Barbara's suggestions are right on point. I would also suggest looking at a
copy of the book Caring for American Indian Objects. It addresses these
issues and methods in detail for just this type of collection. Here is the
link to more information on the publication:
http://shop.mnhs.org/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=521
Paul S. Storch
Project Specialist II/Collections Liaison
Historic Sites and Museums
B-124.2
Minnesota Historical Society
345 Kellogg Blvd. West
St. Paul, MN 55116
(651) 259-3257
paul.sto...@mnhs.org
www.mnhs.org
From: pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net [mailto:pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net] On
Behalf Of Appelbaum Himmelstein
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 11:37 AM
To: pestlist@museumpests.net
Subject: Re: [pestlist] [psetlist] recommendations
I don't know if you got any other resposes (the pest control list is not the
best place to look for conservators) so I'll jump in.
Cleaning methods appropriate for the kinds of things you mentioned can vary
widely depending on condition and many other issues. For example, are these
things being cleaned for exhibition, for longterm preservation, or to help
prevent further insect attack? Are any of the dirt layers from original use
that might mean that they shouldn't be cleaned off?
Ordinarily brushing is not a good idea for textiles and beaded things.
Ethnographic wool textiles and sillk textiles, for example, may be too fragile
to be brushed. In any case, a more common superficial cleaning technique is
vacuuming through screening. Brushing through screening makes no sense.
I would suggest a consultation with a conservator, who should be able to
examine the collections, recommend cleaning methods, and teach your staff how
to carry them out. I don't think you need a textile conservator specifically -
well-trrained objects conservators should be able to do this. It is also
important to figure out if any of the insect activity is active.
There is some literature on this topic, but a lot of it is for conservators;
some is about cleaning routines for house museums, which won't help you.
Barbara Appelbaum
Hello,
I would like to know if anyone can recommend brushes and screens for cleaning
textiles (wool, leather, beaded leather) and baskets. There's evidence of
insects on the objects, as well as years of dust/dirt. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Darsita
Senior Curator-CAP Collections
Huhugam Heritage Center
4759 N. Maricopa Rd.
Chandler, AZ. 85226
520-796-3500 ext. 237
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