A preliminary investigation into the use of wet cleaning treatments for the conservation of Pacific Island barkcloth

Abstract

This investigation looked into the compatibility of tapa and water, and the logistics and safe handling of the material, as well as how this could potentially impact on pigments, decorative media, adhesives and layers. A range of wet cleaning methods were tested,
based on suggestions and comments from participants of a survey on conservation wet cleaning of barkcloth, as well as methods drawn from the conservation literature.