"Preservation and Protection of Cultural Heritage in Mongolia, Science"
On November 27, 2024, as part of the ongoing lecture series organized by the AMT, Bolormaa Batchimeg, Senior Restorer at the Collections and Conservation Department of the Chinggis Khan National Museum, was invited to give a lecture on the topic “The Science of Cultural Heritage Conservation and Protection in Mongolia and Development Trends” for student researchers.To summarize the content of the lecture:
Introduction to Organizations and Sectors Engaged in Restoration:
Scientific Archaeology Institute: Established in 2011 with two staff members, it began with Korean funding for the restoration of metal (iron) artifacts. The institute conducts many expeditions annually, leading to the collection of significant archaeological materials.
Chinggis Khan National Museum: The museum has two large laboratories for archaeological finds restoration and exhibition conservation, with four staff members.
National History Museum: Has one staff member working in its conservation section.
Mongolian National Library: Two staff members in its information and methodology research division, with a section for the restoration of paper-based materials.
Kharkhorin Museum: Built to international museum standards, the museum includes an elementary-level restoration laboratory with one staff member.
The restoration field employs fewer than 30 people in total, indicating a pressing need for qualified personnel.
Introduction to Institutions for Training Personnel in Conservation:
School of Arts and Culture: Offers a program in historical and cultural restoration.
MUST’s School of Mechanical Transport: In partnership with Gyeongju University in South Korea, offers courses in the technology of cultural heritage conservation.
University of Ulaanbaatar: A program in historical and cultural restoration, initiated in 2016 by Associate Professor Iderkhangai. The program has had limited graduates, with only one graduate from the first batch, but four students currently enrolled. This program conducts 4-5 archaeological excavations annually and integrates restoration practices, such as elementary restoration following excavations.
Introduction to the Stages of Restoration:
Identification / Documentation
Cleaning
Stopping corrosion
Strengthening
Gluing and polishing
Adding paint or finishing and packaging
Pre-Restoration Research:
Non-destructive Testing:
X-rays: Used to check the presence of carbonates in wooden objects.
XRF (X-ray Fluorescence): Conducted for elemental analysis of materials.
Macrostructure classification: Undergoing microscopic analysis.
Destructive Testing:
XRT: Analyzes the mineral composition of materials.
Microstructure classification: Conducted at the cellular level using microscopes, aimed at determining the origin and technology of the materials.
Bronze material composition: Analyzed based on its components—copper, lead, tin, and aluminum.
Corrosion Types and Analysis:
Corrosion on bronze is usually called corrosion bodies, which appear as hard but liquid-like droplets that protect the artifact rather than damage it. Powdery corrosion requires immediate cleaning to avoid further damage.
Causes of Copper Corrosion:
Copper oxidizes upon contact with oxygen and hydrogen, forming copper oxide on its surface. Over time, this leads to the creation of copper carbonate (powdery corrosion), which weakens and cracks the material.
Types of Bronze Corrosion:
Classified based on its physical properties, the corrosion types include:
Uniform corrosion
Spot corrosion
Pitted corrosion
Threaded corrosion
Crystalline corrosion
End-stage corrosion
Restoration Mechanisms:
Cleaning Methods:
Mechanical cleaning involves the use of hand tools and machines to remove corrosion.
Chemical cleaning uses organic solvents like EdiA for cleaning metal surfaces.
Stopping Corrosion: Using a 3% concentration of BTA and ethanol to form a chemical bond that halts corrosion.
Strengthening: Using NAD-10 liquid, a rare substance that is not allowed to cross borders.
Repairs:
Various types of fillers are used, such as acrylic for small, thin parts, epoxy resin, and macro balloon for quickly hardening liquid fillers. Organic pigments are added to match the tone of the material being restored.
Conclusion: The lecture provided an in-depth look at the science and methodologies behind cultural heritage conservation, emphasizing the growing importance of trained professionals in the field and the need for further research and technological advancements.
