Conservation of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Cathedral and Safeguarding the Tradition of Decoration of the Nankani Women Part Ⅱ: Analytical Research on Nankani Polychrome Decoration Ann Bourges

摘要

The cathedral of Navrongo, Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, is an exceptional example of earthen surface decorations made and restored through a living tradition. The recent conservation project described in Part Ⅰ of this paper provided an excellent opportunity to apply analytical methods to characterize traditional decorative materials (earth and paints) and to assess the causes of their deterioration. In the past, only a few studies have been undertaken on the use of traditional decoration techniques, methods, and raw materials in Africa (Pibot 2000; Rainer 1992). This study also demonstrated how scientific investigation can rediscover ancient techniques.rnThe aim of this decorated surfaces study was to examine the stratigraphy and painting technology used on the interior of the cathedral, to determine the organic and inorganic components of the paint, to identify some of the deterioration patterns, and to help conservators select and use materials compatible with those originally used by the Nankani women, Laboratory analysis was conducted by Ann Bourges through collaboration between the Laboratory of Research of Historical Monuments (LRMH, Paris), the Center for Research in Earthen Architecture (CRATerre-EAG) and the Center for Research in Physics Applied to Archeology (CRPAA, Bordeaux).