Ariyapala Mask Museum conservation: stabilizing dry-rot on 19th-century Golu Sanni masks?

Conserving historical 19th-century Sanni exorcism masks in coastal humid climates requires delicate material intervention. Centuries of humidity and historical insect tunneling leave Kaduru wood spongy and fragile. Conservators consolidate the weakened cellular timber matrix by injecting low-viscosity acrylic resins (such as Paraloid B-72 dissolved at 5% in acetone) through insect exit holes. Flaking mineral pigments bound with ancient plant gums are consolidated using warm sturgeon glue or funori seaweed mucilage applied with micro-brushes, sealed with microcrystalline wax to block coastal salt moisture.