In objects conservation: The lab is full of architectural stones as we get ready to reinstall our Nabataean galleries. What you can see in this photo are just a few of the 32 blocks that make up our 1^st-2^nd C CE Nabataean temple façade from Khirbet et-Tannur. You may remember when we worked on this monumental object in 2018 for an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. During the temporary installation at the Met, we realized that a few of the stones would require additional treatment to be completely stable as a built structure in a more permanent exhibition at CAM. The additional treatments largely consist of replacing the missing corners of stones so that each stone has an even and level surface to support its weight when stacked. This treatment to ensure each stone is level and unmoving is essential to ensure stability in the built structure. The blocks that require treatment are currently cycling through the lab, getting plaster-based repairs that will be textured and inpainted to match the surrounding stones. Keep an eye on the blog this year for updates on the reconstruction of this monumental object!

East Facade of Shrine II, 2nd Century CE, Temple of Khirbet et-Tannur/Jordan, Nabataean, stone, Museum Purchase, 1939.223