Oranjemund Shipwreck : a composition analysis of the Pewter Kitchen Ware And their conservation aspects

Abstract

This research paper deals with the condition and possible conservation treatment of the pewter objects at the Oranjemund Shipwreck Collection. The Oranjemund shipwreck is one of the oldest and most intact wrecks ever to be discovered in Sub – Sahara Africa. It is largely informed by archival research, interviews and X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy. This study is situated within the framework of safeguarding and preserving underwater cultural heritage and is guided by the UNESCO 2001 Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage. It was established that the collection of the pewter objects from the Oranjemund Shipwreck Collection is in a fair condition and presents a very simple class with no pieces of status or any decorations. Unfortunately, the National Museum of Namibia has no qualified conservators and because of that, their conservation department is not functional. Due to this most of the objects at the Oranjemund Shipwreck Collection are not optimally cared for. The researcher, therefore, recommends staff training on conservation and acquisition of proper storage facilities for the Oranjemund shipwreck collection.