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Scientia Silvae Sinicae ›› 2024, Vol. 60 ›› Issue (9): 183-198.doi: 10.11707/j.1001-7488.LYKX20230070

• Reviews • Previous Articles    

Research Progress and Perspective of the Preservation State of Waterlogged Archaeological Wood

Liuyang Han1,2,3,Juan Guo2,3,Xiangna Han1,Guanglan Xi4,Xingling Tian5,Ren Li2,3,Jiabao Chen2,3,Yafang Yin2,3,*   

  1. 1. Institute for Cultural Heritage and History of Science & Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing Beijing 100083
    2. Research Institute of Wood Industry, Chinese Academy of Forestry Beijing 100091
    3. Wood Specimen Resource Center (WOODPEDIA) of National Forestry and Grassland Administration Beijing 100091
    4. National Center for Archaeology Beijing 100013
    5. China Academy of Cultural Heritage Beijing 100029
  • Received:2023-02-21 Online:2024-09-25 Published:2024-10-08
  • Contact: Yafang Yin

Abstract:

Waterlogged wooden cultural relicsrepresented by ancient shipwrecks, waterlogged wooden wares and wooden slips serve as carriers of ancient human civilization. They are valuable physical materials for studying Chinese ancient history, art, technology and economy. Accurately understanding the preservation state of waterlogged archaeological wood (WAW) is an important prerequisite and basis for the scientific protection and preservation of waterlogged wooden cultural relics. However, due to the influence of long-term water burial conditions, the structure and properties of WAW have significantly deteriorated. Not only the scientific theory and evaluation system of existing sound wood are difficult to apply, but also the difficulty of obtaining, preparing, testing and analyzing WAW samples is much greater than that of sound wood. This paper systematically reviews the main research progress of waterlogged wooden cultural relics at home and abroad. Firstly, the structural characteristics and analysis methods of waterlogged archaeological wood are introduced from four aspects: anatomical structure, chemical structure, relative crystallinity and pore characteristics. Secondly, the physical, chemical and mechanical properties and characterization methods of WAW are described. The comprehensive evaluation principles, methods and key indicators of the structure and properties of waterlogged archaeological wood are further discussed. Finally, based on the current situation, needs and difficulties of waterlogged wooden cultural relics protection research, three aspects of research that should be prioritized in the future are proposed: 1) To innovate the non-invasion research methods of waterlogged archaeological wood, and establish the evaluation technology and standard system of waterlogged wooden cultural relics. 2) Improve the convenience and reliability of scientific data obtention of waterlogged archaeological wood, and improve the information resources and sharing system construction of waterlogged wooden cultural relics. 3) Construct the structure-properties relationship between the structure and properties of waterlogged archaeological wood, and improve the theoretical system of wood science suitable for waterlogged wooden relics. By further strengthening the evaluation of the preservation state of waterlogged archaeological wood, it can promote the application of new technologies, new methods and new consolidants in the field of waterlogged wooden cultural relics, and provide theoretical basis and technical support for the scientific protection and long-term preservation of wooden cultural relics.

Key words: waterlogged wooden cultural relics, waterlogged archaeological wood, anatomical structure, chemical property, physical property, wooden cultural relics preservation

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