Before treatment
Condition Before Treatment
Overall, the siapo is in poor structural condition with significant creases, tears, and losses, many of which had been repaired with pressure-sensitive tape. It is in poor aesthetic condition due to abrasions and losses in the design, as well as overall surface grime.
Siapo
Samoa
19th - early 20th century
Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation
Mulberry fiber, organic dyes
The patterned barkcloth is an example of Samoan siapo. The cloth is rectangular in shape with approximate dimensions of just over 3 feet by almost 7 feet. All four edges of the cloth appear sharp, indicating that this section was likely cut from a larger piece. Additionally, the pattern on the cloth appears to have been truncated by these cuts, with design continuing beyond the sharp edges. These dimensions support the attribution of this cloth as a lavalava, or wrap-around-skirt.
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Consultation & Collaboration
This treatment is ongoing and being conducted by successive classes of students in the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation. It provides a wonderful opportunity for students in a variety of specialties, such as textiles, paper, and objects, to collaborate.
Additionally, a virtual consultation was held over Zoom with conservators and curators, including Michele Austin-Denehy, Reggie Meredith Fitiao, and Dr. Adrienne Kaeppler. The group discussed the production of siapo, and Reggie provided and specific terms for materials. A brief discussion of treatment plans and materials was had, where Michele shared from her previous experience that east Asian paper is an appropriate repair and fill material because it is made from the same mulberry fibers that the barkcloth is made from.
Ongoing Treatment
This treatment is still being conducted.
Treatment steps conducted in the first phase of the project included overall surface cleaning, which was conducted using a vacuum and Vellux, as well as removal of tape from the verso. Tape removal was conducted with a heated spatula. ll your story online can make all the difference.
Images courtesy and copyright of the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation