Archive and Finds

Archeological experts uncover and document finds during excavations and architectural investigations. Heritage conservation experts also document their findings and create records at work. To ensure that all these documents and discovered objects are accessible for research and daily work, our department records them in a system and archives them, making them available for future use. This task is handled by three separate divisions within our department: 

• The Archive Division documents and archives all documents and related analog and digital materials (images, plans, index cards, etc.) related to an excavation, architectural investigation, or conservation project.

• The Finds Laboratory handles all the finds unearthed from the soil and the buildings. These finds are cleaned, numbered, entered into the database, preserved if needed, and stored properly. The process varies greatly depending on the find: the wallpaper is removed from the surface and cleaned, ceramic fragments are properly arranged and sometimes reassembled, and organic materials such as textiles are preserved. The main goal is to preserve all the archeological finds in the best possible condition and prevent chemical decomposition.

• At the Illustration Office, they make portraits, plans and drawings for analyses and publications. They use a variety of techniques, including cardboard models, hand drawings, digital re-drawings, photographs. These illustrations document finds and structures that may not endure, and often combine scientific facts with fictional yet plausible aspects.