A Late Bronze Age Sickle from Shinewater Park: The Treatment of a Waterlogged Composite

A late bronze age sickle was found at Shinewater Park, Sussex, England in 1995. A thoroughly researched conservation plan was required in order to meet the display conditions of the receiving museum and to meet the high standards required by the specialists involved in the treatment of this unique sickle. The sickle was lifted in a block of soil and then cleaned while still waterlogged. This was the initial step of treatment before the proper investigation and condition assessment could be initiated. After thorough discussion and research on possible treatment options, the alcohol-ether treatment was decided upon, a three-dimensional mould was produced and a design for a display mount was suggested. The necessary communication with specialists from several fields was very enriching, as was the depth of research which went into every step of the treatment process of the sickle.