RE-ESTABLISHING CONTEXT OF "ORPHANED" MUSEUM OBJECTS THROUGH SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION. A CASE STUDY FROM THE MUSEUM OF JORDANIAN HERITAGE

Abstract

Many objects in museum collections have no or inadequate information on their origin and archaeological evidence. These objects which are classified as unprovenanced or "Orphaned" represent a big ethical and technical challenge for the museums. Re-establishing the context of these objects by scientific research proves to be the best option for museums. This study main aim is to present a testing protocol that can be used to reestablish the context and determining the provenance of unprovenanced museum objects. The testing protocol was applied on a rare copper-based cauldron from the collection of the Museum of Jordanian Heritage. The object rough date, function, provenance and manufacturing technology were determined by employing an array of scientific techniques: Optical microscopy inductively coupled plasma, optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), reflected microscopy and lead isotopes analysis. The obtained results enabled the museum to transfer the object from the neglect of the storeroom to its main exhibition hall.