From Collections Management to Conservation: An Internship Experience in Saint-Denis
As part of the Master 1 in Archaeology and Preventive Conservation – Jaussen & Savignac Programme (Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and the Royal Commission for AlUla), Faisal Sawlan completed an internship at the Saint-Denis Archaeological Unit (UASD), which notably hosts the UTICA laboratory – Unit for the Treatment and Information of Archaeological Conservation.
This experience gave him the opportunity to discover first-hand the different stages involved in the management, documentation and conservation of archaeological objects discovered in Saint-Denis, covering a period ranging from Prehistory to the contemporary era.
During his internship, Faisal took part in several activities related to collections management, including object registration, sorting and classification, ceramic identification, and the repackaging of archaeological material. These different tasks enabled him to gain a better understanding of the challenges involved in managing archaeological collections and monitoring objects over the long term.
He also discovered the UASD's conservation areas and storage facilities, where he was able to observe professional practices in conservation and restoration carried out within the UTICA laboratory.
With a particular interest in archaeological glass, Faisal was able to examine several restored objects and exchange with professionals about the specific issues involved in their conservation, treatment and handling.
This experience represented an important stage in his training. It enabled him to put into practice the knowledge acquired during his Master 1 and to develop practical skills in collections management, documentation, packaging and preventive conservation.
Through this type of internship, the Jaussen & Savignac Programme gives its students the opportunity to connect academic teaching with the professional realities of heritage and archaeological conservation.
The Jaussen & Savignac Programme would like to thank the Saint-Denis Archaeological Unit and the UTICA laboratory for welcoming Faisal and for their contribution to the practical training of the programme's students.
