earth pigments on Australian hardwood

A painted carved wooden sculpture, or Dharpa, from North East Arnhemland, Australia. Two ribs - that appear as a series of ‘fins’ on the right side of the sculpture - were sheared off and were missing their end points. The base of the sculpture had a number of small chips also, as well as widespread surface dust. To repair the artwork we:

• stablised wood substrate and media at points of damage

• formulated a custom fill to expertly replicate the original timber by utilising a unique cellulose-based recipe, obtained through rigorous testing

• applied and shaped fill to match surrounding texture

• painted reinstated elements with conservation-grade media to reinstate visual cohesion