A fusion of archaeology and conservation: Painted clay-covered basketry from the American Southwest

Conservators and archaeologists share an interest in technology. For the archaeologist, technology may be viewed as prehistoric problem solving. For example, technology enables constructions for shelters, food gathering, and keeping warm. For the conservator, technology illustrates artistry or craftsmanship during the manipulation of materials. Both the archaeologist and the conservator are aware, no doubt, that technological style reflects social choice. This article illustrates how the study methods of the conservator can extract and preserve, as well as clarify, the particular technologies presented in very fragmentary material remains and address some of the comparative and interpretive issues associated with prehistoric societies.