Paracas textiles – Colour and condition. Investigation of the mordants and state of degradation of the Paracas textile collections in Peru and Sweden

Abstract

ABSTRACT<br> During the course of the repatriation of a collection of Paracas textiles from Sweden to Peru, an investigation of the textiles’ physical conditions and a study of their colourant auxiliaries were undertaken. Conservators from the National Museums of World Culture, Sweden and the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History, Peru collaborated with the Heritage Laboratory of the Swedish National Heritage Board. The analytical techniques used were: fibre documentation, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive x-ray analysis, compression testing, pH measurements and micro-x-ray fluorescence mapping. Results suggest that colourants and their auxiliaries, such as mordants, cause greater differences in condition than past storage environments or treatments.