Shout out to Mimi! Conservation with Cotton Swabs

Thanks to Mimi Leveque for her hard work on the Padihershef  conservation project.

Check out this great interview on Mimi's conservation techniques from NPR.

http://www.npr.org/2013/06/11/190756396/spit-and-cotton-swabs-the-tools-for-a-mummy-facelift

Mimi used many tools and techniques to clean Padihershef and his coffin. Some of the greatest tools for conservation are, believe it or not, cotton swabs and saliva. Yes, saliva is one of the best cleaning solutions conservators can use to remove dust, salts, grime, etc. Because of the enzymes in saliva (the very same that help break food), conservators can carefully remove particles. What a useful tool and significant part of the mummy restoration process.

Thank you again Mimi!

Mimi Leveque talking about the salts on Padihershef's skin

Mimi Leveque observing Padihershef in the Ether Dome- MGH

Stay tuned for future discussions on our blog pertaining to other techniques Mimi used on Padihershef's coffin and textiles.