Collections of ethnographical leatherwork from West Africa contain many different utility objects. There is one group which is not strictlyleather and is made from the stomach membrane of camels and parts of cow skin. These articles made by the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria are known as Tandu . Vessels are made by molding the wet membrane around a shaped, air-dried clay mold. On drying, the clay is removed to leave a strong but light utility vessel or container. There are many reasons for the deterioration of the Tandu vessels; these include damage by mold or fungi due to unsuitable temperatures and relative humidities, ultraviolet light and strong illumination that produce fading and eventual break-down of the protein, insect attack and air pollution. Remedies for these problems are suggested, together with the practical treatment in a laboratory. After treatment, careful storage is necessary.