As time went on, the archaeologists also carried out specific studies, in function of the state of advancement of the project and the vagaries of the climate.
Thus, at the end of each campaign, the large cooperage elements, which were most often found in a disjointed state on the wrecks, were collectively studied in order to reconstitute the shape of the original casks and barrels and to observe any marks or traces that could be preserved.
On a more occasional basis, small casks or barrels were reassembled, in particular a small monkey and a bucket used in maintenance duties.
The Natière project also provided the occasion to develop a strategy for removing, studying and inventorying unknown and poorly documented material. This is particularly the case with hemp ropes, which are omnipresent on shipwrecks, and which are some of the most difficult objects to excavate, remove and identify. The Natière project produced a specific inventory form for ropes, and highlighted the enormous contribution of these vestiges to understanding life on board and how ships were supplied.
