Unravelling the construction of silver filigree spheres from a seventeenth century shipwreck using non-invasive imaging

Journal Article (2022)
Author(s)

Janneke van der Stok-Nienhuis (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

Tonny Beentjes (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

Dominique Ngan-Tillard (Geo-engineering)

Lambert van Eijck (TU Delft - RST/Neutron and Photon Methods for Materials)

Ineke Joosten (Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands)

Maarten R. van Bommel (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-022-00710-9 Final published version
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Publication Year
2022
Language
English
Journal title
Heritage Science
Issue number
1
Volume number
10
Article number
98
Downloads counter
266
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Abstract

The structure of five rare filigree spheres from a seventeenth century shipwreck was examined in order to unravel their condition, manufacturing process and function. This study focuses on the application of non-invasive imaging techniques: optical microscopy, X-radiography, X-ray micro-computed tomography and neutron computed tomography. A valuation of different aspects of the applied techniques was made, aiding stakeholders in decision-making on research and conservation. The combination of theory and scientific information was used to obtain an improved understanding of the manufacturing process and function of the filigree spheres.