A Comparison on Physical Degradations and Identification of Material between Two Malay Songket Artefacts

Abstract

This paper discusses the physical deterioration of the two traditional Malay textile Songkets preserved by the Department of Museums Malaysia. The identification of material and degradation were investigated by using visual observation and scientific analysis. The visual observation was carried out to analyse the physical appearance by examining the characteristics, colour visualization, and the degree of deterioration of the textiles with the aid of a handheld optical digital microscope to capture the tangible characteristics and damages on the artefacts. Scientific analysis was carried out by using the FTIR instrument to determine the materials of two traditional Malay textile Songkets. The selections were controlled by the colour selection, type, form, style, and the material of the artefacts. The results show that both artefacts were made from silk and experienced physical deterioration. However, the degree of degradation was even more pronounced for Case Study 2 (CS2) although the material is the same. Furthermore, a distinct poor condition could be seen in Case Study 2 (CS2) in comparison to the condition of Case Study 1 (CS1). Keywords: malay songket textile artefact; visual analysis; degradation factors; material identification eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7iSI7%20(Special%20Issue).3769