Academic thesis
Sebastian Kolberg: | back | |
Language: | Original - Translation | |
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Abstract: | The present paper deals with the conservation treatment of objects made of birch bark from the Indigenous Studies collection of the Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton. First, the paper gives an overview of the materials bark, root, and gum; outlines their chemical composition; and investigates the ways they are traditionally processed in the boreal forest region of North America. This is followed by a survey of 140 artifacts made of birch bark. Based on this survey, frequently-occuring types of damage are identified, most of which are a result of the materials responding to past environmental fluctuations. A preventive treatment proposal for proper storage and presentation was drawn up based on these results, as well as additional research. Prior to the treatment of bark objects chosen from the collection, established methods for reshaping, tear repair and infilling are discussed, based on relevant literature and materials tests conducted in the lab. Treatment was carried out on two baskets and one canoe. Since one established method was not transferable to allobjects, modifications were made on a case-specific basis. The paper closes with an evaluation of treatment results. |
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