The tomb nr.57 from Servici Cemetery in Novilara (Italy): diagnostic analysis and state of preservation

Abstract

The 7th century BC Servici tomb nr. 57 was discovered and removed in 1892-1893 by archaeologist Edoardo Brizio in Novilara (Marche region in central Italy) and in the early 1900’s the tomb was transported to the Archaeological Museum of Florence. The tomb contains two skeletons, one male and one female, and their respective funerary belongings. In spring 2005 SACI (Studio Art Centers International) in collaboration with the Archaeological Superintendence of Tuscany and Tuscia University of Viterbo undertook the conservation of the tomb. After an accurate documentation the tomb underwent a micro excavation to bring to light and to restore the skeletons and the objects. On this occasion some diagnostic analysis was performed in order to support the restores work and to better know the materials used in past restoration and interventions on the tomb. Moreover some materials of the original burial have been analysed. The samples taken during the restoration intervention were analyzed by means of FTIR and micro-FTIR spectrometry, micro Raman spectroscopy, polarizing microscope observation under visible light and UV fluorescence, SEM observation. The analysis confirmed the hypothesis that sodium silicate have been used as consolidant before the tomb pulling out. Gypsum has also been found probably employed to paint the tomb walls. Some little textile fragments have been analysed revealing the presence of flax.