How best to preserve this handccarved creche?

[mamalisa112]

Hello, this creche was sent to us from the Mideast 40+ years ago. I do not believe it has any kind of finis h on it, and it does n ot appear to be stained. It has n ot been o iled or preserved in the 40+ years it has been in our family. We were told it was hand carved from a very hard wood native to that area.

As you can see, it is getting very dry and is starting to develop cracks. What is the best way to preserve it from further deterioration? Tung oil? Linseed? Pack it away in an air-free box?? Suggestions?

[Caril Chasens]

It should keep if it stays dry. I suspect that the cracks developed long ago. You might want to put it in a closed glass case to keep dust and careless hands off.

[Dileon]

Ok....do you want to preserve it with natural means, do you want it to last for money purposes, or do you want to restore it without worry about how you will destroy any finish that is left?

[Caril Chasens]

And, keep it out of the sun.
Wood absorbs and releases a very small amount of moisture from the air, but although this might be a problem with, for instance a violin, it shouldn't bother a small carving.
Good questions, DiLeon...