J.CAC VOLUME 28 (2003)
Treatment of an Inuit Waterfowl Foot Skin Bag from Arctic Québec
This paper describes the examination and conservation treatment of a small Inuit skin bag made out of waterfowl foot skin. Analysis and identification of the materials were carried out using incident light microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and visual comparisons with foot skins of known mounted species. Assessment of skin degradation was done by hydrothermal microscopy (shrinkage temperature measurement). The main challenges to overcome in the treatment of the object were the many distorted tears in the extremely thin skin, the restricted access to the interior of the bag, and the degree of deterioration indicated by the low shrinkage temperature. After extensive investigation into appropriate conservation materials and techniques, the following treatment was carried out: the skins were softened through humidification in a chamber with ethanol/water vapor followed by local treatment with an ultrasonic mister; the bag was reshaped first using a cotton copy of the bag filled with fine sand and then using tools which included spoons and ladles mounted on a specially designed tilting vice; realignment and temporary facing of the tears were done with Klucel G and Japanese paper; the tears and holes were backed using BEVA 371 and Japanese paper and inpainted with watercolors; where necessary, consolidation of delaminating keratin scales on the outer skin was carried out with Acryloid B-72; finally, a mount and a box were designed to ensure safe transportation, handling and storage of the bag.
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