Theses and Dissertations (Tangible Heritage Conservation)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/78185

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Making a case for combating historical dissociation of the ‘Bushmen’ collection at the Iziko Museums of South Africa
(University of Pretoria, 2023-11-21) McGinn, Isabelle; Mottie, Bradley; malikah_meyer@yahoo.com; Meyer, Malikah
The study aims to make a case for coining and including historical dissociation as a risk to museum ethnographic collections. The research is based on a 2019 collaboration project between the Iziko Museums of South Africa and representatives of the Khomani San people, where a selection of objects from the ‘Bushmen’ collection were examined by the Khomani San. Iziko’s archival records, notes, and transcripts of the 2019 project highlighted differences between the museums’ recorded provenance and details of the objects and the Khomani San’s knowledge of those objects. The ‘Bushmen’ collection could thus be said to have been impacted by historical dissociation. The present case-study research proceeds by documenting and conducting visual examinations on a selection of the objects reviewed in 2019, along with follow-up interviews with the Iziko staff involved in the 2019 to understand how historical dissociation has impacted the conservation and curation of these indigenous objects and how the inclusion of source communities in caring for their objects can combat the threat of dissociation. The goal of this paper is to raise awareness of historical dissociation as a threat to collections and highlight the importance of revisiting older museum collections for possible historical dissociation, as this impacts the narratives presented to museum staff, visitors, and researchers. By recognising the indigenous knowledge and intangible significance of museum ethnographic collections, museums such as Iziko can create an equal and transparent relationship between themselves and indigenous communities while at the same time pursuing goals of diversity, inclusivity, and museum decolonisation.
Treasured bodies : an examination of the W.G. De Haas anatomy study resource's pathology collection, technical aspects, and perspectives for conservation
(University of Pretoria, 2023-12) Loubser, Maggi; Naicker, Jade; rozellegreyling@gmail.com; Greyling, Rozelle N.
Historically, fluid-preserved collections have been recognised as a valuable resource within the discourse of science and medicine. In clinical education and practice, fluid-preserved collections specifically pertaining to pathology have been invaluable in establishing the foundation for understanding disease pathogenesis, prognosis, and treatment. Medical institutions' recent shortage of cadavers necessitates the preservation of cadaveric collections, which include archaeological, anatomical, and pathological wet specimens, for effective teaching and clinical practice. However, as a result of inconsistent cycles of use and dormancy, and the lack of knowledge and preservation skills, many fluid-preserved collections have declined in quality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relevance, preservation, and long-term conservation of fluid-preserved anatomical collections. As a case study, a technical analysis of selected pathology specimens from the University of Pretoria’s W.G. De Haas Anatomy Study Resource was performed. To better categorise the specimens and understand their materiality, this study examined and documented the specimens through various historical, imaging, and analytical techniques. These techniques included provenance research, observational examination, photography, and analytical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy. The results from these non-destructive methods have provided further insight into the educational and historical significance of the selected specimens and the Study Resource as a whole. Furthermore, the results have expanded on the limited knowledge available concerning fluid preservation in Africa and has contributed towards facilitating the continued preservation and conservation of fluid-preserved collections in the disciplines of Medicine, and Zoology within the field of heritage conservation.
Analysing the physical condition and materials of the Kruger House wallpaper and proposing conservation treatment
(University of Pretoria, 2023) Loubser, Maggi; u04288181@tuks.co.za; Conradie, Maria Magrietha
There was a catastrophic flood in 2016, where a car hit the fire hydrant in front of the DITSONG: Kruger Museum, (DKM) and a massive amount of water spilled onto the west gable and leaked onto the ceiling of the DKM. The wallpaper in especially SJP Kruger’s reception room has deteriorated extensively. With this study, I would like to give the reader a better understanding of the state of deterioration of the wallpaper. The aim of this study is to create a decision-making framework, that will include the condition of the wallpaper as it is, but also address institutional constraints, the architectural context, as well as the historical value of the DKM through chemical analyses, literature reviews and interviews.
Should we burn or conserve? A case study of the Moxwera wa Babaso newspaper (1925-1938)
(University of Pretoria, 2023) Loubser, Maggi; Kriel, Lize; u12102891@tuks.co.za; Manyike, Nkami Berniece
In this study a condition report is carried out on the Moxwera wa Babaso newspapers (1925-1938). The study then explores two possible conservation methods that could remedy the damage found. The first is towards the digital representation of the content found in the newspaper and the second is towards the physical restoration of the newspapers. As the newspaper is under the guardianship of the National Library of South Africa (NLSA) this study only gives possible treatment suggestions. Storage protocols of the hard copies are discussed, and handling as well as reinforcement methods are considered for the long-term preservation of the actual documents. Digitisation and storage on a website where researchers can apply for access would assist with the long-term retention of the information within the newspapers and assist in making the information accessible to the public in the future. When the information is accessible on online platforms it would limit the physical handling of the actual publications that would assist with the long-term conservation of the newspapers. Under digitisation the following aspects are considered prior to embarking on any digitisation route; management, technology and content.
A technical examination and discussion of the conservation decision-making process using Anton van Wouw’s Cattle Grazing near Pretoria Zoo (ca. 1896) as case study
(University of Pretoria, 2022) McGinn, Isabelle; Havermans-Steyn, Lise; hannes.elsenbroek@up.ac.za; Elsenbroek, Johannes Anthonie
The study aims to examine, discuss and develop a feasible treatment proposal for a damaged oil on canvas landscape Cattle Grazing near Pretoria Zoo that was completed around 1896. The painting is by Dutch-born South African artist Anton van Wouw (1862-1945) who is predominantly known as a sculptor. Therefore, the research aims to position the artist in a new light – that of a painter – since very little of his painting oeuvre has been documented or studied. The painting chosen for the case study was extensively damaged in the past, including storage in a folded state and has undergone several treatments in the past, including marouflage, consolidation and infilling; yet the treatment remains incomplete. The research proceeds by thoroughly documenting the painting using a variety of historical, visual and analytical techniques including technical photography and X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy, which are widespread in heritage conservation practices because of their non-invasive and non-destructive nature. The information obtained from these investigations sheds light on van Wouw as a painter, his technique and material use, for which there is currently no data. In addition, the analytical research sets the foundation for discussing the treatment decision-making process that ensues. The treatment proposal employs contemporary conservation ethics as guidance to ensure the integrity of the painting’s history and meaning remains intact, and based on consultations with the painting’s custodian discusses its intended future use and potential avenues for treatment.
Identifying challenges in the conservation of South African photography based on three case studies
(University of Pretoria, 2022) McGinn, Isabelle; Bester, Rory; jabulilintuli@gmail.com; Ntuli, Jabulile
Photographs have a visual tie to human memory in that they are used to capture moments of significance, and give a visual illustration of how something looks at that moment and time. Visual representation, in the way it is connected to human memory, has become an important tool in historical and heritage studies. Photographs allow for senses of the past to be seen and experienced, which is one of the primary reasons why pictures are safeguarded. This dissertation focuses on the ways in which photographic conservation gives special attention to the preservation of photographs. I will review the conservation and archival practices that the following three collections use to care for their photographs: the Duggan-Cronin collection at the McGregor Museum in Kimberley, the Bensusan Museum collection at Museum Africa in Johannesburg, and the Rashid Lombard collection, which is being donated to the University of the Western Cape. Each of these three collections tell a South African heritage story as seen through photography from 1866 to present. They cover different aspects that form an integral part of the history of South Africa, including the colonial era, the era of The Union of South Africa, apartheid and the post-apartheid era. It is important to understand the technological and social evolution of photography because how an objectis made, the materials it ismade of, and how it is used in research and exhibition, all influence its longevity, preservation, and deterioration. To complement observations in the three case studies, a survey was circulated through the South African Museums Association requesting participation. The survey allowed for a broader view to be formulated as to how different Museums in South Africa care for their photographs and to guide the formulation of context appropriate guidelines for handling, storage, exhibition and albeit briefly, digitization. Keywords: South African photographic collections Preventative conservation Photographic conservation Collections care and management
Home Sweet Museum : investigating the overlap between museum and residence at The Lindfield Victorian House Museum
(University of Pretoria, 2022) McGinn, Isabelle; Lindeque, Melissa; nmcollett@gmail.com; Collett, Nancy Mae
The role of conservation within museums is well-established and can be viewed as straightforward due to the ability to control and regulate environments, access, and use of objects. It is far more complex and challenging to reach the same levels of control in open heritage sites, heritage buildings, and period house museums. These spaces combine conservation of the historic structure, as well as furnishings and objects which do not fit neatly within glass display cabinets where light, dust, pollutants, pests, and other so-called agents of deterioration can be kept out or minimized. When a period house is managed as a museum, there are generally controls set in place to mimic the control found in more traditional museum environment: walkways are delineated and carpeted so as to cause minimal damage to original flooring, objects are kept out of reach, furnishings and sensitive areas of a room are cordoned off. Through regular monitoring, maintenance and cleaning, deterioration and damage are kept to a minimum. The Lindfield Victorian House Museum in Auckland Park, Johannesburg is open to the public as a museum – however, it is also home to owner and curator Katherine Love. Love has looked after the beautifully curated home for decades now, maintaining the house and its Victorian and Edwardian contents to blue heritage plaque status. This intersection between home and museum is a complex balancing act. There are certain practices and daily activities performed within the home that are, by their very nature, hazardous to the objects that are within the house. Conversely, it is this day-to-day living, and the very presence of Katherine Love, that brings the museum to life and gives it its quirky edge, making the Victorian past seem present and important. This research offers a chance to examine the house and its contents, identify potential risks to the continued survival of the collection and offer Love some guidance and potential solutions to mitigate these, so she may continue to care for her home-museum hybrid.
An analysis of paper made from the dung of elephant, rhinoceros and other wild herbivores to develop conservation guidelines
(University of Pretoria, 2022) Loubser, Maggi; marindavdnest@gmail.com; Van der Nest, Marinda
Paper has been around from the 3rd century BC. From then on different kinds of paper were made but the original recipe remained the back bone of how paper is made today. In this study the different components of paper were discussed to understand what paper is, namely: Cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. The food preferences of elephants and how their food is broken down in the gastrointestinal process showed why the artist could use elephant dung for paper making as shortcut in the papermaking process. The chemical processes to prepare the dung explained the bonding processes of the different components of paper to achieve good quality paper. Paper made from elephant, rhinoceros and other herbivores’ dung were analysed to find out what the components of the paper are and if it will lead to deterioration of the paper. Experiments such as UV light exposure, pH, lignin test, hygroscopic test and tear resistance were carried out on eight different paper samples. The samples were of unsized rhinoceros dung fibre paper, sized rhinoceros dung paper, rhinoceros dung mixed with Sappi paper, only Sappi paper, Kruger elephant dung paper, white rhinoceros dung paper, Chinese artist paper, and newsprint paper. The results showed that because of the low lignin content of the paper, lignin might not have any detrimental effect on the paper. Discolouring of the paper under UV light exposure where possibly because of oxidation where bonds between hemicellulose and cellulose degraded. The alkaline pH of all the paper samples except the newsprint paper, indicated the possible good quality and high durability of the paper. To conserve handmade paper, the guidelines of all the conservational institutions are an essential tool. The main degradation cause of paper is its inherent instability that will increase under heat and fluctuation of relative humidity. It is therefore essential to keep to the conservational guidelines to prolong the lifespan of paper.
Collections conservation practices and possibilities of contamination by hazardous pesticides : towards a non-pesticide approach of conserving organic collections at the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe
(University of Pretoria, 2022) O'Connell, Siona; Loubser, Maggi; u19214686@tuks.co.za; Chiwara, Davison
The thesis focused on the investigation of pesticide contaminants on organic collections at the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe. Data collection methods used included XRF spectrometry, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Desktop Survey and interviews. Research findings indicated that the collections at the museum are contaminated with toxic pesticides from historical and current pest control measures used in the museum. The contaminants included heavy metal and organic pesticides.
Conservation strategies for contemporary street art in Pretoria : a study of Jared Pereira’s public paintings
(University of Pretoria, 2022) Loubser, Maggi; carmencat96@icloud.com; Joubert, Carmen Catherina
This study aims to shed some valuable light on the world of street art in Pretoria and will also explore ways to conserve this art form. This case study is specific to the street artist Jared Pereira, who practices in Pretoria, South Africa. This was done by visiting the artist’s works and is based on an interview with the artist. This is an understudied field in Southern Africa. My study aims to not only investigate artist’s intent, but to investigate the temporality of street art. Focus will also be placed on the environment and experience of street art and how this ties to its conservation (for example through time-based media such as videography and interactive imagery). New practices should be established in the conservation of these public art pieces. My hope is that this study will provide insight into the practical care of street art and both historical and relevant contemporary graffiti under the ideas of ethical boundaries, biodegradation, artist’s intent, and material care. The notion of temporality is not a theme of investigation but an objective of the study. It was concluded that including the artist in the conservation process is integral when possible. Gaining insight into Jared Pereira’s (JESTR’s ) thoughts on his work in museums, moving into the digital world and conserving his works authentically was of great value to add to the very complex conversation surrounding the conservation of graffiti and street art. The way his works mutate with their environments and how he approaches this (by also changing the works and letting the public see what he wants them to see), and his unique use of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) to reclaim the temporality and illegality of his works; proves for a fascinating conservation study. Studying the artist Jared Pereira is an illuminating experience concerning street art in Pretoria. It opens up a new world of art accessible to everyone; a world worthy of conservation and celebration.
I want to tell you my name : augmented reality as conservation method for between words and images by Ernestine White-Mifetu and Toni Giselle Stuart
(University of Pretoria, 2022) McGinn, Isabelle; Saptouw, Fabian; u15021123@tuks.co.za; Van der Merwe, San-Mari
The conservation of time-based media is seldom straightforward. This is often because the key element in this form of art is not a physical object, but rather its character, message, or how the message is perceived and received by the visitor and their experience of it. Looking at site-specific artworks or exhibitions where the location is tied to a specific meaning, this essay discusses digital conservation options to ensure long-term availability and accessibility. This approach could be particularly significant for exhibitions that, as a result of their theme, content, or social commentary remain relevant today. The approach of digital conservation discussed in the present research allows for the preservation of multiple component parts as a coherent whole as opposed to archival practice which would preserve the various elements separately as text, image, or recording in stasis. AR as a conservation method allows the presentation of both reality and an altered version side-by-side, adding to what the viewer can already see. AR may thus be a modern solution to the ephemerality of revolving exhibitions as it does not require altering a physical location, merely overlaying virtual content into a meaningful location.
Challenges in contemporary mixed media collections : storage and preventative conservation of South African artists’ books at the Jack Ginsberg Centre for book arts
(University of Pretoria, 2022) Loubser, Maggi; lorealvosart@gmail.com; Vos, Loreal
The purpose of this study is to investigate some of the difficulties encountered by museums when dealing with mixed media/composite artworks in terms of both collection management and preventative conservation. When it comes to preserving mixed media artworks, conservators face a unique difficulty because there is no single, standard method for doing so. The potential conservation measures required for each material used contributes to this. Artists' books are the subject of this analysis; these are books that have been created or altered by an artist, either as a one-of-a-kind work or as part of an edition, and for which no other medium would adequately convey the artist's intentions. Therefore, artists' books can be made from a wide variety of media and materials. With the use of research and case studies from international museums that contain artist's book collections, this project aims to compile a proposed collection management and preventative conservation strategy for the artists' book collection at the Jack Ginsberg Centre for Book Arts. I evaluate the suitability of international museum practices for application in a South African context by comparing them to the Jack Ginsberg Centre for Book Arts' existing approach and provide suggestions for how the local system might be improved. So that the collection can be appreciated for many years to come, the specialised system aims to enhance storage management regarding preservation and preventative conservation measures. This is the first research project to examine the importance of proper preservation and storage for this South African artists' book collection.
The art of ‘looking’ : a technical analysis of Alexis Preller’s Man in the Sun
(University of Pretoria, 2021-01) Loubser, Maggi; Nel, Karel; danieleknoetze1990@gmail.com; Knoetze, Daniéle
The study aims to achieve a deeper understanding of the materials and techniques used by Alexis Preller in his early work, Man in the Sun 1936. A survey of the artist’s materials and techniques is of great importance as this information can guide conservators so that appropriate conservation actions can be applied in the future. Furthermore, by investigating Alexis Preller’s Man in the Sun, a greater appreciation and understanding of the painting’s anatomy will be achieved. This work intends to examine and document the materiality and techniques used by Preller through the combination of various historical, visual, and analytical techniques. The analytical techniques used are a preferred response when dealing with the conservation of oil paintings on canvas, because of their non-invasive and non-destructive nature. These techniques include provenance studies, visual examination, technical photography, and X-ray Fluorescence. In combination, the techniques should reveal the materials and techniques Preller used in Man in the Sun.
Oranjemund Shipwreck : a composition analysis of the Pewter Kitchen Ware And their conservation aspects
(University of Pretoria, 2021) Loubser, Maggi; Boshoff, Jaco; henrynakale@ymail.com; Nakale, Henry Napandulwe
This research paper deals with the condition and possible conservation treatment of the pewter objects at the Oranjemund Shipwreck Collection. The Oranjemund shipwreck is one of the oldest and most intact wrecks ever to be discovered in Sub – Sahara Africa. It is largely informed by archival research, interviews and X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy. This study is situated within the framework of safeguarding and preserving underwater cultural heritage and is guided by the UNESCO 2001 Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage. It was established that the collection of the pewter objects from the Oranjemund Shipwreck Collection is in a fair condition and presents a very simple class with no pieces of status or any decorations. Unfortunately, the National Museum of Namibia has no qualified conservators and because of that, their conservation department is not functional. Due to this most of the objects at the Oranjemund Shipwreck Collection are not optimally cared for. The researcher, therefore, recommends staff training on conservation and acquisition of proper storage facilities for the Oranjemund shipwreck collection.
Assessment of preservation of paper records at Lesotho National Archives
(University of Pretoria, 2021) McGinn, Isabelle; Minicka, Mary; settermrosse@gmail.com; Namane, Mampopi
This paper aims to assess the state of preservation of paper records at the Lesotho National Archives (LNA). The LNA was first established in 1958 while Lesotho was a protectorate of Britain. Museums, libraries and archives are all collecting institutions and although their collections may be of different material types, their collections are all associated with historical, social, artistic, scientific and research ‘value’, to name a few. Archival institutions in the world are mandated with housing some of the oldest records and are working tirelessly to retain the information contained within these records. This mandate comes with many challenges and although these may seem independent of one another, there is some common ground; particularly in African countries where these challenges commonly stem from financial hardships some countries are facing in addition to a lack of awareness of the importance of cultural heritage. The challenges of archival preservation in the LNA mostly stem from a lack of financial backing and a non-existent archival policy. The LNA is committed to preserve its records for future use, but the preservation is not addressed in a uniform manner. Currently, the Lesotho State Library which houses the LNA operates with no allocated budget and this makes it difficult for the archives to source outside means for funding independently because the government has been unable to pay subscriptions to associations such as the International Council on Archives (ICA). The storage in the LNA is built in such a manner that mediocre preventive conservation is achieved with a broken HVAC system, no compliance to a preventive conservation framework and a lack of skills devaluing what protection was partially offered by the building. If the prevailing situation continues, the current deterioration observed will worsen and there is a strong risk of both information and material loss. Keywords Preservation, preventive conservation, records, storage, cultural heritage, archives, deterioration
More than Staples and Glue : conservation, heritage and the making of a curriculum
(University of Pretoria, 2021) Reddy, Vasu; isabelle.mcginn@up.ac.za; McGinn, Isabelle
Heritage collections in South Africa are deteriorating as evidenced by surveys in heritage institutions, interviews and site visits. This can partly be ascribed to a decline in heritage preservation and conservation capacity, this in turn can be attributed to poor succession planning and a lack of local heritage conservation training opportunities. This thesis identifies local conservation needs and challenges by reviewing available local training and consultation processes to engage with various stakeholders. Data collection addressed a description, historical interpretation and analysis of the current state of conservation of collections, as the levels and type of staff training involved in collections care. The research also entails a critical review and analysis of current curriculum development theories to conceptualise formal academic conservation teaching and training to meet local needs and requirements. A curriculum was developed in response to research findings, guided by a review of curriculum development theory in line with criteria for a transformed curriculum. The research contributes to conservation generally, but more specifically, it contributes to archival knowledge on conservation as a profession in South Africa, where publication in the sector is scant. Additionally, although there are many programmes in heritage conservation internationally, few have been the subject of analysis and self-reflection regarding their conception, curriculum development or adaptation, and how they are taught. The thesis addresses this knowledge gap and contributes an original body of knowledge on conservation education in South Africa and abroad in historical, descriptive and analytical terms.
Investigation of artisanal tanning in Lesotho communities using a Setlokoa cowhide dress as a case study
(University of Pretoria, 2021) McGinn, Isabelle; Child, Nancy; mokotjomabokang@gmail.com; Mokotjo, Mabokang
Cowhide dress (mose oa khomo) used to symbolise Basotho women's traditional attire, but recently it has only been associated with a small group of women who participate in initiation ceremonies. Seshoeshoe, a modern cloth and European print developed over time with different styles, is now generally considered ‘traditional’. As a result, the intangible cultural heritage of crafting mese ea khomo and other Sesotho material cultures is disappearing. Basotho used to produce leather and cowhide products in large numbers and had their methods of leather preparation, tanning and conservation. However, with the introduction of Christianity, industrialisation and urbanisation, traditional customs including attire, have increasingly waned. And the decline in the traditional use of cowhide and leather products has resulted in an alarming abandonment of the associated skills. It has resulted in the gradual extinction of indigenous knowledge as part of intangible heritage. The research uses a Setlokoa cowhide dress as a case study to understand the skills behind the crafting of mose oa khomo. It further investigates the traditional conservation methods and the significance of mose oa khomo in Sesotho tradition, including the symbolic meaning of the patterns of beads and copper rings used to adorn the dress. Interviews, observation and literary sources revealed that leather preparation and tanning is no longer gender-based among the Basotho. It is no longer only done at khotla but has become primarily a communal activity done jointly by men and women. In addition, mafura a lefehlo (fat prepared with sour milk) and red ochre are used for tanning, softening, and conserving leather products, and have not been documented to date. Furthermore, this research’s case study was my paternal grandmother’s initiation graduation and wedding dress which she later used during crucial initiation ceremonies. Since there is no doubt that hide preparation and tanning is rapidly disappearing because it is currently rarely done, this study has documented the current methods used in leather manufacturing and conservation. A condition assessment was done on the case study with signs of deterioration identified and possible treatment options suggested based on current conservation methods used to preserve and restore leather, glass and copper objects since the case study contains these three materials. This research forms the basis for conserving Sesotho material culture as it is the first study to document cultural objects traditionally produced in the country and aims to investigate Lesotho intangible and tangible cultural heritage for conservation. Keywords: Mose oa khomo, conservation, intangible heritage, indigenous knowledge, material culture, deterioration, treatment, leather preparation, hide tanning, Basotho, traditional attire.
The (im)permanence of fading smoke : a conservation case study of Diane Victor’s soot drawings
(University of Pretoria, 2021) McGinn, Isabelle; Choi, Soyeon; lauraesser06@gmail.com; Esser, Laura
Even though soot has been used for thousands of years, it is relatively unexplored as a medium in contemporary art. Only a handful of artists internationally have created works from soot. The South African artist Diane Victor is one such artist who has explored the medium, using candles to create magnificent artworks on paper, and more recently on stone and glass. The main focus of this mini-dissertation is a detailed artist interview that records Diane Victor’s technique, material use and preferences regarding transport, installation and exhibition of her soot drawings. More importantly, the artist’s interview explores the artist's intent regarding the stability and longevity of her soot drawings, as Diane Victor does not use fixatives on her soot drawings. This preference imparts a certain fragility to the artworks placing them at risk of smudging, lifting of pigment and abrasion, in addition to tears, staining and distortion of the paper through improper handling, poor exhibition techniques or accidental events. Although Diane Victor has returned to and reworked drawings she has made in the past to repair damage to the image, she would instead leave damage to the paper substrate to the expertise of conservators, and there is as such a need to better understand her preferences in addition to the material itself. The artist interview attends to the former, whilst a detailed visual documentation of soot drawings samples attends to the latter. Using various lighting techniques and microscopy, the dissertation hopes to highlight the relationship between the paper fibres and the soot; to establish a baseline for future research into how these fragile artworks could be stabilised and conserved.
A technical survey of Lucky Madlo Sibiya’s (1942 – 1999) materials and techniques employed in his carved and painted wood panel artworks
(University of Pretoria, 2020) Loubser, Maggi; De Kamper, Gerard; salome@arte.co.za; Le Roux, Salome
The study aims to achieve an understanding of the artist’s materials and techniques used by Lucky Madlo Sibiya when he created his carved and painted wood panel artworks. A survey of the artist’s materials and techniques is of great importance, because he is represented in multiple institutional, corporate and private collections – including the University of Pretoria. His carved and painted wood panel artworks are also reaching an age (at least 20 years old, as 2019 is the twentieth anniversary of his death) when they would soon require conservation and restoration, if not stored and displayed according to sound conservation conditions and standards. For best-practice conservation and restoration, in-depth knowledge of the materiality of an artwork is needed. In order to reach an in-depth knowledge of the materiality of Sibiya’s carved and painted wood panel artworks, the survey intends to examine and document through the combination of various historical, visual and analytical techniques artworks with unrefuted provenance. The analytical techniques used are popular in heritage conservation, because they are non-invasive and non-destructive. They include provenance studies, visual examination, technical photography, X-ray Fluorescence and Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy. In combination, the techniques should reveal the materials and techniques Sibiya employed. This knowledge will be used to safeguard and preserve this part of South African art heritage.
Heritage and reconciliation within a post-colonial society, Cockatoo Island a case study
(University of Pretoria, 2020) Loubser, Maggi; Swart, Johan; emiliazambri@gmail.com; Zambri, Emilia Eva
Heritage conservation and management has its own challenges and opportunities. If done correctly, it has the potential to re-establish the thread of continuity with a previous time. Most prominently, heritage conservation and management has the ability to facilitate legislative change, promote reconciliation and social reconstruction in a sustainable manner. It is this research papers intention to re-imagine the conservation and management process at a postcolonial heritage site with a shared history and meaning. Keeping this objective in mind, Cockatoo Island is discussed as a suitable heritage site and case study for the paper. The investigation into the case study will be undertaken by taking inspiration from Roha W. Khalaf’s publication of Cultural Heritage Reconstruction after Armed Conflict: Continuity, Change, and Sustainability. The study will reframe Khalaf’s concepts of cultural continuity, change and sustainability, by investigating its application to the discussed heritage site’s conservation and management processes. The synergies between Khalaf’s conceptual ideas could strengthen the connections between indigenous communities and their heritage sites. Further, these synergies could also facilitate for the social reconciliation of post-colonial communities, especially in the context of shared history and meaning.

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