Human Artefacts in Antarctica – Treasure to be Conserved or Junk to be Removed?

Abstract

The question generating this report was perceived by the syndicate to be a limited question as it is couched in very black and white terms with no middle ground indicated. There was considerable debate concerning the definitions and assumptions and the emotive tone Of the question. Due to the possibility of the wide scope Of the question, the bulk Of the artefacts discussed will be those of the Ross Sea Region with reference to Other Antarctic where appropriate. Several definitions concerns were raised from research into the question. The following definitions will provide clarity. Artefacts are movable historic items Of all descriptions that are directly associated with an Antarctic expedition, and which were taken to Antarctica for consumption or use there, or were created by members of an expedition while in the Antarctic. 1 Conservation refers to the professional preservation techniques involved in maintaining an artefacts structural and contextual integrity. Conservation is about doing reversible 'repairs' to an Object and does not include restoration where new permanent materials may be adhered to the artefact, Conservation aims to minimize avoidable loss or decay Of an area, site, or associated artefact. Rubbish 2 refers to an item which . Is in such poor condition that it is not reasonably possible to conserve it 2. Has a limited life if left untreated Does not contribute in any significant way to Our understanding Of the human history of Antarctica 3. Does not contribute to the visual qualities Of the site or building of which it is a part 4. 5 Is not a unique or relatively rare item Junk refers to any item that is regarded as Of little value. Rubbish is junk. 3 Treasure refers to items that are valued for their uniqueness, rarity, associations, and emotional attachment, Relic refers to a part or a fragment of an object left after the rest has decayed. Any Object valued as a being a memorial or souvenir of the past, including corpses. The question generating this report was perceived by the syndicate to be a limited question as it is couched in very black and white terms with no middle ground indicated. There was considerable debate concerning the definitions and assumptions and the emotive tone Of the question. Due to the possibility of the wide scope Of the question, the bulk Of the artefacts discussed will be those of the Ross Sea Region with reference to Other Antarctic where appropriate. Several definitions concerns were raised from research into the question. The following definitions will provide clarity. Artefacts are movable historic items Of all descriptions that are directly associated with an Antarctic expedition, and which were taken to Antarctica for consumption or use there, or were created by members of an expedition while in the Antarctic. 1 Conservation refers to the professional preservation techniques involved in maintaining an artefacts structural and contextual integrity. Conservation is about doing reversible 'repairs' to an Object and does not include restoration where new permanent materials may be adhered to the artefact, Conservation aims to minimize avoidable loss or decay Of an area, site, or associated artefact. Rubbish 2 refers to an item which . Is in such poor condition that it is not reasonably possible to conserve it 2. Has a limited life if left untreated Does not contribute in any significant way to Our understanding Of the human history of Antarctica 3. Does not contribute to the visual qualities Of the site or building of which it is a part 4. 5 Is not a unique or relatively rare item Junk refers to any item that is regarded as Of little value. Rubbish is junk. 3 Treasure refers to items that are valued for their uniqueness, rarity, associations, and emotional attachment, Relic refers to a part or a fragment of an object left after the rest has decayed. Any Object valued as a being a memorial or souvenir of the past, including corpses.