Maori Paddle
Description
The wooden Maori paddle is attributed to the Cook Islands. The front of the blade is painted with black circular radiating designs with “Notoromona” painted down the middle of the blade. The back of the blade is raised to a spine down the blade, making the center of the blade down the length thicker than the edges. It is also painted with the black radiating circular patterns. The handle is painted in a stripped zig-zag pattern also in black.
Treatment
Surface was cleaned with a brush and vacuum.
The old red ID number and transferred white painted were removed using acetone. A new paper ID number was added to the end of the handle using 20% Paraloid B72 in acetone.
The area damaged by insects was brushed cleaned and any material which was loose (turned to dust) was removed. Then a layer of 0.5% methyl cellulose in 50/50 isopropyl alcohol and water, was applied to the area to help stabilize the damaged wood. Then 20% Paraloid B72 in acetone mixed with glass microballoons was used to fill the area and shaped to match the original edge, which further stabilized the wood. Then the new surface was sanded lightly to smooth the texture to match the rest of the object. The new surface was then painted to match the surrounding wood and original painted designs using acrylic paint. Since the acrylic paint was slightly glossy, a bulking agent and chalk pastels were used to mattify the surface and match the aged appearance of the object.
•The surface is dusty and grimy, with wear to any raised edges.
• There is transferred white paint on a few small areas.
•There are old ID numbers, one set in red paint and the others engraved in end of the handle.
•There is major insect damage to the proper left and right side of the blade.