PANJIM: For the first time in India, Goa’s Archives and Archaeology Department has attempted to use micro air abrasion (MAAT), an Italian technology to clean ‘Archaeological Antiquities’, which will help conservation of ancient artifacts.
MAAT, a technology used worldwide by archaeologists, has replaced the traditional conservation method of sand blasting for antiquities like wooden, stone objects and cannons. As a pilot project, the technology has been used for cleaning antiquities from the historical monuments such as Cabo-de-Rama fort, Reis Magos fort and Khorjuem fort amongst others.
A senior official said the technology of micro air abrasion is currently used in India in the industrial sector for cleaning heavy machinery. “Goa is the first State in the country to try the technology for cleaning archaeological antiquities,” the official said, adding that the project, which was launched a month back, is nearing completion.
As many as 75 archaeological antiques are being cleaned under the project through Pune- based company Rajeshwari Electro Fab. The State has around 51 protected monuments.
Official said sand blasting technology has been traditionally used to clean antiques, but over the years, it has been found to be detrimental. “MAAT is safer and will help in conserving their objects for a longer period,” the official said.
Considering the project impact, the department may consider replicating it to antiques from other monuments.
Meanwhile, the department is in process of tendering restoration work of Cabo-de-Rama fort. The fort, which has been dropped from the ‘Adopt a Heritage Scheme’, will be taken up for restoration under Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY).
The department is also in the process of undertaking restoration of Khorjuem and Sanquelim forts.
