FEATHER

Under construction August 2011

1. BACKGROUND

Many kinds of feathers are used on Alaskan artifacts, particularly those of Native manufacture. Most commonly, feathers are seen as appendages on masks or as fletching on hunting tools or weapons.

2. POSSIBLE CAUSES

The most common white stuff we have seen on Alaskan feathers is insect debris (such as cocoons and frass) or mold. This is most often seen in association with feather damage consistent with insects eating the feathers. Pesticides are also a possibility. The Alaska State Museum has hundreds of taxidermy bird mounts that have tested positive for arsenic.  Some of these mounts may close to 100 years old.  Most bird mounts added to the collection since 1970 were preserved with a freeze-drying technique, but these are at risk for insect infestation.

One mysterious case of “white stuff” involves a hunting tool that displays a sticky, branched fibrous-looking mold. The item came into the collection in 2003 in excellent condition, displaying no mold or “white stuff”. The mold appears irregularly on feather fletching, string lashing, leather lashing, bone, ivory and wood parts. Could it be growing from some sort of coating that was sprayed on the artifact?  The most perplexing part of this mystery is that the artifact has been in a controlled collections storage room inside a cabinet with temperature and relative humidity well below what would be expected to support mold growth. We hope to work with intern Crista Pack when she returns to the University of Delaware to investigate the cause of this peculiar “white stuff.”

3. REFERENCES 

4. EXAMPLES IN ALASKA

TAXIDERMY and FUR

Under Construction, August 2011

1. BACKGROUND

Alaska Native and non-Native cultures have made extensive use of mammal fur for all manner of clothing, gear, and artwork. And one can hardly enter a museum, airport, or mall anywhere in Alaska without encountering stuffed mounts of iconic Alaskan animals. The website for the Alaska Fur ID Project includes information about the mammals most often used on artifacts in Alaskan collections.

2. POSSIBLE CAUSES

The most common white stuff we have seen on Alaskan taxidermy is arsenic.  Arsenic is one of the more common pesticides found as residue on many types of objects. According to the National Park Service, arsenic compounds were frequently applied during the 18^th – 20^th centuries in the form of soap mixtures and sprays to preserve biological specimens and ethnographic objects (Conserve O Gram 2/3 2000,1). To identify arsenic, the National Park Service recommends to

“Look for powdery or crystalline deposits at the base of feathers and hairs, around eyes, in or at the base of ears, around mouth or bill, along ventral incision, at base of tail, and on foot pads. On ethnographic objects, inspect crevices and seams where arsenic may have collected. Even if deposits are not evident, all natural history specimens collected and prepared before the 1980s should be tested for the presence of arsenic.” (Conserve O Gram 2/3 2000, 2)

On fur, the most common white materials are associated with insects. Frass, webbing, cocoons, bug parts, shed larval skins and the like are often found in association with hair loss and even holes chewed through the hide. Occasionally there will be small widely spaced hard blobs adhered to the shaft of the hair down toward the skin, and I have been led to believe that those accretions are more likely from bugs that were bothering the furry creature while it was alive.  You may also see adhesives associated with tear repair from the skin side, such as BEVA 371 film and Reemay (a spun bonded synthetic fabric that is thin and web-like).

3. REFERENCES

_____(2010) “Appendix: Common Museum Pesticides” Pesticide Mitigation in Museum Collections: Science in Conservation: Proceedings from the MCI Workshop Series .  Smithsonian Contributions to Museum Conservation. Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press Editor: Charola, A. Elena;Koestoer, Robert J. pp. 71-72

National Park Service’s Conserve O Gram on arsenic: http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserveogram/02-03.pdf

4. EXAMPLES IN ALASKA

LEATHER and SKIN

Under Construction, August 2011

1. BACKGROUND

Leather refers to the skins of animals that have been tanned or semi-tanned for use. There are many types of leather tanning (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leather#Forms_of_leather) which give skins different looks and feels. Since leather is an organic material, it is susceptible to many different forms of deterioration. Some can cause white stuff to appear on the surface, which may be difficult to distinguish from one another.

In Alaskan collections, there are various kinds of tanned and untanned skins and hides. Tlingit armor, fishing nets, gutskin parkas, babiche snowshoe lashings (made from moose or caribou rawhide), boots, tool lashings, model and full-sized kayaks, drums, and military gear are among the most common leather items.

2. POSSIBLE CAUSES

Fatty Bloom

The most common white stuff we have seen on Alaskan leather items is white bloom resulting from fats, oils and waxes and may be referred to in the literature as ‘fatty bloom,’ ‘fat bloom,’ or ‘fatty spue (or spew)’. These terms all refer to the migration of fats/oils through the leather material that crystallize on the surface in the presence of air. When seeing fuzzy white growth on an object, people’s initial assumption is often that it is a mold or mildew. But this is not always the case. Blooms can sometimes have a feathery or matted fibrous look similar to mold, but microscopic examination and solubility tests can confirm the presence (or absence) of bloom.

Bloom can be considered as being Primary or Secondary.   Primary bloom results from fats used during the tanning process and can be considered as an inherent vice of the material. Manufacturing flaws contribute to Primary bloom and can cause mineral salts to exude or fat bloom to develop through insufficient degreasing methods during production. Secondary bloom is caused by the application of fats and oils to the surface of the leather. At one time, it was believed that applying leather dressing or other kinds of soaps and oils to a leather surface would extend the life of a leather object. Now it is known that this is not the case and often the application of such substances can do quite a bit of damage

There are a number of hypotheses regarding the exact mechanism of the formation of these blooms. Some attribute it to free fatty acids migrating through the leather (Ordonez and Twilley 1998, 3-4). Analysis by Scott R. Williams (1988, 65-84) found bloom on objects to be primarily composed of a variety of fatty acids including palmitic, stearic, myristic and dicarboxylic acids (such as azelaic). These were present individually or occasionally as mixtures; however palmitic and stearic were the most commonly found (Williams 1988, 68-69).

Others have cited lactic acid, produced from the presence of potassium lactate in leather dressings, as the principle component of white efflorescence on leather (Gottlieb 1982, 39). In general, however, it is believed that temperature and humidity levels play important factors in the migration and crystallization of whatever is moving through and out of the leather.

Bloom can look powdery or gummy in appearance. Powdery bloom can be caused by either the natural fat of the hide or fatty materials applied to the leather. A number of variables are implicated in the formation of powdery bloom. These include: temperature, humidity, acidity of the leather, or materials used during the tanning process. Sticky or gummy bloom is believed to be caused by oils that are highly oxidizable, such as fish oils. If these kinds of oils were used during processing (and incompletely removed) or applied later, then they may cause sticky white bloom. High temperatures and humid environments, as well as exposure to air and light can accelerate these formations.

Fat bloom is often primarily found on areas of an object exposed to air. For example, on a leather-bound book the spine of the book (if it faces outward) may have the heaviest bloom. In some instances, it has been found that items closer to an air conditioning vent had a higher occurrence of bloom (Gottlieb 1982, 37) indicating that air circulation, temperature, and humidity play an important role.

Salt Effluorescence

Salt efflorescence is less common as a culprit on leather objects, but can occasionally be found on leather as inorganic salt spues. Leather items that have been worn (or in contact with perspiration in any way) may develop salt efflorescence as the salts migrate through the leather and crystallize on the surface.

Mold

Mold is typically described as having a fuzzy, velvety, or sometimes slimy appearance. When viewed under a microscope, the vegetative part of mold (known as mycelium http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycelium) can be seen as thin, thread-like branching hyphae and is very distinctive from the crystalline structure of salts. Mold growth generally begins to occur on organic materials when the environment is at 70% relative humidity or higher. The Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) gives the following useful chart for mold growth on their “10 Agents of Deterioration” website http://www.cci-icc.gc.ca/crc/articles/mcpm/chap10-eng.aspx:

Corrosion

Metal items in contact with leather can react with the fats and oils, creating organo-metallic corrosion products. Quite frequently, the metal in question is a copper-alloy and therefore the corrosion products building up will be a bright green instead of white.

Pesticide Residue

Up until the late 20^th century, the application of toxic pesticides to organic materials in museum collections was a widespread and accepted practice. Compounds made of arsenic or mercury were sometimes sprayed or dusted onto artifacts to prevent pest damage. DDT was also common as were moth balls comprised of dichlorobenzene or naphthalene. The carcinogenic and hazardous nature of these chemicals is now known and they are no longer used. However, the residues of past applications remain and they can sometimes show up as white residues that may be confused with other salt formations. When handling objects made of organic materials such as skin, it is always better to err on the side of caution and protect yourself from possible exposure to toxic chemicals. Wear protective gloves and a lab coat or apron. You may wish to wear a dust mask to prevent breathing in toxic dust.

Use-Related White Stuff

Previous treatment of the artifact during use could be a cause of white accumulation on a leather surface. It is important to determine who performed the treatment and when, especially if an object is being considered for cleaning. If the treatment was done by the person who created the item – and it was part of the object’s use history, then it will likely be inappropriate to remove it. The loss of information involved in removing material will have to weighed against any benefit for cleaning an object. An example of an original treatment would the application of clay, flour, baking soda, or other similar substance by Native American groups to brighten and whiten a darkened or stained hide.

Catalog number II-A-77 is a Siberian Yupik pipe and tobacco bag in the Alaska State Museum collection. Tobacco and snuff production sometimes includes the addition of alkaline salts such as potash (often potassium carbonate). Could this be the white material we see on the leather bag? The pipe bowls, mouthpieces and decorative elements of the pipe are usually made from lead, which forms a white corrosion product. Museum leather care protocols decades ago called for applications of fats and oils to help leather remain supple. Proper identification of this white material would help us know if we ought to remove it or not.

3. REFERENCES

Mold hyphae, image by Bob Blaylock

Fogle, Sonja. “Neat’s-Foot Oil in Commercial Products.” Leather Conservation News. Vol. 2, No 1, Fall 1985.

Crista Pack’s notes: Article provides overview and definitions for classes of neat’s foot-oil. More information can be found in his article “The Saddle Soap Myth,” which was reviewed in Leather Conservation News, No. 3.

Gottlieb, Jean S. (1982) “A Note on Identifying Bloom on Leather Bindings.” Journal of the American Institute for Conservation, Vol. 22, No. 1 (Autumn, 1982), pp. 37-40. Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3179717. Accessed: 27/06/2011.

Crista Pack’s notes:  This article discusses the finding of white bloom on a number of pre-1850 leather bound books. The author notes “a greater incidence in the general vicinity of one or two of the air conditioning ducts. “ Also that, “Sheepskin bindings and other older porous leathers showed the heaviest concentration of what appeared to be crystals, mostly on volumes that had been treated with potassium lactate and neatsfoot oil/lanolin within the past twenty-five years.” And “The surfaces exposed to the air (such as backbones) were those most densely coated with the bloom.” (p37)

The authors developed two hypotheses: “1) salts of lactic acid are always present in tanned leather, and may precipitate either in response to atmospheric changes, or from other causes; 2) the lactates identified in these samples appear to be residues of some substance introduced into or onto the leather (e.g., potassium lactate). “

Variations of tanning procedures and types of skin have to be considered with Hypothesis 1. For Hypothesis 2 “we must allow for variations in leather composition and condition, as well as the amount of substance applied, and stability of atmospheric conditions in which the books are kept.” (38)

Based on the NMR spectra obtained on samples analyzed, the author “identified a principal component of the efflorescence on the books as lactic acid, and have also pinpointed the source of this lactic acid as potassium lactate.” (39) And “the potassium lactate-neatsfoot oil/lanolin treatment was begun at the University of Chicago in the late 1950’s.” (39)

 “There appears to be a correlation between the amount of efflorescence on leather volumes and their proximity to circulating air from ducts or vents. Since potassium lactate is deliquescent, air passing over surfaces holding a solution of potassium lactate and water would, by carrying the water off as vapor, cause the potassium lactate salts to be drawn to the surface: (KL · H₂O)_hq à(air)à KL_S + H₂O (circulating air)” (40)

Doesn’t really clarify if any of the finding support Hypothesis 1, but seems to imply that Hypothesis 2 definitely has something to do with the production of bloom and, specifically, the presence of potassium lactate to create lactic acid is an important factor.

Ordonez, Eugenia and John Twilley, John.  (1998) “Clarifying the Haze: Efflorescence on Works of Art” WAAC Newsletter 20 (1) 1998 pp 12-17.

Plenderleith, H.J. (1956) The Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art.  Oxford university Press London.

Ellen Carrlee’s notes: Mentions the museum use of potassium lactate solution for protection of vegetable tanned leather and British Museum Leather Dressing for enhancing flexibility of leather.  Recipe for BM leather dressing includes lanolin, cedarwood oil, beeswax and hexane.  Described as a yellow cream when applied.

Stambolov, T.(1969) “Manufacture, Deterioration and Preservation of Leather: A Literature Survey of Theoretical Aspects and Ancient Techniques.” ICOM, The International Council of Museums Committee for Conservation. Plenary Meeting. Amsterdam: Central Research Laboratory for Objects of Art and Science, September 15-19, 1969.

Williams, R. Scott. (1989) “Blooms, Blushes, Transferred Images and Mouldy Surfaces: What Are These Distracting Accretions on Art Works?”  In Proceedings of the 14^th Annual IIC-CG Conference 1988.  Edited by Johanna G. Wellheiser. Ottawa. Pp 65-84

4. EXAMPLES IN ALASKA

BASKETRY

Under Construction, August 2011

1. BACKGROUND

Baskets are very common in Alaska, and are often used where ceramics might have been common in other cultures. Typically, baskets are made of plant materials such as spruce root, cedar bark, birch bark, or grasses. Archaeological basketry over 5,000 years old has also been found in waterlogged sites in Southeast Alaska, and several hundred years old on Kodiak Island.

2. POSSIBLE CAUSES

The most common white stuff we have seen on Alaskan baskets are dust, mold, adhesives, paint spatters, insect debris (such as cocoons) and PEG (polyethylene glycol.) Look with a magnifying glass to see how the white stuff is deposited. Powdery-looking spotty deposits may be mold. Dust would likely settle on certain areas that are horizontal, such as the lid if it has one or inside the base. The underside of the base may have accretions from adhesives, labels, or unclean shelves. Baskets were sometimes adhered onto an exhibit shelf in the old days to prevent them from moving with vibration of footsteps. Adhesives and repairs of various kinds have been used on baskets, so white stuff in association with a tear or loss is likely an adhesive. Waterlogged archaeological basketry was most commonly treated with a white glue in the 1960’s and 70’s, but since then polyethylene glycol treatments have been more typical.  Too much high molecular weight PEG (PEG 3350 or PEG 4000 for example) will result in white deposits on the surface.  These are soluble in warm water, and you can test this with a barely-damp cotton swab on the surface.  There was a period of time when “feeding” baskets with oil was a popular maintenance technique. This sometimes appears as white haze on baskets, and may also make them brittle. Haze could also be a pesticide residue. Always be careful to wear gloves…not only are you protecting the baskets from substances on your hands, you are protecting yourself from whatever may be on the basket.

3. REFERENCES

Hartley, Emily. (1978) The Care and Feeding of Baskets. Self-published.

Ellen Carrlee’s notes: Coating mentioned is paraffin oil in mineral spirits, 16% solution, p 29.  The author mentions that the techniques are derived from procedures developed by Bethune Gibson and Carolyn Rose of the Anthropology Conservation Lab of the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum, and used there around 1974-75.

4. EXAMPLES IN ALASKA (click to enlarge images and see more info)

BALEEN, HORN, CLAW and HOOF

Under Construction, August 2011

1. BACKGROUND

2. IDENTIFYING THE WHITE STUFF

3. POSSIBLE CAUSES

The most common white stuff we have seen on Alaskan baleen, hoof, horn or claw is delamination, where the structure splits apart and allows light to partially pass through the thin layers. Baleen, hoof, horn or claw may also be “calcined” or oxidized by heating which can causes a white powdery or crusty material.

4. REFERENCES

5. EXAMPLES IN ALASKA