Conserving ethnographic collections: problems of documentation (original) (raw)

This paper discusses the challenges faced in documenting and conserving ethnographic collections, focusing on the historical neglect of material culture in anthropology. Despite the traditional role of museums in preserving artifacts, the transition of these objects from their cultural contexts to static displays leads to a disconnect between the items and their meanings. The author argues for a more integrated approach, advocating for collaboration between conservators and anthropologists in the field to ensure a comprehensive understanding and proper care of both material and non-material cultural heritage.