Material Analysis and Conservation Treatment of Wooden Artifacts Excavated at the Ssangbuk-ri 280-10 Site in Buyeo, Korea

Abstract

Numerous Baekje historical sites are located in Ssangbuk-ri, Buyeo, where a diverse array of wooden artifacts, including lacquerware, was excavated in a waterlogged condition. Consequently, comprehensive analysis and conservation treatments were undertaken. The study encompassed four wooden artifacts and one lacquerware. Species identification was conducted for all five artifacts, and the coating residue on the surface of one lacquerware was discerned using FT-IR. The results revealed that the Y-shaped and Drill-shaped wooden artifacts were crafted from Hard pine, the Square container with a handle from <i>Juglans</i> spp., the Arrow-shaped wooden object from <i>Pyrus</i> spp., and the Lacquerware from <i>Castanea</i> spp.. Additionally, the surface coating of the lacquerware was confirmed to be lacquer. Conservation treatments involved PEG(Polyethylene glycol) impregnation and freeze-drying methods, ensuring the stable storage and display of these artifacts.