About Nanetta Bananto Expertise I can answer questions concerning design, peyote-primarily free-form, bead tips, supplies, bead embroidery, fringing, mixed media-including wire, polymer clay and fused glass. I can answer some historical questions. I cannot answer questions about patterns.
Experience
Past/Present clients Anna's Gallery, Wichita Art Museum, City Arts - Wichita, Ks. Hays Arts Council, Hays, Ks. Lester Raymer Red Barn Studio, Lindsborg, Ks., Variations, St. Louis Mo. LA County Museum of Art, LA CA.
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Followup To
Question -
I recently picked up an old indian beadwork bag? bandelera? with extensive and intricate beadwork. Can I send you some photos? I would like to know how to best preserve it and to display it? If you happen to know the tribe and location, so much the better. I did have a local appraisal and they said that it was most likely dated between 1840-1860 and was from an east coast tribe?
Answer -
Dear Anna - I would love to see the photo, but I am not an expert in antique beaded items. I think the appraisal is your best bet. However, I will give it a shot.
As for preservation, the best thing is to do no repairs as that will compromise the original condition value. And do not clean it in any way except a good, but gentle dusting with a clean mop brush. Also, if you got an appraisal, I would have it insured for that value.
I would recommend having it displayed in a shadow box of some kind. Any good frame shop could reccomend an artful solution. Also, frame shops are usually versed in archival techniques - acid free, etc. So be sure to ask about that. If there is a way it can be framed in a double sided frame, so the back is viewable - all the better. I truly believe something is lost if one side is obscurred.
Be sure to keep the appraisal in a safe place.
Use fine art rules of thumb: Store or display in the most moderate climate possible - not in the kitchen or bath or a room which generates moisture. Do not display in direct sunlight. And display in an area where it won't get a lot of vibration - if there is any torn areas or loose beads they are likely to become looser.
I hope this helps.
Nanetta
Thank you for your response, I was thinking of some kind of shadow box, but didn't even get so far as thinking acid free! What should I do about the loose beads? Most are fairly secure, but it is old and some are dropping off the fringe. How do I send a photo through here?
Answer Dear Anna - I didn't realize I had another letter from you. I would never have waited this long to get back to you!
You can email me at nbananto@gmail.com - send the photos to me there.
Again, I did not directly recieve your email, so I am sorry for the delay.
