The musée du quai Branly holdings consist of approximately 370 000 non-European ethnographic objects. In the collections, about 50 objects are made of salt crystals: some are simple rocks destined to a monetary, culinary, medicinal or talismanic use, others are salt blocks that were engraved and painted, then used as small board games, bowls, containers, etc. Most of them come from sub-Saharian Africa or North-Africa. Some food samples were collected in America, Asia or Oceania.
Does anyone have experience housing this type of objects? We are in the midst of a rehousing project, and are wondering if a low RH environment (30%) might be useful to prevent any risk of deliquescence. However, before using a dessicant (silica gel or activated clay), we were wondering if too low an ambient humidity might diminish the cohesion of the salt crystals. We would welcome any insight on the topic. You may communicate directly with me should you want images of the objects I am referring to, otherwise please answer the Conservation DistList directly. Best regards, Éléonore Kissel Head of Preservation MUSEE DU QUAI BRANLY 222, rue de l'Université 75343 Paris cedex 07 FRANCE ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
