Das Kultbäumchen von Manching

Neurestaurierung und Rekonstruktion (Teil I)

Abstract

The golden “cult tree” of Manching – New restoration and reconstruction (part I)

The „cult tree” is part of a group of ritual objects which can be dated into the 3rd century B.C. It was found within the archaeological area of an important celtic Oppidum near Manching in Bavaria. The sculpture represents a tree with one single branch and leaves, which was completely covered with gold foil. When first restored in 1986, the original parts of the gold foil had been fixed on a wooden base, which had begun to shrink as a result of mechanical stress and climatic changes in the exhibition rooms. Severe damage had made a new restoration necessary. In the course of the conservation work some new aspects could be found out on how the original might have looked alike. A reconstruction now shows the possible original appearance of this unique object.