Caring for American Indian Objects

by Ogden, Sherelyn

• ISBN13: 9780873515054
• ISBN10: 0873515056
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-08-01
• Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Pr

Summary

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. This practical guide, with over 100 colour and black-and-white photographs, offers Indian and non-Indian caregivers, conservators, and collectors helpful information on standard museum practice to aid them in making decisions to slow deterioration.

Author Biography

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	v
Joseph D. Horse Capture
Preface	vii
Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction	xiii
PART I. CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS OF PRESERVATION	1	(20)
Why Should American Indian Cultural Objects Be Preserved?	3	(4)
Sven Haakanson Jr.
Handling Considerations: One Person's Story	7	(4)
Joan Celeste Thomas
The Voice of the Museum: Developing Displays	11	(4)
Pollyanna Nordstrand
Display in a Proper and Respectful Way	15	(2)
Laine Thom
What About Sacred Objects?	17	(4)
Alyce Sadongei
PART II. GENERAL PRESERVATION CONSIDERATIONS	21	(90)
The Causes of Deterioration and Preventive Care	23	(17)
Sherelyn Ogden
How Should Cultural Items Be Stored?	40	(17)
Sherelyn Ogden
Handling Suggestions	57	(5)
Sherelyn Ogden
Housekeeping	62	(7)
Marjorie Waheneka
Sherelyn Ogden
The Issue of Pesticide Contamination	69	(13)
Nancy Odegaard
How Should Cultural Items Be Used for Display?	82	(17)
Sherelyn Ogden
Registration Methods and Everyday Business	99	(12)
Faith Bad Bear
Brian M. Kraft
PART III. SPECIFIC PRESERVATION CONSIDERATIONS	111	(98)
Skin and Skin Products	113	(6)
Paul S. Storch
Quills, Horn, Hair, Feathers, Claws, and Baleen	119	(7)
Paul S. Storch
Shell	126	(4)
Paul S. Storch
Bone, Antler, Ivory, and Teeth	130	(5)
Paul S. Storch
Glass Beads	135	(8)
Ann Frisina
Textiles	143	(11)
Ann Frisina
Metals and Alloys	154	(6)
Thomas J. Braun
Wood and Birch Bark	160	(5)
Thomas J. Braun
Ceramics	165	(5)
Thomas J. Braun
Stone	170	(4)
Thomas J. Braun
Plastics and Modern Materials	174	(4)
Paul S. Storch
Paper	178	(13)
Sherelyn Ogden
Plant Materials	191	(7)
Ann Frisina
Audiotapes and Videotapes	198	(4)
Thomas J. Braun
Framed Items	202	(7)
Thomas J. Braun
Epilogue: The Value of Preserving the Past: A Personal Journey	209	(4)
Nokomis Paiz
Conclusion	213	(1)
Appendix 1. Recommendations for Applying Accession Numbers to Museum Items	214	(7)
Gina Nicole Delfino
Appendix 2. Storage Furniture (Wardrobes, Cabinets, Shelves, Drawers)	221	(7)
Sherelyn Ogden
Appendix 3. General Procedures for Freezing Museum Collections to Eliminate Insect Pests	228	(2)
Nancy Odegaard
Appendix 4. Vendors of Preservation Supplies	230	(2)
Appendix 5. Sources of Help	232	(9)
Glossary	241	(4)
Bibliography	245	(3)
Contributors	248	(4)
Index	252