Caring for Aboriginal artworks
Regardless of their medium—canvas, bark painting, weaving, jewellery or dilly bags—it is crucial to preserve your Aboriginal artworks integrity and cultural significance. Each type of artwork demands specific care methods due to the materials used and their traditional crafting techniques.
Canvas Artwork:
- Handling: Always handle canvas art with clean hands and avoid touching the painted surface.
- Display: Keep away from direct sunlight, extreme heat, or moisture to prevent fading or warping.
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently remove dust. Avoid using any cleaning agents or liquids without professional guidance.
Bark Painting:
- Handling: Handle bark paintings delicately to avoid cracks or tears in the bark.
- Environment: Keep in a moderate climate, away from direct sunlight or fluctuations in humidity, to prevent the bark from drying or becoming brittle.
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry brush to remove dust. If the bark appears to be very dirty, consult a professional conservator for proper cleaning.
Weaving:
- Handling: Handle woven artworks carefully to avoid unraveling or damage to the fibres.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or humidity. Avoid hanging woven items for extended periods to prevent stretching.
- Cleaning: Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a low suction setting to remove dust. Avoid wet cleaning unless recommended by a professional conservator.
Dilly Bags:
- Handling: Treat dilly bags gently, avoiding any undue stress on the stitching or weaving.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. To maintain their shape, consider filling them lightly with acid-free tissue paper.
- Cleaning: Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a low suction setting for dust removal. Spot cleaning, if necessary, should be done cautiously and preferably by a professional.
- Avoid Humidity: Excessive moisture can damage various Aboriginal artworks. Use dehumidifiers in humid climates and avoid hanging or storing artworks in damp areas.
- Consult Professionals: If in doubt about cleaning or restoration, seek advice from conservators experienced in Aboriginal art conservation.
- Framing: When framing artworks, use acid-free materials and UV-resistant glass to protect against light damage.