In 2009, the author conserved a South African beaded textile belonging to Bristol City Museums and Art Gallery as part of a Master of Arts in Textile Conservation, at the Textile Conservation Centre (TCC), United Kingdom. The textile was examined, and its possible historical use researched. The impossibility in establishing definitely how the textile was used was paramount in formulating an ethical treatment proposal. The conservation treatment involved stabilizing the textile and supporting the weight of the beadwork. The textile was surface cleaned and humidified to reduce creases. Stitch support was undertaken to secure loose fibers and support tears and holes. Areas of possible previous repairs and alterations, although unsightly, crudely executed, and difficult to interpret, were not altered. Ethics were paramount in the decision-making process to retain these areas. A storage mount was constructed, and recommendations for possible display made. The aims of the treatment to stabilize the textile for storage and display were achieved. The project was beneficial in bringing to light ethical considerations in conservation treatments and the importance of providing for multiple future interpretations and ‘retaining the unknown.’