Work

Integrating conservation strategies into archaeological research: insights from the Early Pleistocene site of Barranc de la Boella (Tarragona, Spain)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Stone tools and faunal remains are abundant in the archaeological record, serving as key focal points for research and important features of museum exhibitions. Nevertheless, they are under-represented in the conservation literature. This article reports on the conservation of over 2,000 finds from the Early Pleistocene site of Barranc de la Boella (Spain) recovered during field seasons 2007-2023. It focuses on osteological remains, lithic artefacts and coprolites (fossil faeces), detailing the workflow from the fieldwork to the laboratory, specifying the criteria and techniques employed for each group of materials. In the absence of clear guidelines, the archaeological study approaches adopted for each group of finds helped define the conservation strategies. Therefore, conservation treatments are naturally aligned with the research aims, making conservation an integral part of the research project. We conclude by emphasising the importance of sharing conservation practices to inspire innovation in conservation techniques.

Source: Conservar Património

DOI: 10.14568/cp39872