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
much more favorably inclined towards low temperatures, given the condition
of leather and the very detailed, painted designs).  I have not been able to
find a solution that seemed appropriate in the reference sources I checked.
 
 
Pam Endzweig
Collections Manager & Staff Archaeologist
University of Oregon Museum of Natural History
Eugene, OR 97403-1224  [log in to unmask]
 
                           Pam Endzweig
             Collections Manager & Staff Archaeologist
                Oregon State Museum of Anthropology
          University of Oregon Museum of Natural History
         Eugene, OR 97403-1224, USA   Phone (503)346-5120
                    [log in to unmask]