D22-MT-2019_Turin, Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography of the University, Bororo Arch and Arrows, inv. AM 340

Facilitated description:

 

The bow with arrows is a work that comes from Brazil, from the Bororo population. 
The bow and 6 arrows were made during the 1800s. 
The bow and arrows are kept at the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography of the University of Turin. 
The La Venaria Reale Conservation and Restoration Centre restored the bow and arrows in 2018-2021. 
A restoration student restored the bow and arrows for her dissertation (final exam).
Scientists at the Venaria Center did scientific analysis to see what materials the bow and arrows are made of. 
The restorer cleaned the bow and arrow feathers with a laser beam instrument and chemicals. 
He cleaned the wooden parts from the dust with a small vacuum cleaner. 
It eliminated the deformations of the feathers using a damp fabric. 
Reinforced the broken feathers. 
Eventually he inserted the parts of feather that had lost color between veils of fabric of similar color. 
In this way he gave the idea of the color of the feather and guaranteed the recognizability of the restoration intervention. 

 

 

 

Abstract of the intervention: 

 

The bow with the 6 Bororo arrows has been restored as part of a thesis project by Camilla Mammoliti entitled Study and restoration of a bow with Bororo arrows by MAET: an ethical, multidisciplinary and experimental approach to cleaning and consolidating pens.
The intervention was flanked by a diagnostic campaign aimed at deepening and documenting the characteristics of the materials and studying the supermmesse substances (multispectral imaging, X-ray radiography, XRF, observations in mocroscopy and chemical analysis).

Restoration

The intervention was preceded by an experimental phase that aims to identify the potential of laser technology for cleaning feathers and the best methods of reshaping and integrating feathers. 
The restoration has provided for the cleaning of the feathers with a laser-solvent combianto method, differentiated for all types of pens. For some types of feathers, a real experimental protocol has been drawn up aimed at integrating the existing literature on restoration. Subsequently, the wooden parts were cleaned with controlled suction and selective solvent cleaning. Consolidations were then carried out on the arrow rods and the reshaping of the feathers through indirect humidification with Sympatex membrane. The consolidation of the broken rachis was carried out by stabilization with entomological pins and adhesive. Finally, a chromatic integration was performed with a sandwich method between silk veils.
They are part of the thesis work proposed for the exhibition design of the work and for the design of educational panels. 

 

Bibliography

C. Mammoliti, Studio and restoration of a bow with Bororo arrows from MAET: an ethical, multidisciplinary and experimental approach to cleaning and consolidating pens, degree course in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, University of Turin, Prof. Roberta Genta, Diego Elia, academic year 2108-2019.