IDENTIFICATION:
Catalog number: CACH 18285
Object: Textile
Material: Cotton, Yucca
Accession number: CACH-00068
Treatment performed by: Ali Wysopal, conservation technician, under the supervision of Dana Senge, conservator
Exam Date: 06/05/2019
Treatment Report: 07/12/2019
Measurements: (a) L 27, W 23, D 0.01 cm, (b) L 24.5, W 2.2, D 0.01 cm, (c) L 18, W 0.7, D 0.01 cm
DESCRIPTION:
This catalog number represents three plain weave textile fragments. They are all constructed using single ply, z-twist warp and weft cotton yarn. There is a selvage present on fragment B. Additional areas of construction or mending can be seen on fragment A. One portion of stitching is made of brown 2s-plied yarn with a second and third portion made of 2s-plied yucca yarn. Fragment B appears to have been partially dyed a red-orange.
Previous repairs noted: Elements of the stitching and change in weaving structure may be part of the original construction or possible previous repairs.
CONDITION:
The textile fragments are creased and misaligned with portions of the frayed yarn now matted. Losses to the warps and wefts can be seen throughout, and woven elements are loose along edges without selvages. Loose dirt and dust can be seen across the surfaces along with differing degrees of discoloration. Fragment C is thin and twisted. There is a point of delicate connection in fragment B requiring caution when handling.
Treatment Procedure:
1. Reduced loose dirt and dust from textile by vacuuming with a variable suction vacuum through a nylon screen. Larger debris was mechanically removed with tweezers.
2. Further reduced remaining soiling by tamping with a vulcanized soot sponge, followed by vacuuming.
3. The water solubility of orange yarn in fragment B was tested. Dye was found to be colorfast. Proceeded with humidification.
4. Humidified textiles in packages between Reemay, Gore-tex, dampened blotters, and Mylar, then untangled and properly aligned loose woven elements. Textile was weighted between dry blotters during drying to hold loose fibers in place and improve the alignment.
5. Created a new window mat storage mount with muslin lined backing board.
6. Attached a photo of the fragment to the back of the muslin mount.
Date of completion of treatment: 07/12/2019