2026 Greece Zakynthos: Introduction to the Conservation of Metal Artifacts (4 US Semester Credits Units)

Location: Zakynthos, Greece

Season: June 7, 2026 to June 20, 2026

Application Deadline: April 10, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://anthroctr.org/program/2026-greece-zakynthos-metal/

Discount for AIA members: None

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Anthropocene Research Center & Balkan Heritage Foundation

Project Director:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Christos Karydis (Ionian University, Greece), Dr. Angela Pencheva (Balkan Heritage Foundation, Bulgaria) & Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou (Barcelona University )

Project Description:

The program provides students with intensive training in ethnographic metal conservation. This program is designed for students who are considering a career in conservation and provides focused, in depth training for the study, conservation, preservation, mounting, and reconstruction of one type of ethnographic artifact – metals. This is a hands-on program, and we will cover both theory and practice of metal conservation.

Students will be guided through the history and technology of ecclesiastical, historical, and ethnographic metal objects and consequent stages of their study, conservation, and documentation. Students will explore the principles of material conservation, including methods and theories. To better understand structure and materials, students will learn how to use analytical instruments, including optical microscopy, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Students will learn how to operate and interpret results. During the program, students will work with authentic objects and replicas of metal artifacts of various types and sizes.

This program focuses on metal object conservation. It will cover the following modules:
• Introduction to Chemistry for Conservators
• History of Ethnographic and Archaeological Metal Artifacts
• Construction Technology of Ethnographic and Archaeological Metal Artifacts
• Introduction to Interventive Conservation Treatments of Metal
• Conservation Techniques and Materials of Metal: 1) Iron; 2) Copper; 3) Copper Alloys
• Physicochemical Analyses of Metal: XRF, XRD & Raman analysis
• Preventive Conservation & Handling of Metal. Conditions and Materials of Storage or Exposure of Metal
• Environmental Conditions of Interventive or Preventive Conservation. Methods and Materials of in situ Conservation of Metal

This program takes place at the labs of the Department of the Environment at the Ionian University, on the Greek Island of Zakynthos.

Period(s) of Occupation: Late Antiquity

Notes:
Tuition is $4,568; Earn 4 Semester Credit Units (equivalent to 6 Quarter Credit Units) through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Full session

Experience Required: 18 years old

Room and Board Arrangements:
This program provides accommodations & breakfast during weekdays only. Students are responsible for all other meals. There are plenty inexpensive and mid-range local restaurants at Zakynthos that offer a typical three-course Greek meal.

Academic Credit:
Earn 4 Semester Credit Units (equivalent to 6 Quarter Credit Units) through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College