Position at Peabody Museum

Assistant Conservator
Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
Harvard University
Cambridge MA

The Peabody Museum invites applications for a 15 month full-time
position of assistant conservator. This grant-supported position is
open to graduates of recognized conservation training programs or
conservators with equivalent training. An additional one or two
years professional work experience beyond training is required.
Preference will be given to individuals who have specialized in
ethnographic conservation, and who have good familiarity with paper
conservation techniques. Prior academic coursework in anthropology
and botany, with dye/pigment and/or fiber analysis will be
advantageous. This position is partially supported by the Institute
of Museum and Library Services.

Duties and Responsibilities: Under the direction of the conservator,
the Assistant Conservator will be responsible for the conservation
treatment of tapa/barkcloth objects from the Pacific. The earliest
accessioned cloths from 1867 and 1869 came through donations such as
the Boston Athenaeum, the Massachusetts Historical Society, the
Smithsonian, and the Boston Marine Society. Eight barkcloths are
believed to have been originally collected during the U.S. Exploring
Expedition of 1838-1842. About 35 barkcloths to be conserved are
from the early collecting activities of Alexander Agassiz (1884-85)
and of the joint expeditions of Agassiz and Wm. McM. Woodworth
(1899-1900 and 1904-05) from islands including Tonga, Cook, Fiji,
Samoa, Ellice, Marquesas, Carolines, Society and Easter.

The major responsibilities of the Assistant Conservator will include
archival research, the preparation of written examination/condition
reports, photographic documentation, stabilization/conservation
treatments including humidification and tear repairs; and the
implementation/construction of appropriate storage systems for the
conserved barkcloths.

The preferred applicant has demonstrated technical skill in
conservation of organic objects, especially plant/fiber materials. A
good knowledge of conservation theory and chemistry is essential.
This position will require excellent organizational, planning and
writing skills.

Given the existing state of the barkcloth collection (folded and
stacked in storage), repetitive conservation treatment activities
will be required on a daily basis; the preferred candidate will have
the ability and desire to maintain consistency and high quality at
all times assuring that all procedures are performed in accordance
with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. Ability to
focus well, manage time efficiently and work productively in an
active conservation laboratory will be necessary. The preferred
applicant will be internally motivated, able to work independently
and able to exercise good judgment.

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate
instructions clearly to others and to communicate conservation
principles will be essential.  A prior work experience involving
supervisory responsibility will be advantageous. Available museum
personnel support for this project will include conservation-trained
interns along with volunteers who are interested in conservation and
future training in the field. The Museum's collection management
staff will also be of assistance especially with regard to
rehousing/restorage considerations.

The preferred candidate will have a strong interest in expanding
his/her knowledge of barkcloth technology and preservation. This
position provides an excellent opportunity to study and investigate
the history, manufacture, and preservation problems of barkcloth and
the opportunity to focus on specific deterioration problems, as well
as to engage in discussions with staff members of other institutions
with barkcloth holdings. Subsequent to the conclusion of the
treatment phase of the project, the development of a publishable
research paper will be highly encouraged as appropriate to the
questions and problems encountered. The Museum is supported by a
strong University library system and laboratory expertise.

Referral Instructions: Please send cover letter, resume, and three
letters of professional recommendation to

    T.Rose Holdcraft
    Conservation Dept.
    Harvard Peabody Museum
    11 Divinity Avenue
    Cambridge, MA 02138.

Initial University posting of this position was on October 16, 1997
and in the November 1997 issue of the AIC News.

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 11:46
               Distributed: Wednesday, November 19, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-11-46-021
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