ANTHROPOMORPHIC WOODEN RELIQUARIES: AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO RESTORATION

Abstract

Two wood anthropomorphic reliquaries, belonging to Lipsanoteca of Epiphany Church, Trapani (Italy), were restored following procedures based on an interdisciplinary approach. The historic-artistic contextualization, constitutive materials and executive techniques were defined. Degradation events were correlated to physical-chemical factors, with particular attention to biodeteriogens. Insect infestation was revealed, by optical (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of rosume and insect body remains, Anobium punctatum was identified. Microbial colonization was revealed and characterized by an integrated approach based on OM (Lugol’s staining), in vitro culture and molecular investigation (microbial DNA extraction, PCR in vitro amplification, DNA sequences analysis). Cleaning and integrations ad hoc performed on both S. Devorino and S. Cosmo reliquaries have brought the artworks to their cultural extraordinary value putting in evidence their peculiarities. Finally the relics of S. Devorino (human bone) and S. Cosmo (teeth) were analysed through visual investigation, finding them in a good state of preservation.