عنوان

On the Surface:

Number

TL18v2n4gx

.Language of Text, Soundtrack etc

انگلیسی

Title Proper

On the Surface:

General Material Designation

[Thesis]

First Statement of Responsibility

Ohern, Robin Rebecca

Title Proper by Another Author

A Cultural and Scientific Analysis of Two West African Komo Masks' Surfaces

Subsequent Statement of Responsibility

Pearlstein, Ellen

Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.

UCLA

Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.

2012

Body granting the degree

UCLA

Text preceding or following the note

2012

Text of Note

Komo masks from West Africa are known for their complex and fragile surfaces accumulated over time as a consequence of ceremonial use. This examination begins with a review of the cultural context for the masks and a discussion of the ethics of performing research on these objects found in museum collections. Additionally, conservators at thirty museums with komo masks in their collections were surveyed to gather information on the history of komo mask treatments and current conservation approaches to these complex objects. The surfaces of two komo masks and reference materials are analyzed using polarized light microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction. The results were then compared with the materials expected based on a literature review, including kola nuts, millet flour, blood, clays, crushed bone, and plant gum. Cross section samples are investigated using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy - energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to map the locations of organic and inorganic components. The results are discussed in relation to the ethical issues of the research. The analysis identified the presence of blood, proteinaceous material, plant fibers, burned plant fibers, alumino-silicate clay, quartz, and red iron ochre particles.

Ohern, Robin Rebecca

Pearlstein, Ellen

UCLA

Electronic name

p

[Thesis]

276903

a

Y