Many painted objects within ethnographic collections suffer
from paint loss. In the past, assumptions have been made that
this phenomenon was caused by a low binder concentration,
although binder presence had not been investigated, confirmed
or it's type identified.
Simple laboratory methods which can detect the presence of
binders on a painted object are outlined. They are based on
tests developed for the medical industry and modified by the
author for routine use in conservation. Methods presented
outline procedures to identify three broad chemical groups of
binders used in the manufacture of traditional Australian
Aboriginal painted objects :
1. lipids (fats and/or oils) using Sudan Black B
Bromination test and the Sigma GCI Triglyceride test;
2. proteins (egg and blood) using Sulphosalicylic Acid
test, Sigma GCI Protein test and the GCI Heme test;
3. carbohydrates (honey and orchid juice) using the Sigma GCI
Glucose test.
Close comparison was found between the reported binders used on
certain object types and those identified.
Literature findings based on anthropological information on
binders and pigments are summarised. They indicated that fat or
oil binders have higher binder concentrations than originally
expected. Rapid lipid binder deterioration has lead to their
present matte appearance. Compared to protein and carbohydrate
binders, used as a paint vehicle or facilitator and/or for
symbolic representation (blood), where used on a range of
ceremonial objects with no long term expectancy and therefore
no requirement to adhere or bind the pigment. The concept of
"effective" binder concentration as opposed to low binder
concentration is discussed.
Implications of these findings of binder presence are discussed
and considerations for preservation and conservation
treatments, which involve consolidation are outlined.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/219603 |
| Date | January 1996 |
| Creators | Gatenby, Susannah Lija, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Applied Science |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Susannah Lija Gatenby |
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