Caring for American Indian Objects: A Practical and Cultural Guide

By: Ogden, Sherelyn

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

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0873515056
• ISBN13: 9780873515054
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Press
• Length: 258 Pages
• Weight: 2.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.5" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

My new BIBLE on collections care.

I'm a museum professional and I read a lot of lofty british books about museum theory. I often buy a book thinking that the title and synopsis is that of a more "nuts and bolts" book on museum work. I am often mistaken. This book IS that resource. It tells you in very practical and concrete examples exactly WHAT it is that you should DO. Its like a primer on object care. The content can be carried across to collections that are not native in origin. Other objects might consist of the same materials. They really cover everything, I mean EVERYTHING. There is everything from handling, display and conservation of objects. There's even a handy part in the back with other books they recommend, resources for materials, and more. I'm going to make every potential employee read this book right when they start!