All of the artifacts in the Painted Metaphors exhibit were examined by the Museum's conservators, and given any treatment necessary to render them stable for exhibition and travel.
Treatments varied from simple cleaning to complex disassembly of old restorations; re-mending with modern, stable material; and restoration of missing areas. Exhibits such as this enable the conservators to concentrate on a discreet group of artifacts and, in cooperation with Curators and researchers, make interesting observations about the culture that made and used them.
Photo caption: A before and after shot of the conserved Spider Monkey Pot. Penn Museum object NA11443bt1.