This project describes the freeze-drying of recently-collected Eskimo artifacts made of skin and fur, some of which were damp on arrival at the British Museum. An assessment of the success in retaining shape and flexibility was made by comparing them with similar articles which had been allowed to air-dry. In a series of complementary experiments, a number of samples of skin and gut were also freeze-dried after pre-treatment by humidification, and in a variety of commonly-used humectants. Changes in appearance, dimension, weight, and flexibility were noted after freeze-drying, and compared with air-dried samples, and with the controls. Results of the tests are recorded and discussed, and proposals made for further research. -- AATA