RESTORATION OF A SET OF SILVER JEWELRY FROM EXCAVATIONS ON THE TERRITORY OF THE NATIONAL RESERVE «SOPHIA OF KYIV»

Abstract

Abstract. The purpose of the article is to study the methods of restoration of archaeological silver objects – a set of silver jewelry of the 17th–18th centuries, excavated in situ from the territory of the National reserve «Sophia of Kyiv». Research methods. The method of analysis of sources that consider the restoration of archaeological silver objects was used to establish the theoretical basis of the study. The specifics of in situ restoration for this complex of jewelry were revealed by the empirical methods using the methods of light microscopy, investigative cleaning and testing the restoration treatments’ efficiency locally. The restoration plan for the complex of jewelry excavated with a fragment of soil in situ was composed by the method of synthesis of theoretical research, well-recognized restoration methodology and the obtained empirical data. Results. The article analyzes the methods of restoration of archaeological silver objects that can be used for in situ work. A report is provided describing the condition of the objects, the features of photo fixation are given, the results of laboratory research are highlighted, and the restoration plan is substantiated. The features of carrying out restoration treatments to preserve the complex of silver jewelry of the 17th–18th centuries excavated on the territory of the National reserve «Sophia of Kyiv» are studied and brought to scientific record. Conclusions. The study highlights the specifics of in situ restoration work for this set of silver jewelry, which was excavated monolitically with the fragment of soil. The importance of the historical aspect of preservation in the restoration of archaeological silver objects is emphasized. From the perspective of preserving the patina of time, the approach to investigative cleaning of the original surface, corrosion inhibition, and preservation of the objects’ configuration is substantiated. The results of this study provide a significant foundation for the restoration of similar objects in the future.