Anglo-Saxon Spearhead
Objects Prior to Treatment
This Anglo-Saxon Spearhead owned by Network Archaeology was given to the university partially buried in a block of soil. The soil block was x-rayed, and it was discovered the block contained the spearhead and 4 partially deteriorated human vertebrae. The Spearhead was covered in a layer of solidified dirt and corrosion but was structurally in very good condition. The dirt and corrosion were removed through the use of an air abrasion tool. Once they were removed it was evident that a large amount of the spear handle that was embedded in the spearhead was still present in the form of mineralised wood. The mineralised wood was too soft to be cleaned using air abrasion so instead a soft bristled brush was used. As much dirt as could be safely removed was removed. The pieces of human vertebrae had become dried out and the whole structure and surface had become brittle and fragile. The dirt had to be manually removed with a scalpel used in conjuncture with a microscope to check for any deterioration being caused. A custom-made box was created from Plastazote© to protect it.
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