The project involves the conservative restoration of a part of the bow of a ship, known as the "Sister Ship," part of the collection of the Lilibeo Regional Archaeological Museum, located within the Lilibeo-Marsala Archaeological Park. This wooden artifact, once a structural part of the ship, now shows signs of deterioration due to time, humidity, biological agents, and the alteration of the materials caused by surface layers.
The planned activities include measuring the wood's pH to determine its acidity or alkalinity; photographic survey and final technical report; surveying the state of conservation and the original nails still in place; tests to identify the different stages of degradation; preliminary cleaning; biocidal treatment for the organic component; deacidification using calcium hydroxide nanoparticles; consolidation of the material with acrylic resins; additions only when strictly necessary; color balancing with watercolors where necessary to harmonize the restored areas; Final protection, possible with acrylic resin or microcrystalline wax; finally, treatments to inhibit corrosion and protect any metal elements (nails, etc.).
The total estimated cost to complete these interventions is €2,684.00, with no donations currently received; the fundraising campaign is currently open and the project is in the implementation phase.
This restoration has significant historical and cultural value: recovering a fragment of an ancient ship helps reconstruct the naval technology, construction methods, and materials used in antiquity, contributing to the understanding of the maritime history of the Lilybaeum/Marsala area. Once restored, the piece can be better preserved and displayed to the public, improving the usability of the museum's heritage and raising awareness of the protection of ancient naval artifacts.
Contact the representatives for more information or to express your interest.
