How to Pack Your Toucan!  (Part 2) After placing the toucan apron on its pillow, Associate Cons

How to Pack Your Toucan!  (Part 2)

After placing the toucan apron on its pillow, Associate Conservator Angela Duckwall covers it with a piece of unbuffered tissue, cut in a yoke shape to fit. She pins the outer edges of the tissue to the pillow to keep the feathers in place. Next, she creates a muslin and batting bib to cover the majority of the apron, again in a yoke shape to allow for easy placement and removal. This bib has straps that are pinned down to the pillow to secure the whole unit to the base board. Finally, the neck of the toucan was in need of support: Duckwall created a support collar of batting and muslin that cradles the head of the toucan, alleviating stress on the neck.  

He’s ready for his big move! Great job, Angela!

• Apron, Ecuador, early 20th century. Bark cloth, feathers, beak, beads.TM 1966.23.1A. Museum Purchase.