The job of the finds assistant is to care for the objects until they pass to the conservator and the curator.

First-aid for finds
Comparatively robust and stable finds such as animal bone, shells and pot are grouped together in plastic bags and labelled with the number of the context in which they were found. More fragile objects need more care and are packaged in individual bags, sometimes with plastic foam for support. A few finds, such as wood and leather, will rapidly start to decay and need to be kept wet. They are placed in sealed plastic bags with a little water, so that the object does not dry out.

Labels
Labelling the finds is extremely important. Every bag or tray always contains a label showing site code and context number, so we can always tell exactly where things were found.

 

Cleaning and sorting
Once off site the finds are cleaned and sorted. Most are washed in plain water with a small brush, and then rinsed. Detergents might damage the finds or leave unwanted residues. The finds are stacked in crates to dry. Painted plaster, some sorts of mortar and prehistoric pottery are not washed because they are delicate and could be damaged by brushing. Metal objects and metalworking residues are not washed either as wetting them would worsen any corrosion. Anything that has to be kept wet is passed to the Conservation Department for specialist treatment.

Finally the finds are sorted and packaged according to context and find type.

 

Keeping the record straight
At this stage a few basic details must be recorded; specialists will add their in-depth records later. Finds such as pot, animal bone, shell, tiles and bricks are recorded on a database using the site code and context number. All other objects are also given their own individual number which is added, with their description (material, type and size), onto a database.

 

Bags and boxes
Finds which do not need a controlled environment are packaged in sturdy plastic bags which are labelled with the site code, context number and material type, and are stored in strong, labelled cardboard boxes with lids. Other finds are given their own bags containing appropriate supporting packaging. The bags are labelled and boxed.

Finds made of or containing metal are also packaged in plastic bags placed in air-tight plastic containers with bags of silica gel. The silica absorbs moisture from the air in the boxes, so that the metalwork is kept at a low humidity and will not continue to corrode. Anything which is packaged wet is placed in an opaque black box, to help prevent the growth of mould.

The packaging ensures a safe environment for all the finds, and the labelling means that we can easily locate them. The finds can then be stored until they are needed for display or for research. Very little (if anything) is discarded, because the finds are part of the site record and we do not know what questions might be asked by researchers in the future.