43990
Accession Number
16983
Author
Boulton, Ann
Author Affiliation
Smithsonian Institute. Conservation Analytical Laboratory
Title Of Article Chaper
The examination, treatment and analysis of a pair of boots from the Aleutian Islands including a note about possible pesticide contamination
Title Of Journal Book
Journal of the American Institute for Conservation
Volume
25
Issue
1
Pages
44209
Collation
illustrations
Reference Bibliography
Bibliography: p. 13
ISSN
0197-1360
Language Of Text
English
Literature Type
Serial
Literature Level
Analytic
Abstract
Originally identified as eskimo in origin, the embroidery in caribou hair on a pair of children's boots was considered characteristic of the Aleutian islands. The decoration is described in detail. Fur-bearing animals indigenous to Alaska and Aleutians were listed and samples of their hair examined microscopically. Comparison with known samples, photomicrographs of known hairs, and actual pelts from the collection allowed positive identification of seal, caribou, and polar bear hair and possibly also ermine. The presence of haematite and red ochre was confirmed, with possibly also gunpowder. Chemical analysis suggested that pesticides applied after acquisition by the museum might have contaminated the boots. Damage caused by poor mounting was repaired once the boots had been humidified sufficiently to remove distortion. Details are given of techniques used and materials employed.
Keywords
pigment;pesticide;identification;hair;gut;sinew;cast;x-ray; analysis; sulfur;chlorine;potassium;silica;calcium;iron;mercury; arsenic;polarizing microscopy;acid-free tissue;goldbeater's skin;Beva, ethylene vinyl acetate; paper pulp;Liquitex,acrylic paint;boot, conservation CAL
pub_id
43990