During this past spring, the Parsons Conservation Laboratory undertook an unusual collaborative project with the University of Georgia to repair a 35,000-year old whale fossil.
The fossilized left lower jaw bone of an Atlantic Grey Whale was discovered in 2006 off the Georgia coast, about 45 miles Southeast of Savannah. The UGA team lead by Dr. Ervan Garrison, Dr. Scott Noakes, and Greg McFall, excavated the fossil from its underwater burial in summer 2008 with assistance from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The fossil was transported to Athens, where it was washed, dried, and cleaned in preparation for assembly. UGA scientists identified and dated the fossil, now recognized as the oldest Grey Whale specimen yet found on the Atlantic coast and the first from Georgia, thereby extending the historic record for this species, outdating the oldest fossil find by over 20 millennia. Although the Atlantic species has been extinct for centuries, the Gray Whale currently migrates along the North American Pacific coast.
Unique collaboration
The UGA team contacted the Carlos Museum for guidance in joining the many fossil fragments. Conservator Renee Stein suggested that the project be coordinated as a collaboration involving students from both universities. Emory seniors Lauren Appelbaum and Rebekah Cordiero as well as UGA senior Nicki Bertsch assisted with all aspects of the project including research, treatment, and packing. Volunteers Shannon Brogdon-Grantham (Spelman 09) and Marie Bydlinski (GSU 09) also participated in the documentation and treatment. Atlanta-based conservator Kate Singley, who specializes in underwater objects, consulted on the project.
Behind the scenes
The whale fossil was treated to promote both structural stability and visual unity by rejoining fragments and filling cracks. The fragments were first documented with digital images and line drawings to record the fossil's condition, including breaks and other losses. These images also capture details about the bone's morphology, such as inner cavities and vascular networks. Having been rinsed and dried by the excavation team, the fragile fragments of bone were consolidated with acrylic resin upon arrival at the Carlos. The fragments were then rejoined using acrylic resin bulked with paper pulp. Stainless steel pins were inserted between large fragments to support the repairs. Selected gaps were filled with putty made of the same acrylic resin and paper pulp. These fills were recessed slightly and toned with acrylic emulsion paint to correspond with adjacent fossil surfaces. Lauren Appelbaum (EC '09) notes, "I feel very lucky to have gotten a chance not only to work with this amazing artifact but also to have partnered up with UGA for the project. [W]e were able to learn a lot from each other which allowed us to carry out the most effective treatment of the fossil. “
The fossil is now safely stored at UGA, where future steps include professional photography, publication of research, as well as possible molding and casting to create an accurate replica for study and display. Dr. Garrison, UGA Professor of Geology and Anthropology, noted, “We acknowledge... all [of Emory’s] excellent work in preparing this fossil find for publication and ultimate display. The importance of this collaboration cannot be understated."
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Image (Top): Dr. Scott Noakes, Dr. Ervan Garrison, Lauren Appelbaum (EC '09) and Nicki Bertsch (UGA '09) unpacked the fossil fragments in the Parsons Conservation Laboratory.
Image (Bottom): Rebekah Cordiero (EC '09) and Lauren Appelbaum (EC '09) consolidate the fragile fossil surface.
