CAPACITY BUILDING FACULTIES of ARCHAEOLOGY in CAMBODIA

Article: Asia Pacific Memo: The Future of Cambodian Heritage Under China

CBFAC sources what Cambodian archaeology students and instructors need for their laboratories. Alongside, we advocate for more employment opportunities for locals. This organization does not move money but it does gather clean materials (high-quality textbooks, fresh laboratory equipment, clean field supplies and de-mining equipment) and raise money to ship the supplies to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

This is old-fashioned capacity building, directly inspired by the successful work of SOUTHEAST ASIAN ARCHAEOLOGIES (2008-2014) a Canadian-based not-for-profit society with a mandate to facilitate the emergence of ethical archaeological research within Southeast Asia.

To get involved, please review what is needed by clicking on “Supply Lists”. Currently, we are accepting supplies for the Royal University of Fine Arts and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. If you would like to support the shipping of educational and laboratory materials, you can purchase one of the Images on this website in the Gallery.

FOR SCHOOLS

The Royal University of Fine Arts is a university in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Its origins date to the establishment of the École des arts Cambodgiens in Phnom Penh in 1918.

IN THE LAB

Cambodian ceramics specialist Tep Sokha explains to conservators Meas Sopheap (L) and Keo Chansophany (R) the best way to preserve a cracked vase. Cambodia, 2016. Click here to learn about the work of Tep Sokha's students.

IN THE FIELD

Field archaeologists in Cambodia today. These students, from the Royal University of Fine Arts are screening dirt at the site of Ta Prohm. Photo courtesy of Alison Carter.

Click Here to view Cambodia's Royal University of Fine Art's 2021 wish list (of equipment and materials) for the installation of a Metal and Ceramic Restoration Lab.

Click Here to view the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Art's wish list of Supplies for Artifact Conservation and Storage Laboratory (courtesy of Tep Sokha).

““The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”

― Socrates ”

List of equipment and materials for Installation of Metal and Ceramic Restoration Lab: RUFA

DESCRIPTION

Sandblaster machine 2 machines

Cupboard for sandblaster machines 2 cupboards

Vacuum Machine for sandblaster and Abrasive machine 6 machines

Abrasive machine NSK ultimate XL 2 machines

Demineralized water tube (cleaning of objects) 2 tubes

Conductivity meter for salt testing (water used for cleaning) 1 meter

Professional photo camera and accessories (report and documentation) 1 camera

Laptop for database and report (set) 1 laptop

Sand for sandblaster machine (Bags) 10 bags

Zetaplaste (protect organic and fragile remains on objects) 3 boxes

Micro glass balloon (thickening glue and mattify colour)(kg) 3

Talcum Powder ( thickening glue, mattify colour Isolate mold) (kg) 5

Glass fibre (strengthens breakage and mold) (kg) 1

Silicone rubber (making molds of the object) (Boxes) 5 boxes

Rotation wheel (restoration of metal objects and ceramics) 6 wheels

Silica gel (absorb humidity in storing boxes) (kg) 10

Adhesive Paraloid B72, B48(5kg+5kg) (Stabilize and fix breakage) (kg) 10

Araldite B20:20 (stabilize and fix breakage) (Box-set) 3 sets

Epoxy Adhesive(porcelain assembling) (Box) 3 boxes

Miliput(porcelain restoration) (tubes) 3 tubes

Cosmoloid wax H60 (coating, protecting restored objects) 1 box

Acrylic colour (colour on gap filling-plaster) 1 set

Oil colour (colour on gap-filling-resin) 1 set

Painting Brushes (small-big sizes) 5 sets

Cleaning brushes (Princeton brand with plastic handle) 20 brushes

Spatula (small-big sizes) 10

Hairdryer (warming and softening glue) 2

polishing tool for plaster 5

Scalpel handles 20

Scalpel Blades 5 boxes

Masks 10 boxes

Sterile gloves 10 boxes

Dried powder pigment 8

VXB Bearing Electronic LCD Digital Vernier (measurement of ceramic thickness) 5

Grid-book for ceramic drawing (size A3) 10 books

Pencils 5 boxes

Barska Binocular Zoom Stereo Microscope (Magnification: 7x-45x) 1

Mini Pocket Microscope 60x-100x 5

Long foot-bendable table 5 tables

Filling cupboard 4 cupboards

Desk Magnifier 5

Desk Lamps 5 lamps

Electricity outlet connector 5

Glass hanging cupboards 4

Exhaust box system (preferably locally made to protect from dust and chemical toxins) 1

Supply list for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Art’s Conservation Materials and Equipment for Artifact Storage (courtesy of Tep Sokha)

DESCRIPTION

Epoxy for Ceramics Reconstruction 10 sets

Adhesive Acryloid B72 2x 5kg

Cabinets for Ceramics Storage ($190 USD x 6= $1,140 USD for purchase in Cambodia) 6 cabinets

Plastic Boxes for Ceramics (60 mL) 100 boxes

Plastic Boxes for Ceramics (90 mL) 100 boxes

Acetone (10L bottle - 100% pure) 12 bottles

Ethanol (30L bottle) 4 bottles

Thick foam for shelving purposes (protects artifacts on the surface) 50 meters= $375 USD. 50 meters

Face Masks for Dust and Mold Protection 12 boxes

Hand Gloves for protection against chemicals 12 boxes

Hand Machine for element analysis (clay, metal, and stone) 1 machine

Capacity Building Faculties of Archaeology in Cambodia

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?

In areas of particular heritage importance, it is essential that local people have access, expertise and capacity to work with their heritage and to connect with their heritage. Within the UNESCO Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, Article 5e indicates the priority,

"To ensure that effective and active measures are taken for the protection, conservation and presentation of the cultural and natural heritage situated on its territory [here in Cambodia specifically], each State party to this Convention shall endeavour, in so far as possible, and as appropriate for each county: (5e) to foster the establishment or development of national or regional centres for training in the protection, conservation and presentation of the cultural and natural heritage and to encourage scientific research in this field."

Capacity Building Faculties of Archaeology in Cambodia 2020

Our relationships are important, and we accomplish more when we work together. We have a vision of what the world looks like when international agencies give back to local archaeological groups, and it is decent and fair.

This is a great time to get involved! Sharing is not limited to material supplies alone; support and volunteer with local teams and give of yourself. In the About section of this website, you will find a form to participate, whether you are a volunteer, an institute with a surplus of supplies, a private donor, or a faculty of archaeology in need. Complete the contact form at the bottom of this page to get involved.

Thank you.

- Sarah-Kim Holma, Ph.D. Candidate