CLASSIFYING THE CONDITIONS AND TYPES OF DEGRADATIONS OF KELINGKAN SHAWLS

Abstract

Kelingkan embroidery is a Malay traditional metal thread embroidery rooted since fifteenth century A.D. It is known in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak in Malaysia as well as in other Malay neighbouring regions including Brunei and Indonesia. Kelingkan shawl is one form of kelingkan embroideries which is distinguished by flat coated metallic threads of gold or silver embroidered on lightweight and translucent fabrics. This study aims to identify types and factors of degradations of kelingkan shawls from the collection of Department of Museums Malaysia located in Kuala Lumpur. The study was carried out through visual observation on twenty-two samples of kelingkan shawls in the museum textile storage room. The findings identify physical damages as the major factor constituting the instability of kelingkan shawls, followed by chemical and biological damages. Their conditions are also found to be in four categories which are good, fair, poor and very poor conditions. While factors lead to their damages are aging, the nature of materials and improper storage methods. Identification and classification of types and factors of damages are necessary to determine the correct preservation and conservation techniques of damaged objects in museum.

Keywords: Kelingkan, Malay embroidery, metal thread, museum, preservation.