Conservation of Jack Wood (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk.) Sculptures in an Ancient Temple in Kerala, South India:Identification of Heritage Wood Samples, Neem Gum-Cashew Nut Shell Liquid Application in Consolidation and Preservation

This present communication deals with the anatomical identification of wood samples of an ancient archaeological monument in India, Sri Vishnu temple, Kadavallur in Thrissur (Kerala) and the consolidation of fissures and cracks formed due to seasoning over a period of time using neem gum and preservation using cashew nut shell liquid extract. Neem gum which has anti-bacterial qualities and CNSL organic extract which has anti-termite and anti-fungal preservative action are found suitable for conservation and preservation of these sculptures. The active ingredient in organic preservative, CNSL, was analysed using HPLC and compared using UV spectra. The peaks of monoene, diene and triene in anachardic acid are visible in the spectra. The preservative, CNSL, also enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the jack wood sculptures. CNSL-coated jack wood had lower moisture absorption as demonstrated by Karsten tube experiment. The results imply that the strength of the material formed out of neem gum and wood powder used for filling of cracks and fissures can be modified as per requirement using distilled water and that the application is reversible. This method of conservation was found suitable under warm and humid conditions to which these sculptures are subjected to.