A Study on causes of decay of textile pouches and their conservation : with special reference to betel pouches in Colombo National Museum collection

Abstract

The traditional betel pouch in Sri Lanka has a very long history, and goes back to the dates of earliest civilization of the country, and, continues to remain to date, absorbing impacts from changing societies and various external forces. Majority ofthose traditional betel pouches have been made either made offinished wrapped in textiles, and are unique in their production, decoration, characteristics, and usage. National Museum of Colombo, which was established in 1877, is a repository of cultural and historic objects, specially possessing the most valuable collection of ancient and historic textiles, which reflect diverse categories of societies along with their social, economic, and, political background. Among those valuable textile collections at the Colombo Museum, the Betel Pouches are outstanding in their use of materials and techniques. However, due to improper measures of preservation and display, they are facing threats of decaying and extinction, requiring immediate remedial measure for their preservation for the posterity.