Raised carving on sideboard door

We just purchased a sideboard, not sure how old it is. My husband hasn't finished cleaning it yet, but it appears to be a walnut burl wood.

There are 3 drawers that are flanked by two doors. Each door has a raised carving on it. We are not sure what these material the carvings are made out of? He plans on using Q-Tips to clean around them. He is afraid they might become loose.

Does anyone know what these are made out of, and any advice on cleaning around them?

Thanks!

The applied "carvings" on the doors look like compostion (aka compo) - by the age cracks in them (from drying out). Solid wood or pressed wood carvings should not have cracks like that.
Use caution: Most strippers will disolve/ soften them. They are also sensitive to water & water based products and can soften or disolve. Use water based products sparingly on them.   woodwright

Woodwright,

Thank you! This piece looks to have been refinished at least once. My husband has not attempted to use anything on the doors as of yet.

I did find this page that has information about repairing compo.

Compo deterioration and repair

Donna