| Abstract: |
The first laboratories for sculptures and metals in Cambodia were established in the 1960s by French specialists in Siem Reap, and later at the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. In the first part of this paper, a short overview is given about the restoration and conservation work in archaeology and art in Cambodia. In the second part, restoration of newly discovered metal artifacts from Prohear in Prey Veng province at the Metal Restoration Laboratory of the Memot Centre for Archaeology in Phnom Penh are taken as an example. At present, restoration and conservation of archaeological artifacts is done in different laboratories by Cambodian specialists, who were trained abroad in co-operation with conservators from other countries. Although the working conditions are difficult due to the humid climate, confined space and insufficient laboratory equipment, the archaeological artifacts in Cambodia are much better preserved and prepared for exhibitions than ever before.
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