Caring For American Indian Objects

This book offers invaluable information and advice to anyone who wants to preserve American Indian cultural objects. Twenty-one contributors discuss general aspects of museum care, explain techniques for particular materials, and address important cultural considerations. From methods of storage and handling to preservation of skin and quills, from cleaning beadwork to dealing with pesticide contamination, from applying labels to planning a respectful display, this book supplies both the overview and the specific detail needed to provide the best possible care. The recommendations emphasize actions that are economical and useful for any curator. American Indian people have applied tribal methods to the care of their cultural items for generations. This book does not propose to replace these techniques. Instead it offers conservators and collectors helpful information on standard museum practice to aid them in making decisions to slow deterioration. Over 100 color and black-and-white photos illustrate curatorial techniques and materials and illustrate how many of the items were used by American Indians. Softcover, 8.5 x 11 inches 258 pages 0-87351-505-6