ANTHROPOMORPHIC WOODEN RELIQUARIES FROM KNOWLEDGE TO RESTORATION

Abstract

Two wood anthropomorphic reliquaries, belonging to the Lipsanoteca of Epiphany Church in Trapani (Italy) were restored following the consevative restoration procedures based on an interdisciplinary approach. The hystoric-artistic contextualization, the constitutive materials and executive techniques were defined and physical-chemical-biological factors involved in degradation events were evaluated. The Saints relic (human bone or teeth), present in each reliquary were analysed through visual investigation. After restoration, the manufacts showed their peculiarities and their extraordinary cultural value.