SIST EN 16873:2017
(Main)Conservation of cultural heritage - Guidelines for management of waterlogged wood on terrestrial sites of archaeological significance
Conservation of cultural heritage - Guidelines for management of waterlogged wood on terrestrial sites of archaeological significance
This European standard provides guidelines for safeguarding waterlogged wood on terrestrial sites of archaeological or historical significance. It deals with the protection of archaeological and historical waterlogged wood, from the time of exposure during and after excavation, until it reaches the conservation laboratory. The standard cannot be applied to the management of controlled reburial, in situ preservation, long term post excavation storage or excavations under water. Composite artefacts, and other waterlogged materials are specifically excluded from this standard.
Erhaltung des kulturellen Erbes - Leitlinien für die Handhabung von Nassholz an terrestrischen archäologischen Stätten
Diese Europäische Norm stellt Leitlinien zur Sicherung von Nassholz terrestrischer Stätten von archäologischer oder historischer Bedeutung auf. Sie behandelt den Schutz von archäologischem oder historischem Nassholz vom Zeitpunkt der Freilegung während und nach einer Grabung bis zum Eintreffen im Konservierungslabor. Diese Norm ist nicht auf die Handhabung von kontrolliertem Wiedervergraben, In-situ-Erhaltung, langfristiger Lagerung nach der Ausgrabung bzw. von Unterwasserausgrabungen anwendbar. Artefakte, die aus einem Verbundmaterial und aus anderen wassergesättigten Materialien bestehen, sind ausdrücklich vom Anwendungsbereich dieser Norm ausgeschlossen.
Conservation du patrimoine culturel - Lignes directrices pour la gestion du bois gorgé d’eau sur les sites terrestres présentant un intérêt archéologique
La présente Norme européenne fournit des lignes directrices relatives à la protection du bois gorgé d'eau sur les sites terrestres présentant un intérêt archéologique ou historique. Elle traite de la protection du bois archéologique gorgé d'eau, à partir du moment de l'extraction, pendant et après la fouille, jusqu'à son arrivée au laboratoire de conservation. La présente norme ne peut pas être appliquée à la gestion du réenfouissement sous contrôle, à la préservation sur site, au stockage à long terme post-fouille ou aux fouilles subaquatiques. Les artefacts composites et autres matériaux gorgés d'eau sont spécifiquement exclus de la présente norme.
Ohranjanje kulturne dediščine - Smernice za ravnanje z vlažnim lesom na kopenskih arheoloških najdiščih
Ta osnutek evropskega standarda podaja smernice za zaščito vlažnega lesa na kopenskih arheoloških ali zgodovinskih najdiščih. Obravnava zaščito vlažnega lesa z velikim arheološkim in zgodovinskim pomenom od razkritja, med in po izkopu do shranjevanja v laboratoriju. Standarda ni mogoče uporabljati za upravljanje podvodnih najdišč, nadzorovanega ponovnega pokopa, ohranjanja na mestu najdbe ali dolgotrajnega shranjevanja po izkopu. Artefakti, sestavljeni iz lesa in drugih materialov, so prav tako izključeni iz področja uporabe standarda.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 29-Jul-2015
- Publication Date
- 28-Nov-2016
- Technical Committee
- I13 - Imaginarni 13
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 18-Nov-2016
- Due Date
- 23-Jan-2017
- Completion Date
- 29-Nov-2016
Overview
SIST EN 16873:2017 is a European standard that provides comprehensive guidelines for the management of waterlogged wood discovered at terrestrial archaeological sites. Developed by SIST, this standard aims to ensure the proper safeguarding and handling of archaeological or historically significant waterlogged wooden finds from the moment they are exposed during excavation until their arrival at a conservation laboratory. These guidelines are applicable specifically to sites on land and do not cover underwater excavations, in situ preservation, reburial, or long-term post-excavation storage.
Proper treatment of waterlogged wood is crucial because these artefacts are highly susceptible to deterioration and irreversible damage if not managed correctly. Adhering to this standard helps preserve valuable information about past societies and ensures the long-term conservation of significant cultural heritage materials.
Key Topics
The standard addresses several critical aspects of waterlogged wood management on archaeological sites, including:
Pre-Excavation Project Planning:
- Anticipating the discovery of waterlogged wood and allocating specialized resources.
- Assessing site conditions and establishing a project framework led by conservators and archaeologists.
On-Site Management During Excavation:
- Keeping waterlogged wood consistently wet and protected against environmental threats such as sunlight and wind.
- Minimizing the use of invasive tools and maintaining the integrity of delicate outer layers.
Labeling and Documentation:
- Assigning unique identifiers to each artefact and securely attaching them for traceability.
- Systematic recording of artefact context, condition, and any interventions for future research and archiving.
Lifting and Handling:
- Supporting fragile finds during removal with block-lifting or custom support frames.
- Using cushioning and minimizing handling to reduce risk of mechanical or drying damage.
Packaging and Transport:
- Ensuring all packaging materials are inert, non-biodegradable, and waterproof.
- Maintaining wet conditions during handling, storage, and transport to the conservation laboratory.
Temporary Storage:
- Keeping finds submerged or fully wrapped in watertight packaging and stored in cool, dark conditions until conservation.
Applications
Adopting SIST EN 16873:2017 is essential for:
- Archaeological Excavation Teams: To implement best practices in managing waterlogged wood from terrestrial sites, preserving artefact integrity and research value.
- Conservation Laboratories: By receiving artefacts in optimal condition, labs can perform more effective analysis and conservation treatments.
- Museums and Heritage Institutions: Ensuring artefacts are properly conserved for display and research, enhancing the understanding of cultural history.
- Researchers and Academics: Reliable documentation and preservation ensure that valuable archaeological information remains accessible for future generations.
These guidelines support the responsible stewardship of cultural property, improving project outcomes and compliance with European heritage conservation policies.
Related Standards
For further information and compatibility with other conservation protocols, consider the following related standards:
- EN 16095:2012 – Conservation of cultural property - Condition recording for movable cultural heritage
- EN 15898:2011 – Conservation of cultural property - Main general terms and definitions
- EN 16085:2012 – Conservation of cultural property - Methodology for sampling from materials of cultural property - General rules
These documents provide additional frameworks for terminology, documentation, and sampling, complementing the practical guidelines established in SIST EN 16873:2017 for the management of waterlogged archaeological wood.
For professionals dealing with the conservation of cultural heritage, SIST EN 16873:2017 is an invaluable resource, ensuring the quality and consistency of safeguarding waterlogged wood from archaeological excavations on land.
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN 16873:2017 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Conservation of cultural heritage - Guidelines for management of waterlogged wood on terrestrial sites of archaeological significance". This standard covers: This European standard provides guidelines for safeguarding waterlogged wood on terrestrial sites of archaeological or historical significance. It deals with the protection of archaeological and historical waterlogged wood, from the time of exposure during and after excavation, until it reaches the conservation laboratory. The standard cannot be applied to the management of controlled reburial, in situ preservation, long term post excavation storage or excavations under water. Composite artefacts, and other waterlogged materials are specifically excluded from this standard.
This European standard provides guidelines for safeguarding waterlogged wood on terrestrial sites of archaeological or historical significance. It deals with the protection of archaeological and historical waterlogged wood, from the time of exposure during and after excavation, until it reaches the conservation laboratory. The standard cannot be applied to the management of controlled reburial, in situ preservation, long term post excavation storage or excavations under water. Composite artefacts, and other waterlogged materials are specifically excluded from this standard.
SIST EN 16873:2017 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 79.040 - Wood, sawlogs and sawn timber; 97.195 - Items of art and handicrafts. Cultural property and heritage. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN 16873:2017 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Erhaltung des kulturellen Erbes - Leitlinien für die Handhabung von Nassholz an terrestrischen archäologischen StättenConservation du patrimoine culturel - Lignes directrices pour la gestion du bois gorgé d’eau sur les sites terrestres présentant un intérêt archéologiqueConservation of cultural heritage - Guidelines for management of waterlogged wood on terrestrial sites of archaeological significance97.195GHGLãþLQDItems of art and handicrafts. Cultural property and heritage79.040Les, hlodovina in žagan lesWood, sawlogs and sawn timberICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 16873:2016SIST EN 16873:2017en,fr,de01-januar-2017SIST EN 16873:2017SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 16873
November
t r s x ICS
{ yä s { wâ
y {ä r v r English Version
Conservation of cultural heritage æ Guidelines for the management of waterlogged wood on archaeological terrestrial sites Conservation du patrimoine culturel æ Lignes directrices pour la gestion du bois gorgé d 5eau sur les sites terrestres présentant un intérêt archéologique
Erhaltung des kulturellen Erbes æ Leitlinien für die Handhabung von Nassholz an terrestrischen archäologischen Stätten This European Standard was approved by CEN on
t x September
t r s xä
egulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alterationä Upætoædate lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN memberä
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versionsä
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austriaá Belgiumá Bulgariaá Croatiaá Cyprusá Czech Republicá Denmarká Estoniaá Finlandá Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedoniaá Franceá Germanyá Greeceá Hungaryá Icelandá Irelandá Italyá Latviaá Lithuaniaá Luxembourgá Maltaá Netherlandsá Norwayá Polandá Portugalá Romaniaá Slovakiaá Sloveniaá Spainá Swedená Switzerlandá Turkey and United Kingdomä
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels
t r s x CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Membersä Refä Noä EN
s x z y uã t r s x ESIST EN 16873:2017
controlled reburial, in situ preservation, long term post excavation storage or excavations under water. Composite artefacts, and other waterlogged materials are specifically excluded from this standard. 2 Normative references The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. Not applicable. 3 Terms and definitions For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. 3.1 deposition archive formal handing over of the entire excavation record, including the conserved artefacts, to a museum or other receiving institution 3.2 block-lifting removal of a fragile find by lifting from the ground with surrounding burial matrix, with or without extra support, limiting the risk of damage 3.3 burial matrix soil, peat, sediment or other medium found in direct contact with an artefact 3.4 cleaning removal of unwanted material from an object Note 1 to entry the criteria for something being “unwanted” always have to be stated, e.g. potentially damaging, obscuring detail, un-aesthetic [SOURCE: EN 15898:2011, definition 3.5.3] 3.5 condition physical state of an object at a particular time [SOURCE: EN 15898:2011, definition 3.2.1, modified, Note 1 to entry deleted] 3.6 conservation active remedial treatment of waterlogged wooden finds designed to prevent further deterioration or degradation and bring them into a stabilized condition for research, archiving or museum display SIST EN 16873:2017
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