| PG-258429-18 | Preservation and Access: Preservation Assistance Grants | Earlham College | Creating Preservation Storage Plan for Lady Ta'an | 2/1/2018 - 7/31/2019 | $4,621.00 | Ann-Eliza | | Lewis | | | | Earlham College | Richmond | IN | 47374-4095 | USA | 2017 | Archaeology | Preservation Assistance Grants | Preservation and Access | 4621 | 0 | 4047.76 | 0 | Hiring
a conservator to design new permanent housing for the museum’s Egyptian mummy
from the Fayum Valley, known as Lady Ta’an, which has been a focal point of the
collection since 1889; the new housing will serve as the first step in a long-term
storage solution for the mummy, who has been identified by X-ray analysis as a
female in her early 20s. This project would facilitate further conservation
treatment and study of the mummy, including closer investigation of the body,
wrappings, and the painted coffin to provide relative dates and other
contextual information. The project would also improve visibility so that she
can be examined more thoroughly by other audiences and be better integrated
into the museum’s educational programs for both the college community and the
broader public.
The Joseph Moore Museum (JMM) at Earlham College (EC) seeks support to hire a conservator to design permanent, open storage housing for the museum’s mummy, Lady Ta’an. In 2007 a conservator identified climate control as a critical element in the conservation plan and set out a series of short, medium, and long term solutions. JMM staff implemented the short- and medium-term solutions. Designing a long-term storage solution is the next step and requires input from a qualified conservator who will consult with JMM staff and act as a liaison with designers. We cannot invest in conservation treatments without adequate, stable storage. Purchased in 1889 by EC’s fourth president, Lady Ta’an has been displayed continuously and remains a significant draw for visitors. As a formative object of the collection, preserving Lady Ta’an is integral to preserving the museum’s history. The JMM’s humanities collections are used in many EC courses across all disciplines. |