The following procedures for processing and long-term curation should be followed in preparing artifact collections and documentation for submission to the department. These standards are consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Curation, 36 CFR 79, Associated documentation should accompany the collections. Guidelines for preparing this material are included.
All artifacts should be cleaned. The only exception would be those that might provide more information through specialized analysis in their unwashed state, i.e., blood residue analysis.
Label artifacts with the state site number and their provenience. Artifacts should also be labeled with individual artifact numbers within their provenience. This number should be included in the artifact description for the finds list or catalog submitted with the collection. The use of individual artifact numbers facilitates locating specific objects for study or exhibit.
For small collections (fewer than 200 objects), label all artifacts.
For larger collections, label all diagnostics. The following artifact types are examples of those that need not be individually labeled: slag, oyster shell, fire-cracked rock, flakes, window glass, nails, brick, mortar, and coal. These items can be grouped by material type within a provenience. These grouped or batched artifacts receive one artifact number. Label one artifact from the group with the site number, provenience, and artifact number and place it in a plastic bag with the rest. The bag should also contain a mylar or acid-free paper label with the same information and be labeled on the exterior.
All bone that can be physically labeled should be labeled. Label small bones following the procedures outlined in the paragraph above.
Unprocessed flotation and soil samples will not be accepted. Processed samples should be submitted in an appropriate sealed container and labeled with the provenience information.
Label all artifacts with ink, sealant, and white backing. The procedure should consist of a layer of sealant followed by the white acrylic when necessary, then the label numbers covered by another coat of sealant. If you have questions about these materials, see contact information at the bottom of this page.
Place all artifacts in polyethylene, zip-lock plastic bags at least 2 ml thick. Bags should be perforated to allow air exchange and inhibit the development of unwanted microenvironments.
Use archivally stable materials for those items requiring special packaging.
Place all artifact bags in acid-free boxes for submission to the department.
Label all artifact boxes with site number and provenience.
Ownership of the collection must be clear. For donated or long-term loan collections, a copy of the agreement must accompany the collection.
Submit a complete catalog of all artifacts by provenience.
A statement indicating which objects received conservation treatment and a copy of the treatment record must accompany the collection.
If conservation has not been completed, provide a list of those objects needing treatment.
Prepare one stable copy of all original field documentation on acid-free paper. Originals on acid-free paper are acceptable. These should be submitted with the collection for curation.
Submit a master set of permanent record slides (Kodachrome) documenting the site. If slides are needed for use in lectures or other presentations, it is recommended that a duplicate set be made. These should not be submitted for curation.
Label the archival set of slides and prints with at least the state site number and provenience.
Prepare a catalog of all photographic documentation with an explanation of the labeling information. Submit all slides, black and white negatives, and contact sheets in archivally safe material.
Collections Staff Contact Information:
FAX: (804) 367-2392
Dee DeRoche, Chief Curator: (804) 367-2323, ext. 134
Keith Egloff, Archaeologist, Prehistorian: (804) 367-2323. ext. 131
Melba Myers, Archaeological Materials Conservator: (804) 367-2323, ext. 130
Revised 7/15/01