DOI Heft:
Egypt
DOI Artikel:Kucy, Barbara Wronska: Marea 2005: masonry conservation report
DOI Seite / Zitierlink: https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.42091#0071
MAREA
EGYPT
MAREA 2005
MASONRY CONSERVATION REPORT
Barbara Wronska Kucy:
Conservation of the masonry structures
excavated within the Basilica by the Polish
Archaeological Mission in Marea1 began
on August 23 and was completed on
September 7, 2005. Project objectives
included securing and stabilizing the
masonry structures associated with the
basilica apse and the pottery kiln excavated
underneath the apse in order to make
possible future conservation of the brick
kiln and the graves located beneath the
apse floor, and a partial reconstruction of
the apse stairs. This work is the first phase
of the restoration program planned for the
basilica complex.
Miscellaneous work conducted during
this season included replacement of the
mortar joints in structurally unstable
sections of the basilica walls, and replace-
ment of temporary mortar joints installed
on an emergency basis during earlier
excavation seasons.
In addition to the above, an outline of
future tests and conservation methods was
developed for the duration of the ex-
cavation season of 2005 and 2006.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
AT THE BASILICA/KILN COMMPLEX
A limestone wall supporting the floor of the
apse was set inside the pottery kiln and
partly over the kiln grate; it extended into
the kiln on both ends. This wall was
constructed of randomly-laid, large
limestone blocks, the irregular bond
indicating its infill character. The excavated
height of this wall was approximately
2.50 m. A layer of approximately 0.40 to
0.60 m sand, clay and limestone infill
separated the top of this wall from the stairs
of the apse. All of the interlocking structures
(wall, kiln, and apse stairs) were unstable
and in danger of collapse {Fig. 1, top}.
* Bone/Levine Architects, New York
1 The project was conducted under the direction of Mrs. Barbara Wronska Kucy, and supervised by conservator,
Mr. Abdelhaye Shehata Abdelfatah, delegated by the Supreme Council of Antiquities. For the excavations directed by
Dr. Hanna Szymanska and Mr. Krzysztof Babraj, see report above, in this volume.
67
EGYPT
MAREA 2005
MASONRY CONSERVATION REPORT
Barbara Wronska Kucy:
Conservation of the masonry structures
excavated within the Basilica by the Polish
Archaeological Mission in Marea1 began
on August 23 and was completed on
September 7, 2005. Project objectives
included securing and stabilizing the
masonry structures associated with the
basilica apse and the pottery kiln excavated
underneath the apse in order to make
possible future conservation of the brick
kiln and the graves located beneath the
apse floor, and a partial reconstruction of
the apse stairs. This work is the first phase
of the restoration program planned for the
basilica complex.
Miscellaneous work conducted during
this season included replacement of the
mortar joints in structurally unstable
sections of the basilica walls, and replace-
ment of temporary mortar joints installed
on an emergency basis during earlier
excavation seasons.
In addition to the above, an outline of
future tests and conservation methods was
developed for the duration of the ex-
cavation season of 2005 and 2006.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
AT THE BASILICA/KILN COMMPLEX
A limestone wall supporting the floor of the
apse was set inside the pottery kiln and
partly over the kiln grate; it extended into
the kiln on both ends. This wall was
constructed of randomly-laid, large
limestone blocks, the irregular bond
indicating its infill character. The excavated
height of this wall was approximately
2.50 m. A layer of approximately 0.40 to
0.60 m sand, clay and limestone infill
separated the top of this wall from the stairs
of the apse. All of the interlocking structures
(wall, kiln, and apse stairs) were unstable
and in danger of collapse {Fig. 1, top}.
* Bone/Levine Architects, New York
1 The project was conducted under the direction of Mrs. Barbara Wronska Kucy, and supervised by conservator,
Mr. Abdelhaye Shehata Abdelfatah, delegated by the Supreme Council of Antiquities. For the excavations directed by
Dr. Hanna Szymanska and Mr. Krzysztof Babraj, see report above, in this volume.
67