Date: 28 May 2008 – 30 Dec. 2008

During the pipelines constructions in Georgia big number of the archaeological materials have been discovered. Besides, archaeological sites were identified close to the pipelines. Above mentioned and the responsibility toward to cultural heritage has generated idea to undertake preventive measures, namely, to conduct study and develop special conservation methodology for recovery of cultural heritage in the case of the crude oil spill. Diverse conservation treatment methods were elaborated because various archaeological material groups like - metal objects, ceramic, glass, bone etc. – need individual approaches.

The project entitled “Laboratory Investigations of the Archaeological Materials and First Aid Measures in Case of Crude Oil Spill” was initiated and funded by the BP. It was implemented by the Georgian National Museum’s leading conservators. Broad spectrum of substances and methods has been tested during the laboratory studies. As a result the most suitable substances that have high conservation effect to treat archaeological materials were identified.  

In addition to the mentioned study, this project supported: to renovate the space of conservation laboratory and offices of researchers-conservators; purchase of the lab equipment that meets contemporary standards. Finally National Museum’s archaeological laboratory was arraigned accordingly. This project was implemented in 2007-2008.