Preserving Intangible Heritage through Tangible Finds: The “Skull with Ears”—Santa St. Luciella ai Librai’s Church (Naples, Italy)

The present study reports the conservative first aid concerning human cranium known as “Skull with Ears”, which is conserved in crypt of Santa Luciella ai Librai’s church Naples, Italy. These remains have historically been worshipped by devotees within cult “abandoned souls”. skulls were “adopted” Neapolitan population and treated particular care exchange for divine favors. critical preservation status ears” required a multidisciplinary approach aimed at defining taphonomy anthropological features cranium, while determining state its conservation using multi-analytical approach. Multispectral imaging, 3D modeling, X-ray microscopical observations, microbiological tests enabled documentation assessing this conservation. Electron scanning microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode, radiocarbon dating allowed essential data to be obtained on cranium’s history constituent components. results that from both analysis environmental monitoring showed advanced degradation bones due significant bacterial attack, was facilitated inadequate conditions site acquired definition most suitable strategy securing cranium.