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| Passion Investments: Art: Going Native |
Preservation's Pitfalls
Daniel Akst
02/01/2007
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When Jack Silverman transferred his outstanding collection of Native American artifacts to an auction
house for eventual sale, it marked an end of the almost constant vigilance
required to keep his valuable objects in museum-quality condition. Blankets,
animal-hide clothing, baskets and other such handmade items are susceptible to
all sorts of ravages, art consultant Bruce Shackelford says, "Talk to a conservator about keeping or displaying it. You’ve got to take care of it, or it
will disintegrate before your eyes."
 | | AN ACOMA storage jar from the late 19th century has an estimated value of
$250,000 to $350,000. (Photograph by Bonhams & Butterfields.) |
Moths remain the most insidious threat to textiles. Amateur
collectors frequently make a classic blunder when they hang a garment or blanket
on a wall. There it looks fine until, years later, the owner discovers that the
back has been consumed. Collectors should suspend such objects 1 or 2 inches
from a wall, and never assume that framing offers adequate protection. Sunlight
is also a potentially mortal foe. Dan Albrecht, who has collected for more than
half a century, says his American Indian art has required more than a few
exterminator visits over the years. He routinely freezes textiles to deter
insects.
 Back to Main Article: Going Native
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