Pozo Moro Monument

Protohistory and Colonisations Department

Iberian culture. 6th century BCSalto de línea Necropolis of Pozo Moro, Chincilla de Monte-Aragón (Albacete)Salto de línea Media: Sandstone

In the galleries dedicated to Iberian archaeology visitors can contemplate the funerary monument of Pozo Moro, restored for the museum's grand reopening. In the years while remodelling was underway, the monument was taken apart, studied, restored and reassembled in its new location. The conclusions of a team of experts convened for this purpose has led to a reinterpretation of the monument and changes to its final appearance.Salto de línea T

aking the monument apart allowed us to measure and weigh each ashlar and assess its condition. Tool marks and signs of quarrying and construction activity were also documented. Each ashlar was labelled and packed up to be shipped to the Spanish Cultural Heritage Institute (IPCE) for restoration.

The following conservation problems were detected: biological attack, adhered and loose deposits (dust), soot stains, flaking, fissures, cracks and erosion. The restoration process involved mechanical and chemical cleaning, disinfection, adhesion, sealing, consolidation, etc. Existing reintegrations were evened out and restored to the original colour. Large gaps were filled with textured, polychromed blocks of expanded polystyrene. The scientific reinterpretation of the monument pointed to the possible existence of a second storey with lions, and several felines were therefore crafted from the same material.

This project was handled by two restoration companies. The monument was taken apart and reassembled by ARTELAN S.L. via the UTE MAN consortium and under the supervision of experts from the MAN and the SGME (Deputy Directorate-General of State Museums). The actual restoration work was performed by ARTYCO S.L., supervised and hired for this purpose by the IPCE. (The photographs shown here were taken by both companies)Salto de línea