SCYTHIAN SWORD FROM SLOVIANSK. RESTORATION AND DESCRIPTION

Abstract

Despite the fact that Scythian weapons are quite typical, well studied and there is a large number of published samples, each new artifact becomes an interesting model for scientists and museum workers. That is why the sword this paper is focused on has received considerable attention from researchers, museum workers and restorers. This article describes the sword before its restoration. The sword has a zoomorphic volute-like top with «eyes» at the base. There is a beak or claws in the broken contours of the volutes. There are two grooves on the rectangular handle, as well as transverse relief lines. At a somewhat asymmetrical triangular intersection there is a notch in the base. The triangular blade also has five narrow lengthwise grooves. Its length was 73.5 cm. The blade is incomplete so that the initial length can be assumed to be about 80 cm. The entire surface of the sword is covered with corrosion layers of different intensity. The article provides a step-by-step description of the study and restoration of the sword. An X-ray examination conducted at the E. O. Paton Electric Welding Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine resulted with radioscopic and radiographic images of the sword. The restoration of the sword was carried out by the artist-restorer of metal works Victor Holub, who also fulfilled a professional inspection of the subject, reconservation, consolidation of certain areas of the sword. These works continued the conservation of the sword in 2017. But after two years of exposure (since 2018), the sword began to get damaged again. Therefore, all cracks were again treated with an acidified solution based on tannin. Processing was done in several steps with 6 hours intervals. After that, all treated areas were impregnated with a polymer solution. The surface of the sword was covered with a layer of preservative. Cracks and some parts of the sword were also masticated. The article also provides recommendations for further correct storage of the sword including a stable temperature-humidity regime (18—20 °C, and humidity not more than 20 %) and protection against mechanical influences as well as some recommendations for materials for showcases to exhibit the sword.