IDENTIFICATION:
Catalog number: CACH 1988
Object: Textile
Material: Cotton, Yucca
Accession number: CACH-00068
Treatment performed by: Ali Wysopal, conservation intern, under the supervision of Dana Senge, conservator
Exam Date: 05/13/2019
Treatment Report: 07/12/2019
Measurements: (a) L 31, W 11.5, D 0.01 cm, (b) L 12, W 4.5, D 0.01 cm, (c) L 6, W 5, D 0.01 cm, (d) L 16, W 7, D 0.01 cm, (e) L 7, W 5, D 0.01 cm, (f) L 8, W 4, D 0.01 cm, (g) L 6.5, W 2, D 0.01 cm, (h) L 11, W 2, D 0.01 cm, (i) L 7.5, W 2, D 0.01 cm, (j) L 4.5, W 1, D 0.01 cm, (k) L 4, W 2, D 0.01 cm, (l) L 4, W 2, D 0.01 cm, (m) L 8.5, W 2.5, D 0.01 cm, (n) L 6, W 2, D 0.01 cm, (o) L 11, W 5, D 0.01 cm, (p) L 10.5, W 5, D 0.01 cm, (q) L 4, W 1.5, D 0.01 cm, (r) L 2, W 1, D 0.01 cm, (s) L 3, W 1, D 0.01 cm, (t) L 1.5, W 1.4, D 0.01 cm, (u) L 1.5, W 1, D 0.01 cm, (v) L 11.5, W 3, D 0.01 cm, (w) L 5.5, W 5, D 0.01 cm, (x) L 7, W 3.5, D 0.01 cm
DESCRIPTION:
This catalog number represents twenty-four small to medium plain weave textile fragments. They are all constructed using single ply, z-twist warp and weft cotton yarn. There is a selvage present on fragments G, H, and P. Fragment A is constructed of three elements sewn together. Two pieces are connected via a seam stitched down the middle using single ply, s-twist yarn, while the third piece has been stitched in place with what appears to be 2s-plied, z-twist yucca yarn. Fragment B appears to have scorch marks along one edge and surrounding a hole in the body of the textile. There also appears to be a small circular previous repair constructed of stitches which radiate outward. Both frgaments D and E are light beige in color and constructed of thicker yarn. An orange yarn was used for both the warp and weft in Fragment O. Small detached fibers and particles are bagged and stored with these fragments.
Previous repairs noted: Elements of stitching may be part of the original construction or possible previous repairs.
CONDITION:
The textile fragments are ceased and misaligned, and portions of the frayed yarn are 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. Fragments W contains two dark stains and discoloration. Little of the woven structure remains in fragments A and P, all require caution when handling.
PROPOSED TREATMENT:
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 rubber soot sponge, followed by vacuuming.
3. The water solubility of the orange dye in fragment O 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