Storage for Small Non-fragile Artifacts
Purpose
This system allows the artifact to be viewed and, to some extent studied, with-out direct handling. It is well suited for small, non-fragile and relatively flat arti-facts, such as stone points, small metal or bone objects, seeds and jewelry. Because artifacts can be viewed inside the bags, gloves need to be worn only to remove the artifact from the zippered bag for closer examination. The system prevents the artifacts in a box, tray or drawer from coming in con-tact with each other, thus preventing scratching and chipping (Fig. 1).
Figure 1. Photographic slide tray with small objects
stored in polyethylene bags with zippered closures.
Author(s)
Nancy Davis
Rochester Mus. & Science Ctr.
Box 1480, 657 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14603 USA
Tel (585) 271-4320
Fax (585) 271-5935
Illustration: Nancy Davis
Publication: 1992
Description
Each object is housed in an individual, polyethylene bag with a zippered closure. A piece of thin, pH neutral card is inserted into each bag to provide rigid support for vertical storage in compartmentalized pH neutral boxes designed for photographic slide storage. The artifact number is writ-ten in pencil along the top of the card for easy identification
Materials Tools Supplies
- Anti-tarnish paper or 100% cotton flannel with anti-tarnish agents
- Distilled water
- Eye dropper
- Glass beaker, 150ml or plastic beaker, 150ml
- Paper punch
- pH neutral box or tray for photographic slides
- pH neutral card stock
- Polyethylene bags with zippered closures, 2mil
- Polypropylene container or polyethylene container
- Potassium iodide
- Scissors
- Silica gel, pre-packaged, conditioned