Was this a question about using something to stabilize pottery?  We have a large collection of Native American pottery, and use pot rings to stabilize it.  Another museum in the area had a die cut which would make a large circle in polyethylene foam "ethafoam".  The circle would become 3 pot rings.  

It's about 2" thick, with an outer diameter of 12".  So the three pot rings would have inner diameters of 10", 8" and 6".  The innermost section can be then cut to fit smaller pots with a knife.  You may need to get authorization to use the die from the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, NM (505/827-6344), and then you can order them from Eddleman industries, located in Albuquerque.  We work with a sales rep named Greg, their number is 821-7225.

If you'd like more specific information about how we've used them, perhaps you could write to Bettina Raphael, who works with us on conservation issues.  Her email is [log in to unmask]

Deborah Winton
Administrative Assistant, Indian Arts Research Center
School of American Research, Santa Fe, NM

>>> William Thornton <[log in to unmask]> 08/11/99 01:16PM >>>
Unfortunately, Styrofoam is not an appropriate material, whereas Ethafoam is. The foam, fabric and any adhesives should be tested for the chemical properties of they are to be in close proximity to art objects or in an enclosed space. 
William Thornton
[log in to unmask] 

>>> sara clinard <[log in to unmask]> 08/11 11:11 AM >>>
What about using a piece of styrofoam carved to fit the base of the pot
and then covered with an appropriate fabric.  Styrofoam is easy to come
by and is usually free.  It can be carved using a serated knife.



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