J.IIC-CG VOLUME 19 (1994)
Treatment of Archaeological Baleen Artifacts at the Canadian Conservation Institute
Over the past 15 years, more than 200 baleen objects from Thule sites in the Canadian Arctic have been treated at the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI). Baleen is a keratinous material that grows in plates that hang from the upper jaws of baleen whales. It was used by the Thule people for the production of a variety of objects, including sled shoes, containers, bows, fish nets, and as rope and lashing. Treatments at CCI have involved cleaning, consolidation and controlled drying. The drying process is critical to the final appearance of the object.
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