Odor in cow hide

From: Sue Valis <*suev*> Date: Thursday, April 4, 2002 · suev

The following is posted on behalf of a private owner of a drum, who
is not on the Cons DistList.

    I have recently purchased an African drum with a cow hide
    playing surface. It appears that every time there is higher
    humidity, the drum develops a particularly nasty odour.

    I have gone back to the place of purchase, only to be advised
    that I should rub some salt into the skin. Can anyone offer an
    explanation for the smell and a way of getting rid of it.

Sue Valis
Conservator
Australian Museum
6 College Street
Sydney NSW 2010
Australia
+61 2 9320 6207
Fax: +61 2 9320 6070

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:68
                   Distributed: Friday, April 5, 2002
                       Message Id: cdl-15-68-008
                                  ***