I agree with Candace. It's a beautiful piece and if it has even sentimental value to the owner, and it appears to, I would preserve it intact. You might also be able to have it attached to a light canvas stretcher frame, assuming you can have it treated to protect from dust and sunlight. Without prying, is it possible to tell us where it originated? Hope if you do have it framed or otherwise preserved we get to see the finished product. It's really quite wonderful.