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Storage of Historic Native American Baskets
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The majority of the Native American baskets
in storage were found in an attic space on the Mission grounds.
Shown here, the baskets are temporarily stored in the Preservation
Field Office during the preparation of the new storage facility.
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Some of the baskets were found in the basement
of the Mission's Administration Building. As seen here, this
is a typical example of the poor storage conditions of the
baskets: the large basket does not have any supports while
the smaller, flattened baskets are stacked one on top of the
other-conditions which promote their deformation.
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Although these two baskets are stored inside
polyethylene bags, they are not properly sealed, thus enabling
the accumulation of dust particulate and the possible infestation
of insects.
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Prior to storage, each basket is photo-documented
and material conditions are recorded. Due to the missing portion
in the center of the basket, there is a lack of tension in
the weave, thereby causing its outside edge to flatten and
become more horizontal. This loss appears to be a result of
insect damage.
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To allow for proper storage, fragile baskets
are well supported: each basket has its own cushioned support
that conforms to its current contours.
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The cleaned basket is ready for storage. This
includes the cushioned support within a handling tray, all
of which are made out of archival, acid-free materials.
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Part of the storage process includes dry cleaning
each basket with a soft Japanese hake brush. Many of the baskets
had an accumulation of dirt and dust particulate, as well
as insect frass.
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Each basket has its own tray, specifically
designed for its storage needs. Materials used to make the
trays are archival and inert.
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Prior to installing the shelving and cabinetry,
the Mission Preservation Team redesigns the space to create
a more stable, isolated environment for collections storage.
The work includes: removing carpeting and padding and sealing
the floor with a vapor barrier; installing new locks to ensure
security; and, seen here, mounting black-out panels in front
of the windows and French doors and installing UV filter sleeves
over fluorescent tubes to control light levels.
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View of the Mission's basket collection stored
in the new museum cabinet, which requires minimal interior
maintenance and provides superior resistance to fire, water,
and pests.
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These chemically stable cabinets are extremely
versatile: they provide security as well as protection from
light and dust, and buffer relative humidity and temperature
fluctuations. Seen in the background are temporary shelving
units, which will be in place until the Mission raises funds
to purchase more museum cabinets.
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The funds remaining from the CMF grant will
be used toward the housing of another significant collection,
the Mendoza ceramics (the glazed clay pieces seen on temporary
shelving), which will require earthquake mitigation measures.
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These two unglazed clay pieces, which are
possibly of Mexican origin, will be stored along with the
Mendoza collection, given their fragile nature and historic
significance.
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The Mission Preservation Team monitors the
temperature and relative humidity levels in the new storage
facility to determine whether adjustments are needed to minimize
harmful impacts from the environment. Climate control is important
because artifacts can be damaged if the temperature and relative
humidity are too high, too low, or if these factors fluctuate
too rapidly.
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