifacts recovered from the Mardi Gras Shipwreck were transported to the Conservation Research Laboratory (CRL) at Texas A&M Univeristy in College Station, TX. CRL is one of several laboratories CRL is one of several laboratories of the Center for Maritime Archaeology and Conservation (CMAC).  CRL Conservators have been working with the artifacts and stern encrustation since their arrival at the lab in May, 2007.  This page is designed to present the most current conservation work performed on the artifacts.

Conservation Treatment of the Stern Encrustation

During conservation treatment, the stern encrustation is housed within a specially-constructed tank filled with water.  Static baths will help decrease the salinity of the encrustation and the artifacts within. Periodically, the encrustation is lifted from the vat for further work. While work is performed, the encrustation must be kept wet to prevent the artifacts from drying out.

 

Stern encrustation is lifted from the vat
The stern encrustation is lifted from the vat by a conservator at the Conservation Research Laboratory
Conservator using fabric to cover areas with wet fabric.
To prevent the encrustation and the associated artifacts from drying out while conservation work is performed, the encrustation must be covered. Here, fabric which has been soaked is used to cover areas of the encrustation which are not currently being investigated.
Pneumatic air scribes are used to excavate areas of the encrustation.
Pneumatic air scribes are used to excavate areas of the encrustation. A conservator works on the encrustation while another air scribe is visible in the foreground.
Two conservators work on different areas.
X-rays of the encrustation give conservators an idea of the types of artifacts contained within. Here, two conservators work on different areas of the encrustation.

Results of Encrustation Excavation

As excavation is carried out on the encrustation, artifacts become visible from underneath the associated layers of concretion. X-rays and pneumatic tools are used to chisel out the artifacts, which are documented and photographed.

A close up of the round shot within the encrustation.
A close-up of the round shot shows their placement within the encrustation. The area surrounding the artifacts has been carefully excavated, but the shot will remain in place, pending further investigation.
a conservator works in an area containing two round shot, or cannonballs. The locations of all artifacts must be documented as excavation continues.
A conservator works in an area containing two round shot, or cannonballs. The locations of all artifacts must be documented as excavation continues.