Conservation

The Mossi mask had been stored in an archival box since it came into the collection. The box protected the vulnerable organic materials from light, dust, and handling; however, the box walls somewhat compressed and distorted the raffia, especially around the wood face.

The dyed raffia was originally very pliable and could be knotted, twisted, and braided. The raffia has become very brittle with age. Many broken fibers had collected in crevices and caught among layers. These broken fibers were gently removed and bagged as sample material for possible future analysis.

The mask was placed vertical on a mount. Vapor from a cool mist ultrasonic humidifier was slowly introduced to the environment around the mask, allowing the raffia to relax.

Detached raffia bundles were carefully wound with cotton thread and secured to the braid surrounding the wood face, filling visual gaps where raffia was damaged or missing. A curved needle was used to pass the thread through the braid, and excess thread was trimmed flush.

Detached raffia bundles were carefully wound with cotton thread and secured to the braid surrounding the wood face, filling visual gaps where raffia was damaged or missing. A curved needle was used to pass the thread through the braid, and excess thread was trimmed flush.