J.IIC-CG VOLUME 15 (1990)
The Conservation of Archaeological Skin Artifacts from the Canadian Arctic
Research to develop procedures for characterizing, cleaning and stabilizing archaeological skins from the Canadian Arctic was undertaken jointly by conservation scientists and conservators at the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI). Characterization procedures, including staining techniques and shrinkage temperature measurements, were carried out on minute samples under the microscope. Cleaning methods involved the use of detergents (Synperonic N or sodium dodecyl sulphate) and a chelating agent (EDTA) for the removal of fat and mineral contaminants. These cleaning methods were applied to a group of skin artifacts excavated from a prehistoric Thule site in the Northwest Territories. Treatment was carried out by the Conservation Division, Canadian Museum of Civilization and the Archaeology Section, CCI. During the treatment, the experimental techniques developed at CCI were modified and adapted to meet the needs of the individual artifacts. This paper discusses the overall treatment, and describes the treatment of several artifacts.
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