News from Julie’s bench

There is nothing like conservation-restoration to uplift one’s mind as it is so satisfactory to see features revealing themselves, especially when working on the Nunalleq objects! Grass artefacts are undergoing careful cleaning, controlled slow-drying and then packing in a type of mount specially designed for the collection. Every step is well thought to ensure long-term conservation, with respect to the artefacts nature and condition. These complete baskets, mats fragments, and ropes are truly amazing. And the mini basket, is it not adorable?

Two baskets with complete rim and body.

Basket before and after conservation.

Close-up of the mini basket, a hanging basket from rim to bottom, and upper part of a basket with grass.

Mat fragments and several sizes of ropes.

This week’s achievement was to finish the restoration of the “turkey” pot. As Rick put it, it was like trying to reconstruct a potato from… crisps!! It is so intriguing to see this bare pot with a simple bulge and a funny shape that bends on the side, while so much care is given to the making of fine leather and wooden artefacts.

The “Turkey” pot after restoration. Sherds were block-lifted, cleaned during slow-drying, adhered. Missing areas were filled and retouched to allow pleasant appearance while remaining distinguishable from original sherds.

I have also been working on a lovely little boot that still has its grass lining in-situ – it is now undergoing atmospheric freeze-drying (AFD). Left or right foot?

Before and after cleaning. The boot is then prepared for atmospheric freeze-drying.

Julie