MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A group of archaeologists and conservation experts are working together for ongoing conservation treatment of four artifacts recovered from the Clotilda shipwreck during investigations in May 2022.
The artifacts include a lead hawse pipe and a small section of hull planking held together by iron drift pins. The Alabama Historical Commission said they worked with conservators to transport the largest artifact, a timber with an iron pulley and fragments of a braided metal and rope cable in the pulley from the ship’s steering mechanism.
Conservators Claudia Chemello and Paul Mardikian of Terra Mare Conservation are treating each artifact differently based on its component materials and recovered condition. The items were found in "brackish" water, meaning they require a wide range of care techniques to prevent rapid and irreversible deterioration.
“Treatment of metal and composite artifacts is one of our specialties," said Mardikian. "Working with the AHC and the History Museum of Mobile has been a unique and rich experience.”
Following preservation work, these artifacts will be exhibited at the Africatown Heritage House where they will help illustrate the story of the 110 enslaved people aboard the Clotilda.
“As the guardian of the Clotilda, the Alabama Historical Commission takes the stewardship of these priceless artifacts very seriously”, said State Historic Preservation Officer and Executive Director of AHC Lisa D. Jones. “The preservation of these artifacts is important to Africatown and the nation."
Governor Kay Ivey and the state legislature approved $1 million to the AHC for this phase of the Clotilda project.
