2019 Khirbet Ataruz

Stefanie Elkins-Bates (Visual Art, Communication & Design)

Architectural Models of Khirbet ‘Ataruz Conservation and Restoration Project

This grant will support the conservation and restoration of seven architectural models from the archaeological site of Khirbet ‘Ataruz, an Iron Age site in the country of Jordan. These models were brought to the Horn Archaeological Museum at Andrews University three years ago and have been undergoing cleaning and repair work. This grant will allow for the completion of the restoration process, primarily that of the largest architectural model – a nearly two foot tall cult stand that is covered with painted and modeled artistic motifs. In addition to assisting in restoration, the grant will cover the designing and building of supports for the models so they may be properly and safely displayed when they are returned to Jordan. Lastly, this grant will allow the applicant to travel back to Jordan with the models and oversee their installation at the Madaba Archaeology Museum, which will be their permanent home. Once in Jordan, I will provide educational materials about architectural models for the museum as well as help train the museum staff on how to care for the artifacts.