Core Insights - The Chengdu Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology has made significant breakthroughs in the preservation technology of ivory artifacts from the Sanxingdui site, allowing for public display in museums soon [1][2] Group 1: Preservation Challenges - The preservation of ivory artifacts is particularly challenging due to their fragile nature and susceptibility to decay after being buried for over 3,000 years [1] - Despite the discovery of over 700 ivory pieces from six sacrificial pits at Sanxingdui, very few have been displayed in museums due to their deteriorated condition [1] Group 2: Technological Advancements - A collaborative effort involving nine research institutions has led to the development of key preservation techniques, including on-site protection and dehydration reinforcement [2] - The newly developed techniques have successfully extracted and reinforced ivory artifacts, enhancing their strength to meet museum display standards [2] Group 3: Future Prospects - The application of these preservation techniques is currently being demonstrated with the ivory artifacts from both Sanxingdui and the Jinsha site, with one reinforced piece already on display at the Chengdu Archaeological Center [2] - There is optimism that visitors will soon be able to see the newly unearthed ivory artifacts at the Sanxingdui Museum [2]

Core Insights - A batch of ancient ivory from the Sanxingdui site in Sichuan has been uncovered, revealing the challenges of preserving these artifacts that hold significant cultural value [1][2] Preservation Techniques - The ivory exhibits a water-saturated state with poor quality, characterized by numerous cracks and holes, resulting from prolonged exposure to high groundwater levels and microbial activity [1] - The preservation team has developed a new gel material with high permeability and compatibility for the dehydration and reinforcement of the ivory, utilizing a natural penetration and room temperature drying technique [1][2] - This innovative method allows for gradual and uniform penetration into the ivory structure, preventing damage during the dehydration process and maintaining structural integrity [1] Restoration Process - After dehydration, the strength of the ivory significantly improves, allowing for the repair of broken pieces using a specially selected adhesive that is compatible, durable, and reversible [2] - The restoration process involves carefully reassembling broken ivory fragments to restore their original form, followed by applying a protective coating to shield the ivory from environmental factors [2] - The preserved ivory provides valuable material for studying ancient Shu civilization, including aspects of religious rituals, social life, trade, and ecological conditions of the time [2]