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Karajá Feathered Headdress (lori-lori)
Date: Unknown, likely late 20th century Artist: Unknown Materials: feathers, plant fiber, monocot stem Dimensions (HxWxD, inches): 17 7/8 x 15 x 7 1/8 Institution/Owner: Fowler Museum at UCLA Key Treatment Steps
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Summary
This Karajá lori-lori feathered headdress arrived to UCLA inside-out, as shown in the above image. It was inverted onto a temporary support for examination, condition assessment, and treatment. The feathers were dirty overall, and exhibited signs of previous insect infestation. Fowler Museum records indicated that the object had been frozen in the past in order to eradicate pests. No casings or frass were found, suggesting that the object was cleaned following the infestation.
A yellowed material was observed on several feathers, leading to embrittlement and severe dislocation of some barbs. It is possible that this material could derive from insects, or from cultural use. In some cases, the material was associated with insect damage, but feathers that were not stained with this yellowed material were also targeted by insects. Manuel Ferreira Lima Filho, director of the Museu Antropológico, UFG - Universidade Federal de Goiás in Brazil and expert on the Karajá was consulted to ask about the possible use of an anointing material during cultural use. He was unable to definitively say whether or not this was common practice. Because the source of the staining is unknown, and it may derive from cultural practice, it was not removed during conservation treatment.
Instead, treatment focused on dry cleaning of the feathers, realignment of barbs where possible, and repairs to bent and broken rachides. Consultation with Manuel also revealed that lori-lori headdresses are traditionally stored inside-out. In order to respect cultural tradition, it was decided that following treatment the headdress would be returned to this configuration. Protective enclosures were custom made for individual feathers with loose barbs in order to protect them while stored in this configuration.
This Karajá lori-lori feathered headdress arrived to UCLA inside-out, as shown in the above image. It was inverted onto a temporary support for examination, condition assessment, and treatment. The feathers were dirty overall, and exhibited signs of previous insect infestation. Fowler Museum records indicated that the object had been frozen in the past in order to eradicate pests. No casings or frass were found, suggesting that the object was cleaned following the infestation.
A yellowed material was observed on several feathers, leading to embrittlement and severe dislocation of some barbs. It is possible that this material could derive from insects, or from cultural use. In some cases, the material was associated with insect damage, but feathers that were not stained with this yellowed material were also targeted by insects. Manuel Ferreira Lima Filho, director of the Museu Antropológico, UFG - Universidade Federal de Goiás in Brazil and expert on the Karajá was consulted to ask about the possible use of an anointing material during cultural use. He was unable to definitively say whether or not this was common practice. Because the source of the staining is unknown, and it may derive from cultural practice, it was not removed during conservation treatment.
Instead, treatment focused on dry cleaning of the feathers, realignment of barbs where possible, and repairs to bent and broken rachides. Consultation with Manuel also revealed that lori-lori headdresses are traditionally stored inside-out. In order to respect cultural tradition, it was decided that following treatment the headdress would be returned to this configuration. Protective enclosures were custom made for individual feathers with loose barbs in order to protect them while stored in this configuration.
Treatment Images
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Click on an image below to enlarge and view description.
