Investigation

Visual Observations:  

Overall Image of the Tampan

 

Areas where points 1 and 2 are observed

 

1. Stains and creases present.  

2. Fading on lower half, possibly from improper storage and display conditions.  

Under high magnification microscopic analysis:  

3. Holes and missing parts detected.  Frayed edges suggest that it has been subjected to pest attacks.  

Area where point 3 is observed.

 

  

Microscopic images of insect damage.

 

4. Man-made cuts and holes detected.  Uniformly straight and neat weave-ends on edges, suggest that the missing areas had been cut with a sharp tool.  

Area where point 4 is observed.

 

Microscopic images of man-made cut.

 

Textile fibre identified.  Microscopic images show flattened, ribbon-like threads typical of cotton.  

  

Weave structure determined.  Hand-spun cotton used in ‘supplementary weft’ weaving technique; and red patterns created by additional horizontal floating weft over beige ground weave.  

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