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Rediscovering the materials of Arraiolos tapestries: fibre and mordant analysis by SEM-EDS and μ-PIXE

2008; Oxford University Press; Volume: 14; Issue: S3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1017/s1431927608089484

1435-8115

Ana Manhita, Cristina Teixeira da Costa, Teresa Ferreira, José Mirão, Helena Vargas, Isabel Ribeiro, Isabel Seruya, Teresa R. Pacheco, L.C. Alves, António Candeias,

Electron and X-Ray Spectroscopy Techniques

Arraiolos tapestries are probably one of the richest artistic Portuguese expressions in terms of textile heritage. It is difficult to date the beginning of the production of rugs in Arraiolos (Southern Portugal), but they were already produced in the late 1600's as they are listed in the inventories of Portuguese aristocratic households in the beginning of the 18 th century. Sensitive detection techniques play an increasing role in the chemical investigation of historical objects since the knowledge derived from the chemical composition of materials is of upmost importance for textile conservation and restoration purposes. Textiles deteriorate due to natural causes like heat, radiation, mechanical stress, moisture, microbiological and enzymatic attack. Deterioration of materials causes breakdown of the molecular structure and results in a loss of strength, extensibility and durability, discoloration and fading which affects the appearance of the textiles.