Restoring vegetable fibers and human hair

I am wondering if anyone has previous experience on restoring
archeological objects made of vegetable fibers attached to human
braided hair.  The hair is extremely brittle due to environmental
conditions.  This object has been previously restored, nevertheless
the condition report is not very precise or detailed about the
restoration process.  During this intervention the fibers and the
hair were hydrated and cleaned by spraying distilled water
punctually and removing humidity with blotting paper.  This
procedure worked only in the areas were the vegetable fibers and the
hair were conserved in better condition.  They also mention that the
object is extremely vulnerable for manipulation and that they
recommend that it is exhibited for brief periods of time and under
controlled environmental conditions.

Evaluating this intervention by observing the objects condition at
the present moment, it is evident that the fibers and hair were
cleaned but that they are still extremely brittle.  There are small
traces of hair that constantly fall around it.  This object has been
picked for a permanent exhibition.

Does anyone has any experience working with this type of material
and that can give us advice on procedures and materials that can be
used in order to recuperate the flexibility and hydration of the
fibers and consolidate them?

Laura Jimenez Holguin
Restauradora
Museo del Oro
Subgerencia Cultural
Banco de la Republica
Calle 16 #5,
41 Piso 4
Bogota D.C.
Colombia
+57 343 1 1561
Fax: +57 1 284 7450


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 29:47
                    Distributed: Sunday, May 1, 2016
                       Message Id: cdl-29-47-021
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