Condition assessment and toxic object identification for a collection of Native American artifacts.

FAIN: PG-271721-20

University of Northern Colorado (Greeley, CO 80639-6900)
Andrew Theodore Creekmore (Project Director: January 2020 to October 2022)

The work of two consultants, one to undertake a preservation assessment of fragile objects, the other to test for toxic preservatives, in a collection of 3,000 objects, including pottery, basketry, leather goods, and stone tools, that document Native American cultures of the West and Southwest from 10,000 BCE to the twentieth century. The consultants would also offer workshops to faculty, students, museum staff, and community members on using x-ray fluorescence, conducting condition assessments, and safe handling of collections. The collections are used for academic research, in university classes, and for public programming.

The anthropology department at the UNC curates a collection of 3000 prehistoric and historic Native American artifacts including pottery, basketry, leather goods, and stone tools. These date from 10,000 B.C.E. to the 20th century, spanning important developments in Native American culture. The collection is used in undergraduate education and shared with the public through exhibitions. This project will support a consultant to assess the condition of fragile artifacts and recommend how to preserve them. A second specialist will conduct X-ray fluorescence testing to identify toxic preservatives, such as arsenic, that may have been applied to the organic artifacts in the past, and will seal objects that test positive for toxins to protect students and researchers from harmful exposure. Both consultants will be assisted by an undergraduate and graduate student, and offer public workshops in conjunction with their work to train others in their specialty.