Salvage, restoration and exhibition of two Hittite special vessels in Hattusha (2007-2008)
During the excavation campaign in 2007, two extraordinary and still unique large vessels, the so-called bull's head vessel (height 1.83 m) and a tower vase (height 1.09 m), were discovered in the basement of a large building (around 1400 BC) . They were then restored on site during the 2007 and 2008 campaigns as part of my internship.
The following measures were carried out:
Documentation and removal of approx. 500 shards from the ground
Cleaning and desintering with diluted acid
Strengthening of the broken edges with 5% Paraloid B 44 in acetone
Bonding with approx. 50% Paraloid B 44 in acetone
Reinforcement of the inner wall with glued-in fiberglass fabric
Completion of the imperfections with a neutral colored plaster
Reconstruction of handles and parts of the bull's head
some small retouchings with gouache paints
After the restoration, the two vessels were exhibited in special racks in the Museum of Bogazkale and have been the focus of the exhibition ever since.
For the technology, see also: M. Gruber, K. Radezky, Technologie und Herstellungsprozeß zweier hethitischer Sondergefäße, in: A. Schachner: Ausgrabungen in der westlichen Oberstadt von Ḫattuša II. Das Mittlere Plateau zwischen Sarıkale und Yenicekale, Bogazköy-Hattusa 26 (Darmstadt 2017), 217-233
© DAI, with permission from A. Schachner, photo: K. Radezky
