Znaki pielgrzymie. Przyczynek z zakresu kultury materialnej i konserwacji

Abstract

The subject of the study are pilgrim signs obtained during archaeological excavations in the year 2008, on the Granary Island, Pszenna Street in Gdańsk. Extracted signs required conservation-restoration intervention leading to the restitution of aesthetic value and protection against corrosion processes. These inconspicuous findings are related to fundamental for human life matters. They are the sign of faith and the proof that the pilgrimage was an important part of life for people in the fourteenth and fifteenth century. Relatively cheap and available materials (tin or lead alloys) as well as simple and quick method of their production (casting) indicate that pilgrim signs were being made for large quantity of pilgrims. There were many types of pilgrim signs, among them also the ones destined for wealthier people, like the figurine made of high tin alloy. An effective method of restoring the aesthetic value of this kind of objects is to use chemical method of a sodium hydroxide bath. Sometimes the process should be supported by mechanical operations. Metal should be also preventively protected from corrosion. Using of acryl resin Paraloid B-44 and microcrystalline wax Cosmolloid 80H is suggested.