Carbonized Wood from Herculaneum Unveiled in New Exhibition

Over 120 carbonized wooden objects from Herculaneum, preserved by the 79 AD Vesuvius eruption, are on display at the Reggia dei Portici in the Herculaneum Archaeological Park. The exhibition, titled 'Materia. Il legno che non bruciò ad Ercolano,' runs until October 13, 2023. Curated by park director Francesco Sirano and archaeologist Stefania Siano, it features utensils, architectural elements, doors, windows, partitions, cabinets, chests, tabernacles, beds, and tables. The show takes an experiential approach, with sound and light recreating the eruption, a simulated carpenter's workshop using 19th-century tools from the Hebanon collection of the Basile brothers, and displays of ancient woodworking techniques such as mortise-and-tenon joints and finishing with nails and glue. Highlights include fragments from the wooden ceiling of the marble hall in the House of the Relief of Telephus, with traces of colored pigments, and a section on the ancient waterfront with remains of boats, cork, ropes, and leather. The exhibition also connects ancient and modern cabinetry, emphasizing the skills of contemporary Campanian artisans.