Holistic Conservation on an Iron Age Archaeological Site in the UAE: Hili 2, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
Year: 2025
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: Hili 2 is an earthen Iron Age archaeological site comprisingfifteen buildings that was discovered approximately fortyyears ago under the sand dunes next to one of the oases of AlAin, in the United Arab Emirates. It is among the best-preservedremains of an Iron Age settlement in the region and is part ofthe World Heritage Site serial property known as the CulturalSites of Al Ain, inscribed in 2011. Several campaigns of targetedcurative conservation repairs were undertaken in the past by theDepartment of Culture and Tourism–Abu Dhabi (DCT). From2017 to 2019 the DCT, in partnership with CRAterre, implementeda holistic project that responded to both internationalstandards and local requirements. This was also an opportunityfor multidisciplinary collaboration between conservators,archaeologists, structural engineers, architects, materials scientists,and traditional craftspeople. The work led to furtherdiscoveries and a deeper understanding of the site. Curativeconservation measures of the archaeological structures are presented,together with the preventive conservation interventionsand a new interpretation of the very unusual building techniqueof Hili 2.
Source: HAL
Authors: Gutiérrez, Felipe, Sadozaï, Chamsia, Ahmed, Aqeel, Chabbi, Amel, Karacic, Steven
Language: English
Subfield: Archeology (arts and humanities)
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4400397828