To Set The Scene

Subject to the Wreck and Salvage Law, as non-commercial divers and under certain conditions, we are allowed to recover artefacts from the seabed and shipwrecks. Licensing may be needed for the use of lift bags. However, more minor artefacts can be retrieved by hand. It’s important to note that any artefacts recovered, regardless of size, should be reported to the Receiver of Wreck. The Receiver of Wreck is responsible for determining the ownership of the artefacts and ensuring they are properly recorded and preserved. So yes, items can be recovered, but there is also the consideration of preservation that is an essential factor.

Archaeology, in its essence, is the study of the past through the examination of physical remains left behind by people. These remains, such as tools, buildings, pottery, bones, and other artefacts, are not just objects but windows into our history. They tell a story, and the decisions we make about whether to leave an artefact in situ or to recover it carry a significant weight, especially when considering the cost of recovery and preservation.

I learned this when I joined the Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS) a few years back. The NAS is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting the preservation of underwater cultural heritage through education and research. To join, you need to complete two learning modules. Preserving cannon balls is part of one module to demonstrate the concept of archaeology, as cannon balls degrade quickly when out of the water. Arguably, if one is not going  to the expense of preservation, the artefacts should remain in situ. With this in mind, I write this article, following this picture and commend it on social media recently.

The Social Media Post

Preserving Iron Cannonballs - Archaeology Concepts

My cannon balls in my dive shop window have begun to crack. Does anyone know if there is a special cream I can use to apply to my cannon balls or do I just have to accept that this just comes with age?

Education Is Key

I’m not here to criticise or chastise but to inform and educate. As we can see from these two cannonball artefacts, they are irrevocably destroyed. Not only to the diver who recovered the items, an archaeology shame to have lost two pieces of time. So before you take an underwater find to the surface, consider the legal aspects and what preservation will be needed. Regarding these cannon balls, it is more complex than one would think. Sometimes, it maybe better to let the artefect remain.

Preservation Techniques

Preserving all artefacts is a critical aspect of archaeological conservation that demands attention and expertise. These artefacts, often unearthed from battlefields or shipwrecks, provide invaluable insights into historical warfare and maritime practices. However, the inherent nature of iron makes these cannonballs susceptible to corrosion and deterioration over time. Novice or experienced archaeologists and divers must be passionate about techniques to preserve these relics effectively. First and foremost, proper cleaning is essential to remove any surface debris without damaging the artefact. Following this, stabilisation treatments using specialised solutions can halt further corrosion processes.

Additionally, careful storage in controlled environments ensures that temperature and humidity levels remain optimal for preservation. We must recognise the significance of preserving iron cannonballs as historical objects integral to our cultural heritage. By implementing robust conservation strategies, we can safeguard these artefacts for future generations to thoroughly study and appreciate their historical context.

Additional Notes

  • Artefact-Specific Adjustments: Each artefact has unique characteristics and requires tailored approaches. The extent of corrosion, size, and historical significance might dictate deviations from this general guideline.
  • Professional Consultation: Consult with professional conservators specialising in marine archaeology for advanced preservation techniques or challenging cases.
  • Documentation: Keep detailed records of all steps, including water testing results, treatment methods, and materials used, for future reference or additional research.

In Conclusion

The delicate process of preserving any artefact, whether an iron cannonball, ceramic, or bottle recovered from the seabed, is a responsibility we all share. The glaze on ceramics will become dust. This preservation process involves stabilising the material, a crucial step that requires us to be informed and aware of the technical aspects of artifact preservation, such as the need to remove harmful salts, and preventing further corrosion. My takeaway from the NAS modules was backing up the concept of archaeology. Removing an artefact that is only to be destroyed without preservation should be left in situ. In the NAS learning module, a cast iron cannon ball is used as an example with time-lapse to show the degradation over time. Even pottery and ceramics need to be preserved, and a top tip is to put ceramics in a toilet system. That’s a cracking idea that someone told me to continue the salt leaching process with continuous fresh water. That is, with no Blue Loo!