Contemporary theory of restoration and the Amazon archaeological ceramics

Abstract

This paper presents a discussion about conservation and restoration interventions carried out on archaeological ceramics with emphasis on the collection of the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG), located in Belém, Pará, northern Brazil. The main objective of this research is to identify the types of restoration found in the MPEG technical reserve and the applicability of the Contemporary Restoration Theory in the intervention of archaeological ceramics. For the development of the research, the main restoration theories and preservationist policies of Brazil were analyzed. Then the main cultural values of archaeological ceramics were recognized and their significance for civil society. Finally, the restorative interventions identified in the MPEG collection were analyzed in order to discuss their trajectory over time. In addition, it discusses the necessary pre-intervention reflections to determine the intention of restoration and the ideal techniques for safeguarding the cultural heritage.

Keywords
Archaeological ceramics; Conservation and restoration; Amazon archeology; Ceramic collection