Bunce Island Slave Fort

The Bunce Island Slave Fort was one of the main suppliers of slave labor to the rice industry in the British colonies of South Carolina and Georgia. It is considered one of the most significant historic sites in Africa for the United States. The island was settled by slave traders around 1670, though the existing buildings are thought to date to the 18th century.

Location

Sierra Leone

Architect & Date

Unknown,17th century

Client

Atkinson-Noland Associates

Services Provided

ICR conducted an initial needs assessment of the materials at the ruins of the Slave Fort on Bunce Island in Sierra Leone. The assessment will contribute to a Conservation Master Plan developed for the site. 

• On site sampling of representative substrates and surface finishes

• Initial assessment of conservation needs

• Thick section analysis

• Coordination & interpretation of advanced analysis

ICR conducted an initial needs assessment of the materials at the ruins of the Slave Fort on Bunce Island in Sierra Leone. The assessment will contribute to a Conservation Master Plan developed for the site.

A conditions survey was conducted for a general understanding of the masonry on the site. Samples from each building were taken for laboratory analysis. Material characterization of several samples was performed for the overall documentation and interpretation of the masonry.

The information gained from the materials analysis could be used to create compatible replication mixes of the different historic stuccos and mortars for use as repair materials in future conservation efforts.