On Fri, 10 Feb 1995, Pam Endzweig wrote:
 
>   Yesterday our museum received a painted leather carrying bag from
> Mauritania (about 16 inches long and 7 inches in diameter).  Portions of the
> bag are appear to have gotten damp and exhibit a light shadow of mould.  The
> leather is otherwise in good condition, i.e. quite supple, and not at all
> stiff and brittle.
>
>   Could someone please advise me on a good course of action to deal with the
> mould?  I'm not sure whether to take a cold or a warm approach (though I'm
 
I'd suggest contacting someone at University of New Mexico Museums...
Their Santa Fe's Palace of the Governors museum had at least two of those
in their collection -- well, in their artifact storage rooms -- which
looked quite well preserved and beautiful.  They must know something? I
think the Spanish name is "petaca" but I'm not sure.  Small leather
trunk...
 
David LaRo
San Antonio