The taxidermy conservation is the ongoing maintenance and preservation of zoological specimens that have been installed or filled to be displayed and studied. Taxidermy specimens contain a variety of organic materials, such as feathers, bones, feathers, skin, and wood, as well as inorganic materials, such as burlap, glass, and foam. Due to their composite nature, taxidermy specimens require special care and conservation care for different materials.
Video Conservation and restoration of taxidermy
Type and use
Traditional taxidermy specimens are cleaned and preserved animal skins that have been placed on top of the form. The full mount is all specimens, while the shoulder of the mount only covers the head, neck, and shoulders. Skin studies are another form of taxidermy where small mammal skin and birds are filled with cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers to support the skin and the original body shape. This is usually used by researchers rather than on display.
Taxidermy has a strong history, and specimens can be found in a number of public and private institutions, as well as private collections. Natural history museum, zoo, science & amp; nature centers, historic homes, art museums and children's museums are examples of institutions that may have taxidermy specimens in their collections.
While it may not be necessary to preserve animal mounts or skins that are commonplace outside the reach of education, some taxidential mounts represent extinct or critically endangered species. The Smithsonian National Natural History Museum has Martha, the last passenger pigeon and some collections still have the specimen of Great Auk, a bird species that became extinct in 1844.
Maps Conservation and restoration of taxidermy
Causes of deterioration
Like other types of collections, taxidermy specimens are susceptible to damage agents, including pests, lights, temperatures, humidity, and custodial neglect. Improper storage, display and handling of taxidermy specimens can cause many of these causes of damage.
Pest destruction
Pests, such as dermestid beetles, clothing moths, and rodents, can cause damage to specimens of taxidermy by ingesting material and leaving behind the larvae of the larvae. Dermis beetles in particular can digest keratin and will eat hair, horns, and fur. Signs of louse pests in the taxidermy include small piles of dust (known as frass) under the specimen and spill the skin from the growth of the larvae. Additional tick marks include chewing marks, hair loss, feathers, or feathers on mounts, webbing, and dirt or stain pellets.
Environmental damage
Pollutants
Over time, taxidermy specimens can collect layers of dust, dirt, and other air pollutants, especially if they house on an open shelf or screen. In addition, containers and containers made of unstable materials can release pollutant gases, such as H2s, SO2, formaldehyde, peroxides, and organic acids, which can damage the taxidermy surface.
Light
Faded fur, feathers, and skin are almost exclusively caused by improper lighting conditions, such as long-term UV exposure. UV light can come from natural and artificial lighting sources.
Temperature
Specimens can lose hair or feathers when exposed to a warm environment because high temperatures cause the remaining fat in the skin to release.
Humidity
Taxidermy specimens are particularly susceptible to moisture fluctuations due to their composite material. Relative humidity fluctuations below 40% can cause greater damage than fluctuations above 40%. Dry environments with low humidity can cause de-lamination or cracks in horns, bones, and turtle shells. In addition, a dry environment can cause the skin and skin to contract and shrink on top of the supporting shapes, which eventually lead to cracks and rupture. High humidity and moist environments can promote mold growth and attract pests. The bones will contract and swell due to moisture fluctuations, which can cause cracks and breaks. This may cause further structural damage if the bone is used as a support in the specimen.
Damage caused by humans
Incorrect handling
Complementary damage is likely to occur if the specimen is not handled properly. Bird specimens are particularly susceptible to fractures in the neck, while mammalian ears tend to be the first component to break or become damaged.
Packing and shipping
Given its unique shape and shape, taxidermy specimens can be difficult to ship and, if not packed properly, can be easily damaged. The ears, neck, and beak of birds can be broken or bent during delivery if not properly supported.
Theft and vandalism
Some taxidermy specimens are susceptible to direct damage by humans, especially if the species is associated with valuable body parts. Thieves may choose to take only part of the taxidermy specimen, which may affect the structural integrity of the entire specimen.
Existing representatives
Sometimes taxidermy specimens are susceptible to damage that is difficult to avoid and attach to the nature of taxidermy. Metals, such as nickel and copper, are used in supporting structures and shapes can react to fatty acids in the skin and cause corrosion. Gravity can also negatively impact taxidermy specimens by attracting unsupported components, such as tails and horns, away from the main structure, causing tears and rupture. Gravity damage usually occurs with specimens on display, where the supporting structure is not part of the diorama or case. However, leather studies of pendants in storage experience gravitational pull that causes stretching and tearing of the skin.
Dangerous substances in taxidermy
Prior to extensive handling, direct use or conservation care is performed, it is important to test specimens of taxidermy for hazardous materials. Arsenic, mercury, napthalene, paradichlorobenze, asbestos, and DDT are all commonly found in taxidermy collections. These chemicals are used to treat the skin during preparation and help reduce the damage to mold and pests. However, they can cause serious health problems and diseases in humans. Conservators can test for the presence of this hazardous substance to determine the appropriate treatment. In addition to testing, the conservator may also review museum records, check the specimens, or check the storage area to determine what hazardous substances might be present.
Conservation and recovery treatments
Care should be taken by a qualified conservator or veterinary expert. Some assessors have experience working with museums and can coordinate with conservators to preserve specimens. When cleaning the specimen, need to wear protective equipment such as nitrile gloves, dust mask, eye protection, and lab coat.
Basic cleanup
Taxidermy samples can collect dirt and dust over time and may require only basic remedial treatment to be conserved. Basic cleaning can be done regularly to help keep the specimen in good condition.
Feather
The feather may be gently cleaned with a soft brush or comb, which will help loosen the already formed particulate. A vacuum with a soft brush will also work to remove dust and dirt. For very dirty hairs, the conservator may choose to wash the specimen with water and detergent or mild soap. If a mountain has been hit by fire and covered with a fine soot, smoke sponge can be used to wipe the fur. Some taksidai experts promote the cleaning of fur with furniture polish, however, this method will cause the wax to accumulate and eventually dull the color of the fur.
Fur
Dust and dirt can accumulate feathers and can be cleaned manually. The preferred method is to gently brush with a fluffy brush or a vacuum cleaner through the screen. These methods will make the feathers in good condition in their natural alignment. However, the solvent may be needed to clean the fur if dust is retained by fat, which can shed the skin. Distilled water can be used if the dry method fails, but more stubborn dust may need to be cleaned with 70% non-denaturation ethanol. However, the solvent can disarm the natural oils in the fur and make it fragile.
Skin
Skin exposed to mounts, such as a bird's nose, mouth, or leg, can be cleaned with a soft microfiber cloth or brush. Some bird legs can be artificially colored and will not react properly if the solvent is applied.
Bones, horns and horns
Crumbling horns can be treated with class conservation beeswax paint that will help protect against dehydration. Beaks are another component of taxidermy specimens that are usually artificially colored and should only be cleaned with brush and soft clothes.
Glass component
Taxidermy specimens have glassy eyes that can be cleaned with a glass cleaner.
Repair and recovery techniques
If the specimen taxidermy has been damaged significantly, the conservator may have to use a more thorough and sometimes invasive technique to recover it. These techniques can help stabilize the condition of the specimen while also restoring the appearance to be more scientifically accurate. Before making improvements, the conservator uses various imaging techniques, such as photography and x-rays, to get a good idea of ​​the structure and extent of specimen damage.
Structural improvements
Material contents may be used on taxidermy specimens to correct missing areas. It is important that the specimens are in stable condition since many fillers have deficiencies that can further damage the specimen. The contents usually consist of backing made of inert fabric combined with resin, starch, or cellulose ether. For example, bird specimens that have been severely damaged by pests can be fixed with a mixture of synthetic fabrics and wheat flour. This mixture is used to fill missing areas and replaced feathers if possible with a starchy flour paste adhesive. In addition to filling, taxidermy specimens may require structural improvements. Small specimens that have experienced head or fringe headaches, new wire armature can be inserted into the specimen to return the damaged piece. Adhesives can be used to secure further broken pieces into their original body.
Recording fur
A relatively recent development in taxidermy restoration, metal dye complexes have been used to re-color the feathers. The American Museum of Natural History conducted extensive research and tests using this dye to re-color the specimens of taxidermy during the recovery of the North American Mammal Hall. Many dyes have high light resistance and are more resistant to fading. When applied to the feathers, they also allow for a more natural look and feel. Another major benefit to using dyes, compared to acrylic paints, to re-color the feathers is they are reversible. Dyes can be reduced or completely removed by ethanol application. Research is still being done on the flexibility of dyes and affordability, as well as whether or not they cause feathers to degrade over time.
Improved diorama
3D printing is a new method used to replace foliage in some dioramas because it can quickly replicate hundreds of leaves.
Pest treatments
Pests can be treated with a number of methods, including freezing, insecticides, or anoxia. This treatment helps kill adults and larvae, although the specimen may require additional cleaning and stabilization after this treatment is performed.
Preventive maintenance and maintenance
To extend the life of taxidermy specimens, it is important for museums and conservators to implement preventive maintenance and maintenance strategies. This strategy helps to protect specimens from damage caused by moisture, temperature, pests, humans, and more.
Proper storage and viewing conditions
One of the most effective ways to prevent damage from occurring in a taxidermy collection is to establish a monitoring system or procedure that routinely checks the condition of the specimen. When not displayed, the taxidermy specimen should be stored in a closet or tightly sealed box. Safes can be made of aluminum and/or stainless steel with an epoxy powder coating and effectively prevent pests and minor damage. Wooden cabinets can provide better protection from relative humidity fluctuations, although they are off-gas chemicals that can damage the collection. While it is essential for cabinets and crates to be sealed properly, they must also allow minimal airflow to prevent chemicals or moisture off-gassed from buildings inside containers. For taxidermy specimens housed on open shelves, plastic sheets may provide temporary protection from pollutants, although dust can accumulate electrostatically (2). Controlled lighting conditions with UV filters are important to reduce fading in taxidermy specimens. The specimens should be rotated regularly to reduce minor damage. 50-100 lux is the recommended light exposure for taxidermy, although some types of feathers are prone to damage at 50 lux. The maximum annual exposure level for biological specimens, feathers, feathers, and skin is 180,000 lux hours. Within a span of one year, the estimated mounts will fade in half if displayed in low light compared to the same conditions in high light. The ideal relative humidity conditions for taxidermy specimens are a minimum of 40% and a maximum of 55%. An integrated pest management system is essential for managing and monitoring pests that can damage the collection.
Proper handling
Proper handling techniques are essential to protect the specimen from damage. The conservator will check the taxidermy specimen for signs of weakness or removable parts before moving the object. It is important for anyone dealing with taxidermy to remove jewelry, such as a watch, ring, or bracelet, which can scratch or tear apart parts of the specimen. If a taxidermy specimen is mounted on a pedestal or in a tray, it is preferred to handle only the base or tray when moving the object, rather than the specimen itself. The conservator will also use secondary support, such as padding, to support taxidermy specimens on the way. Wearing a nitrile glove while holding a specimen will help prevent oil and sweat exposure.
Packing and shipping
The taxidermined mounts should be affixed to the shipping container with screws, ropes, staples or tapes, with lightweight and loose packing materials that support the specimen structure. It keeps the specimen stable during shipment, and notifies the receiver in the manner in which the specimen is oriented in the container. In addition, polystyrene or polyethylene bags may be used to cover specimens of taxidermy during delivery.
Important Example
American Museum of Natural History Hall of the Mammals
In 2011-2012, the American Museum of Natural History restored 43 dioramas within the Bernard Family Hall of North American Mammals. In addition to fixing the mounts, the conservators worked on fixing pieces of diorama sets and background paintings. To restore mountains and taxidermy specimens, conservators remove small animals from dioramas and build temporary scaffolds around larger animals, such as 500-pound pieces. Many of the larger mounts are affixed to their diorama case and can not be moved easily without risking further damage. One of the main objectives of the project is to restore scientific accuracy to specimens, including the coloring of their fur. Museum conservators test and develop new treatment methods to reassemble feathers using metal dyes instead of traditional materials, such as paint and hair dye. Details of other specimens updated and restored - mustach gireng whiskers replaced with porcupine hedgehogs to give the face a fuller look and veins added to the ear of the jackrabbit antelope to provide a realistic look. To protect the specimens and dioramas of an improved appraiser, UV-filtered lamps are installed throughout the mammal hall.
National Postal Museum "Owney"
In 2011, the Smithsonian National Postal Museum restored his beloved "Owney", the dog mascot of the Railway Mail Service. Owney was taxidermied in 1987 and has undergone previous restoration efforts. Using new methods and treatments, conservators get rid of dust, wax, paint, and arsenic remnants. They also change their face to be more accurate based on photo evidence, and replace the vest with more accurate leather clothes. As a result of the restoration, Owney's feathers are fuller, his tail is more fluffy, and he has a more historically accurate appearance.
Napoleon's Horse "Vizir"
Nearly 200 years old, Vizir is one of the Napoleon Bonaparte horses, and his mounts have been on display at the Musee de l'Armee in Paris. The horse showed signs of significant damage and the campaign was launched to fund the restoration. Conservators and taxidermists work to rehydrate the skin, improve tears in the body, and return the color to the fur. After the treatment is complete, Vizir is placed in a climate-controlled case to prevent further damage.
Henry the Elephant
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History changed its main rotunda in 2015, and restored its central elephant, Henry, which has been on display since 1959. Previous restorations have been done, including one in the 1970s involving replacing fangs with fiberglass replicas to reduce stress on specimens. Elephants are sprinkled and vacuumed to remove dirt, then candles are used to fill the gap and make other improvements. The skin was re-textured and changed color to be more like the elephant skin.
References
External links
- Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collection
- Natural Science Collection Association
- In their True Color Blog
- ICOM-CC Working Group Natural History Collection
- Collection of Natural Conservation Science at the American Museum of Natural History
- The National Park Service Saves O Grams
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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