Preservation and Consolidating of Tablets using Enhanced Clay Mortar

Long before humans began using clay to produce tablets, they utilized this natural substance as a fundamental building material. The presence of clay throughout history has undeniably played a significant role in the advancement and evolution of architecture, serving as a tangible representation of human civilization and urbanization. As we delve further into the past, the significance and utilization of clay as a building material become increasingly apparent. Numerous civilizations have thrived by employing clay in the construction of their settlements, liberating themselves from a mobile lifestyle. It is undeniable that this transformation began when humans comprehended the nature of the soil, combining it with water and harnessing the malleability of clay to provide shelter and fulfill various life necessities. While discussing the historical context of this research, it is not incorrect but rather inevitable to mention the use of clay materials. The intellectual foundation of inventing clay tablets for writing and chronicles stems from the deep-rooted familiarity and mental background of humans with such materials. This natural element possesses superior construction features and other remarkable capabilities, which mankind has benefited from. Clay's easy accessibility, simplicity in preparation, economic efficiency, suitable plasticity, favorable flexibility, and balanced mechanical behavior have all contributed to its valuable position. Consequently, humans began to doubtlessly utilize clay as a tool for recording and transmitting words, leaving no room for ambiguity. It was the experience gained from creating clay shelters that laid the groundwork for human knowledge in creating tablets.
       Nevertheless, despite their status as ancient and trustworthy historical records, clay tablets are known for their vulnerability. These artifacts have distinct and unparalleled characteristics that set them apart from other documents. Unlike many other historical records, these tablets remain unaltered, rich in content, and cover a wide range of contents. No other works can provide as accurate a glimpse into the past as these tablets do. Despite their simplicity and unassuming nature, clay tablets are prone to rapid and irreversible damage. The very simplicity that makes the preparation method advantageous for tablets and other clay artifacts also serves as their weakness. Restorers often feel anxious and uncertain when dealing with clay tablets due to their delicate nature. Rather than being excited by the prospect of restoring these artifacts, the sensitivity and uncertainties of protection make it a cause for concern. It is important to note that the level of protection required for an object depends on the object itself. Even simple objects require careful and smooth protection methods. However, experience has shown that clay artifacts, particularly tablets, often require more treatment than extreme interventions, unless necessary. The primary aim of this study is to explore alternative protection techniques that can be used to reinforce clay tablets, in addition to the traditional methods. The focus is on developing simpler, more adaptable, and reversible methods that can effectively address the two most common types of damage that occur in clay materials. The repair of cracks and prevention of splattering are the anticipated outcomes that are expected to be achieved through this protective approach, enabling the treatment of damaged clay tablets. When presenting the proposed methods for rehabilitating and strengthening these damaged tablets, it is believed that the focus of protection planning should be on “clay”, which serves as the primary component of the tablets. There is an opportunity to employ methods that can offer different forms of protection without significant interference while preserving the authenticity of the object. To accomplish the objectives of enhancing protective interventions, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the construction characteristics of the tablets and identify suitable materials for consolidation. However, it should be noted that improving the protective conditions of the tablets does not solely rely on the use of consolidating materials; it may also be required to implement further   measures and adjustments in the storage procedures of the tablets.
       A considerable amount of the tablets acquired thus far exhibit various degrees of damage and require consolidation. The prevalent vulnerabilities that afflict tablets are fractures, cracks, and ruptures. The extent of these weaknesses is contingent upon both structural factors, such as the nature and quality of production, as well as non-structural factors, including conditions before and following excavations. The neglect of necessary conservation can lead to astonishing levels of damage and deterioration in tablets. Tablets inherently have a rudimentary and fragile composition. In addition to their raw nature, they often lack proper processing and preparation, further complicating the task of consolidation. Moreover, the place where these tablets are positioned can potentially heighten their demise.
       These conservation challenges present significant obstacles. To leave these tablets vulnerable to known defects would be to willingly accept the risk and allow destructive factors to further exacerbate the damage. The conventional methods of consolidating clay tablets, such as firing or polymer stabilization, each have their advantages and disadvantages. Considering the tablets' immense importance and reliability, as well as their delicate protection requirements, it is necessary to explore alternative approaches that can effectively preserve and reinforce these primitive artifacts. These methods should align better with the tablets, incorporate protective measures, and offer simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and reduced risk. Conventional methods for consolidating tablets can be damaged due to their irreversible nature or intricate reversibility. In terms of maintenance conditions and consolidation quality, an objective approach is required to establish improved conditions for tablets. This approach should incorporate reforms and innovations that draw upon the conservation experiences of clay materials.
       Indeed, this study adopts a pragmatic approach to address a specific issue and provide a solution. It aims to answer the central question through inductive reasoning, which involves examining individual components and extrapolating to the entire system. The research methodology relies on the experimental method and employs a combined approach that includes bibliographic sources, laboratory experiments, and surveys. The primary focus is to investigate the role and impact of protective experiences involving clay materials in optimizing the process of consolidating tablets. The hypothesis is that by introducing innovative techniques and interventions in the conservation process, it is feasible to enhance the preservation of these clay artifacts, making them easier and safer. The enhancement of clay Tablets (as sensitive factors) has been taken into account through the implementation of reinforcing materials, along with the alteration of the upkeep technique (as influential factors) for consolidation purposes.
       The utilization of reinforced clay mortar, comprising of primary clay (as the main component for the tablets), stirred clay (naturally stabilized soil associated with the nest of a swallow species), boiled palm trunk chaff, leaf, and ash, represents an endeavor to establish optimal protective conditions through the implementation of two techniques: seaming and framing. The hypothesis that clay materials can be protected and optimized through the use of additives and natural and artificial reinforcement is based on a century's worth of knowledge and experience, spanning from ancient times to the present day. The research conducted on this hypothesis has yielded credible results.