Soil-Section Transfers: A Method for the Transfer of an Archaeological Soil Section on to a Flexible Rubber Backing |
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| Abstract: | AbstractCollections of ethnographical leatherwork from West Africa contain many different utility objects. There is one group which is not strictly leather 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 moulding the wet membrane around a shaped, air-dried clay mould. 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 mould or fungi due to unsuitable temperatures and relative humidities, ultraviolet light and strong illumination that produce fading and eventual breakdown 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. |
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