Synopses & Reviews
American Indian cultural objects, like most objects, deteriorate over time. Precious and irreplaceable pieces of a people's heritage can turn to dust, either slowly or rapidly, depending upon their composition and the ways in which they are stored and handled. Caring for American Indian Objects: A Practical and Cultural Guide offers invaluable information and advice to anyone who wants to preserve these objects. Twenty-one contributors, fourteen of whom are American Indians, discuss general aspects of museum care, explain techniques for particular materials, and address important cultural considerations. This practical guide, with over 100 color and black-and-white photos, offers Indian and non-Indian caregivers, conservators, and collectors helpful information on standard museum practice to aid them in making decisions to slow deterioration. "An excellent and valuable book that will be useful to students, conservators, and tribal museum staff. It will make a great textbook as well as reference book." -- Dr. Andrew Gulliford, Director, Center of Southwest Studies, Fort Lewis College
About the Author
Sherelyn Ogden is the head of conservation at the Minnesota Historical Society. She is also the author of Preservation of Library and Archival Materials: A Manual and Preservation Planning: Guidelines for Writing a Long-Range Preservation Plan.
Table of Contents
Foreword: Our Obligation to Our Past Joseph D. Horse Capture (A'aninin [Gros Ventre]) PART 1. CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS OF PRESERVATION 1. Why Should American Indian Cultural Objects Be Preserved? / Sven Haakanson Jr. (Alutiiq-Sugpiaq) 2. Handling Considerations: One Person's Story / Joan Celeste Thomas (Kiowa) 3. The Voice of the Museum: Developing Displays / Pollyanna Nordstrand (Hopi) 4. Display in a Proper and Respectful Way / Interview with Laine Thom (Shoshone/Goshiute/Paiute) 5. What About Sacred Objects? / Alyce Sadongei (Kiowa/Tohono O'Odham) PART 2. GENERAL PRESERVATION CONSIDERATIONS 6. The Causes of Deterioration and Preventive Care / Sherelyn Ogden 7. How Should Cultural Items Be Stored? / Sherelyn Ogden 8. Handling Suggestions / Sherelyn Ogden 9. Housekeeping / Marjorie Waheneka (Confederated Umatilla Tribes) and Sherelyn Ogden 10. The Issue of Pesticide Contamination / Nancy Odegaard 11. How Should Cultural Items Be Used for Display? / Sherelyn Ogden 12. Registration Methods and Everyday Business / Faith Bad Bear (Crow/Sioux) and Brian M. Kraft PART 3. SPECIFIC PRESERVATION CONSIDERATIONS 13. Skin and Skin Products / Paul S. Storch 14. Quills, Horn, Hair, Feathers, Claws, and Baleen / Paul S. Storch 15. Shell / Paul S. Storch 16. Bone, Antler, Ivory, and Teeth / Paul S. Storch 17. Glass Beads / Ann Frisina 18. Textiles / Ann Frisina 19. Metals and Alloys / Thomas J. Braun 20. Wood and Birch Bark / Thomas J. Braun 21. Ceramics / Thomas J. Braun 22. Stone / Thomas J. Braun 23. Plastics and Modern Materials / Paul S. Storch 24. Paper / Sherelyn Ogden 25. Plant Materials / Ann Frisina 26. Audiotapes and Videotapes / Thomas J. Braun 27. Framed Items / Thomas J. Braun Epilogue: The Value of Preserving the Past: A Personal Journey / Nokomis Paiz (Anishinabe/Ojibwe)