Hegra Conservation Project

In cultural heritage conservation, accurate and minimally invasive methods for evaluating surface treatments are essential. The 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝 has become a valuable tool for assessing the absorption properties of various materials and monitoring the effectiveness of water-repellent treatments on stone and monumental surfaces. This technique enables conservators to perform analyses directly on-site, eliminating the need for sample extraction and preserving the integrity of the structure. Key applications of the Contact Sponge Method include: - 𝐀𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧: Evaluating how different materials absorb liquids, supporting treatment decisions tailored to each material’s unique properties. - 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Checking surface reaction before and after the application of protective or hydrophobic products. - 𝐈𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬: Conducting assessments directly on the monument, avoiding invasive sample collection and allowing immediate feedback on treatment effectiveness. The Contact Sponge kit provides a straightforward yet effective approach to conservation diagnostics, offering reliable data that supports sustainable treatment plans. This method continues to be instrumental for conservators, ensuring that preservation efforts are both scientifically grounded and minimally invasive, ultimately safeguarding the heritage we aim to protect. #CulturalHeritage #ConservationScience #ContactSpongeMethod #HeritagePreservation #OnSiteAnalysis #ConservationTools #Hegraconservationproject #Hegra #SaudiArabia #Alula

In recent weeks, we have been focusing on an essential component of the Hegra Conservation Project: the 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐔𝐥𝐚 (𝐑𝐂𝐔). These training sessions aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of local professionals, equipping them with scientifically rigorous yet practical methodologies for monitoring and assessing various conservation aspects at the site. The training covers a range of critical areas, including: - Material assessment: Evaluating the condition of stone and other materials on-site - 𝐃𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬: Identifying key forms of deterioration and their underlying causes - 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Recording findings systematically to guide future interventions - 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬: Implementing long-term strategies for conservation management In this video, three RCU conservators 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 from the field, highlighting the initial activities they have undertaken in collaboration with the Estia conservation team. This initiative not only strengthens local expertise but also ensures that the long-term preservation of Hegra's invaluable heritage is led by professionals deeply rooted in the region. #HegraConservation #HeritagePreservation #RCUConservators #CulturalHeritage #CapacityBuilding #Fieldwork #ConservationTraining #hegraconservationproject #saudiarabia

𝑼𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑫𝒊𝒏𝒐-𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑫𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒊𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑫𝒊𝒂𝒈𝒏𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒔 As part of the Hegra Conservation project, the 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐨-𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐞 has been selected as a key tool for 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. These assessments, carried out both before and after treatments in pilot areas, allow us to closely monitor the materials response to these conservation actions, and evaluate the best methodology to mitigate some forms of degradation. This advanced microscope allows us to examine key characteristics, including: - 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 (e.g., porosity and presence of stratifications); - 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (such as cracks, disintegration, detachment, and efflorescence). Given the complexity of the UNESCO Hegra Archaeological site, which contains a variety of material types and degradation patterns, we carefully select inspection points to ensure a comprehensive understanding of all relevant factors. This scientific approach ensures that future interventions are guided by comparable evidence, allowing for the safeguard of these invaluable structures for future generations. 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨: 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲, 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨: 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨: 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐭 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 ________________________________________________________ #HegraConservationProject #HeritageScience #Archaeology #CulturalPreservation #DinoLite #ConservationTech #HeritageConservation #StoneDecay #PreservingHegra #SaudiArabia

As part of the comprehensive study of the state of conservation of Nabataean tombs and monuments within the Hegra archaeological site, and following detailed diagnostic investigations, we are now initiating 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬. These targeted actions are designed to deepen the insights gathered during the analytical phase and provide a robust foundation for future potential conservation efforts. Key considerations in the planning and execution of these tests include: ➡ 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬 that represent the general state of preservation of the tomb or monument. ➡ 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 that might be affected in future interventions. ➡ 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧  requiring mitigation. ➡ 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬, ensuring that testing can be conducted efficiently and without compromising more sensitive surfaces. By testing treatments on these carefully chosen areas, we aim to 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐬, without posing any risk to the more fragile and historically important sections of the monument. This methodical approach will pave the way for informed and sustainable conservation strategies, ensuring that future interventions are based on both 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, all while safeguarding the heritage we aim to preserve. ___________________________________________________________- #hegrafrompasttofuture #hegraconservationproject #conservation #saudiarabia #hegra #pilotnterventions #diagnosticinvestigations #archaeologicalconservation #heritageprotection

With the 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 of work at Hegra, we are preparing to face new challenges at this site of inestimable historical and cultural value. After months of intensive analysis in Italy, our team has further examined the data collected on-site and started to develop detailed graphic surveys, focusing on the state of conservation, decorative elements, materials, and construction techniques. This documentation work will be key to guiding the next steps. We are now entering a crucial phase: 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 will be conducted on sample areas representative of the tombs’ state of conservation. The goal is to verify the effectiveness of the interventions and establish the best practices to ensure the long-term preservation of this unique site. In parallel, we will focus on 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 of the Royal Commission for AlUla and continue 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 of the site. ___________________________________________ #hegra #alula #saudiarabia #conservation #archeology #tomb #secondseason #nabataeans #arabicarchitecture #hegraconservationproject

In these five months, our team has transformed the 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 in the field into 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗽𝘀 using a 𝗴𝗲𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲 with the support of ES srl Progetti e Sistemi. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁? Complete tables for each tomb that illustrate: 👉 decorative elements 👉 constituent materials 👉 execution techniques 👉 state of conservation 👉 previous interventions 👉 location of the analyses done The work starts with the graphic base provided by the Geogra team, on which we add information through the use of different hatches. This allows us to clearly represent the extent of each element and the various scenarios encountered. The goal is to 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 that accompanies the written documentation we already have. #hegrafrompasttofuture #hegraconservationproject #conservation #database #data #restauro #saudiarabia #hegra #maps #unesco

𝕀𝕟𝕤𝕚𝕕𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕒𝕝 🔎 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻   Both the external and internal surfaces (as shown in the photo) of the Nabataean tombs at the Hegra site are affected by a phenomenon of 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴, an area, more or less extensive, with detachment of stone as a scale or a stack of scales. The scaling not follow any stone structure and detaching 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 or parallel to the stone surface. The thickness of a scale is generally of millimetric to centimetric scale. The survey work on the conservation status of the Nabataean tombs has allowed us to observe that this type of deterioration is often accompanied by phenomena of salt efflorescence and exfoliation. #hegrafrompasttofuture #hegraconservationproject #conservation #restauro #saudiarabia #unesco #hegra

Which are the 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 that characterize the tombs of Hegra? #saudiarabia #arabiasaudita #alula #hegra #hegraconservationproject #hegrafrompasttofuture #sandstone #decorationelements #restauro #conservation

The 𝑱𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒕𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒃 massif is located to the northeast of the Hegra site and was the place where a rather extensive and complex 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮 once stood. According to Strabo (1st century BC), it was in this place that the religious confraternities gathered to honor the deity, probably following a religious calendar unknown to us. Indeed, many monuments related to the 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 have been found here. These are mostly small 𝕤𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕤 (often adorned with a central eagle or urn), 𝕓𝕖𝕥𝕪𝕝𝕤 and 𝕟𝕚𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕤 carved into the sandstone and decorated in varying degrees of elaboration, likely 𝑒𝑥-𝑣𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑠 left by both visitors and members of the confraternities that met here, often leaving their names inscribed on the stone. Upon arriving at Jabal Ithlib, one can immediately admire the large hall carved into the rock, known as the 𝑫𝒊𝒘𝒂𝒏, the largest Nabataean 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑢𝑚. Here, audiences with multiple participants from various confraternities likely took place. Participants sat on carpets or mattresses that covered the benches. A shelf placed slightly lower than the bench and still visible was used to serve dishes to the guests. Outside, to the right of the entrance, two basins were carved into the rock for ablutions. Throughout the Jabal Ithlib area, there are numerous Nabataean 𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕔𝕣𝕚𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕖𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕘𝕝𝕪𝕡𝕙𝕤, which are rock carvings made with various sharp tools, depicting caravans, hunters, geometric symbols, and animals. Within Jabal Ithlib, the 𝒘𝒂𝒅𝒊 is also clearly visible—a term in Arabic indicating a valley or dry riverbed where water flows only during brief periods of intense rain—now covered with abundant vegetation. from 𝐿𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑢𝑥 𝑛𝑎𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑒́𝑛𝑠 𝑑𝑒 𝐻𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑎, Nehmé L., Académe des inscriptions et belles-lettres, Paris, 2015   #hegrafrompasttofuture #hegraconservationproject #saudiarabia #restauro #conservation #hegra #unesco

𝕀𝕟𝕤𝕚𝕕𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕒𝕝 🔎   𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀   𝔸𝕔𝕣𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕒, decorative architectural elements placed on the pediments of tombs, exemplify high craftsmanship and attention to detail. Typically, these acroteria include a variety of symbolic figures such as 𝐞𝕒𝐠𝕝𝐞𝕤, 𝐯𝕒𝐬𝕖𝐬, 𝕒𝐧𝕕 𝕤𝐩𝕙𝐢𝕟𝐱𝕖𝐬, each carved with sophisticated techniques that reflect the skill of the stonemasons of the time. The front-facing eagles with outspread wings, often positioned in the centre, are adorned with meticulously carved feathers. The fluting of the lateral vases is equally detailed, demonstrating 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. These initial details are achieved using flat 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘀 and definition 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘀 for the minute features. The finishing process involves the use of 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀, giving the surfaces a smooth and refined finish. A typical example of this attention to detail can be observed in acroteria depicting vases and sphinxes which, being roughly shaped and unfinished, display the early stages of working with signs of 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 and preliminary work done with a 𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗸. The point chisel finishes, with diagonal and parallel lines, are evident beneath the supports of the acroteria, adding further elegance to the overall structure. These decorative details not only demonstrate the extraordinary technical skill of the craftsmen but also lend an elegant and artistic aspect to the acroteria, harmoniously integrating with the funerary architecture and paying tribute to the memory of the deceased with refinement and precision. #hegrafrompasttofuture #hegraconservationproject #restauro #conservation #unesco #hegra #saudiarabia