Spring 2023

This mastodon tusk’s cracks and imperfections were filled over the years with many materials, including resin, vinyl ester, and an unknown substance. The tusk was coated in a tinted varnish which further obscured it’s detail and texture. 

OnAim Conservation removed the fillings and varnish to reveal the detail in the tusk. Instead of covering the cracks, as they were previously, the cracks were filled but left visible to highlight the natural features, patina, and prehistoric age of the object. OnAim also added additional supports to cushion and stabilize the tusk. Finally, the tusk was sealed using UV-protectant to shield the tusk from harmful light.

Learn more about this project in our blog post Restoring a Mastodon Tusk.