Wood identification: an overview of current and past methods (original) (raw)
Related papers
2021
The identification of wood through its internal anatomy is a visual exercise at the microscopic level that requires the skill to recognize basic differences in the cell and tissue structure. The identification resorting to microscopy, either light microscopy or scanning electron microscopy, is a procedure demanding dedication, time, technical and economical capacities and the consciousness that wood samples can usually be taxonomic identified to genus (sometimes only to family). Applications of wood identification span out from biology, pharmaceutics, palaeobotany, archaeology and history of art to forensic science and customs, timber industry and structural engineering, industry of decorative arts and conservation and restoration [1]. The methodology used to study wood anatomy requires at least one wood sample with an average size of 1 cm [2-4]. Because of the orientation of the xylem cells in the stem the sections cannot be cut randomly from a wood piece and three plans of orienta...
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSERVATION SCIENCE, 2021
Wood identification through its internal anatomy is a complex and time-consuming process, often leading to taxonomic results at genus level (sometimes only family). The identification of the wood support of artworks contains specific methodological requirements and various limitations that are normally not applied with the common histological methodology. Preparation of wood for microscopic examination requires samples with approximately 1 cm 3. This is a volume that can conflict with ethical issues of intervention, namely the scale of the piece itself, the aesthetic and structural integrity or even the commercial value of the artwork. Because of these, besides other factors such as the presence of metal leaf, polychromies and varnishes, collecting usually becomes impractical. Also, the absence of any crack, fracture or perforation where collecting could be facilitated, or the presence of degraded or already intervened areas allowed for collecting, all contribute to hamper the identification of wooden artworks. In this paper, which is intended mainly for artwork restorers, we describe the alternatives and solutions that were explored to circumvent the limitations on the wood processing for identification, which allowed us to analyse and characterize a set of Flemish 15th century polychromed and gilded sculptures.
Methodologies for dating wooden artefacts
IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 2020
In recent years, constant progress has been made with regard to wood-dating techniques. In Italy, both the number and length of dendrochronological reference chronologies have increased so that by now the last 10,000 years are almost completely covered. This indispensable dating method has provided new ways for studying archaeological and prehistoric finds. New technologies have remarkably improved the sampling techniques, which today, in most cases, are very effective and non-evasive. Modern software now allows easy data management and statistical analyses. Apart from dendrochronology, the diffusion of isotope analysis has also had great impetus. With regard to radiocarbon dating, the calibration curve has been enriched by new data, and several peaks of cosmic emissions have been identified that, in future, can be instrumental in improving dating precision. Apart from radiocarbon, the isotope analyses of O, H and Sr, especially if linked with dendrochronology, allow to refine the information regarding dating and, in many cases, permits to determine the timber's provenance and even to define precisely the environmental conditions for the growth of the tree, from which the wood has been obtained. Today, finally, we can assert that all wood can be dated. Only the precision of dating still varies but constant progress is being made in that regard, too.
The 18th century Portuguese church furniture represents an extraordinary richness recognised worldwide, which demands safeguarding and valorisation. The identification of the wood of furniture artworks is the most important component for its comprehension and preservation. In this work wood anatomical characters of an 18th century Portuguese decorative furniture set from the Colegiada de São Martinho de Cedofeita, in Porto, were analysed to identify the woods used for manufacturing and to clarify their common names. Furthermore, the objectives were to recognise some of the criteria for choice of wood as well as the source of each wood. The woods identified from 16 fragments belong to Apuleia sp., Acacia sp., Neolamarckia sp. and Castanea sativa. Apuleia sp. and Acacia sp. woods most likely arrived from Brazil, while the Neolamarckia sp. woods likely arrived from India and the C. sativa woods from Portugal. The results are in accordance with the known Portuguese colonial sea routes o...
Wood in Cultural Heritage Properties and Conservation of Historical
2017
Wood is one of the most used materials in the human history for the production of artistic works, evidence that reflects not only the availability of wood but also its natural aesthetic qualities. The investigation of wooden artefacts supplies an interesting reference framework for better understanding the technical construction skills of the past and provides concurrently information on the significance of the artefacts, on their values and also on the historical period during which they probably were created. Changes in the structure of the wood can help conservators to know the characteristics of the past storage spaces, giving so indication for better understanding the conservation state evolution during time and to plan the optimal maintenance activities. Anamnesis and diagnosis are indispensable phases in wood restoration and conservation: they should become routine activities. The main aim of this approach is to choose the best intervention as possible in order to allow maint...
Dating of Wooden Heritage Objects in the Gliwice 14C and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory
Radiocarbon
We present case studies on three objects of high importance for cultural heritage in southern Poland, dated in years 2018–2022 at the Gliwice 14C and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory with radiocarbon (14C) and dendrochronology methods. The first was a richly ornamented wooden cane, discovered during excavations on the market in Bytom city. The cane can be associated with medieval court proceedings. The archaeological context indicates the 13th century AD, and the 14C result corresponds perfectly with this time, confirming that it is the oldest object of this type in Poland. The second was a 4-m-tall oak column from St. Leonard Church in Lipnica Murowana, a UNESCO heritage site. The local story said it was previously devoted to Światowid, a pagan deity. Our analysis excluded the pre-Christian age, as the tree was felled no earlier than the late 15th century, which is in agreement with historical records. The third was a wooden Saint Lawrence Church in Bobrowniki. The presbytery was cover...