Conservation of the Skeleton of the Palaeoloxodon antiquus Forest Elephant (aged 80 000–100 000) from the Collection of District Museum in Konin – the Research and Conservation Practice

Abstract

The article presents the exploratory and conservation-wise problematic aspects of the bones obtained from the skeleton of a forest elephant Palaeoloxodon antiquus (Falconer & Cautley, 1847), that lived during the Eemian Interglacial period 80–100
000 years ago. This preserved skeleton, currently in the collection of District Museum in Konin, is particularly valuable due to being one of the largest skeletons in Europe that remained almost complete. The necessity of undertaking conservation processes has been caused by the poor state of its preservation – partly because of degradation of the materials applied during conservation in the 80s of the 20th century and later on, as well as numerous bone tissue damages; there also emerged a possibility of using materials and treatments improving value of the object, aesthetically and exhibition-wise. The publication presents the history of the skeleton and its conservation, the condition, the outline of its bone structure, and the results of instrumental research (ATR-FTIR) of derivative materials composition. Moreover, it shows the assumptions for and course of conservation and restoration works. The performed procedures allowed to stabilize the skeleton, reduce formation of new cracks and cavities, and to restore didactic and exhibition value, enabling the skeleton to be returned to a permanent museum exhibition. The works were twice awarded the 1st prize in the category – conservation and protection of cultural heritage in the prestigious competition Museum Event of the Year “Izabella 2018” and “Izabella 2019” organized by the Wielkopolska Museum Foundation under the patronage of the Marshal of the Wielkopolska Province.