Preserving what is valued : an analysis of museum conservation and first nations perspectives

• Main Author: Clavir, Mirian Lisa
• Published: University of Leicester 1997
• Subjects: 069
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.696381

The intention of this study is to examine the cultural meaning of preserving heritage objects from the perspectives of First Nations, to understand the significant qualities of the object to preserve, and to compare these with values held in museum conservation. This research provides detailed information and analysis in order to understand more fully the perspectives of the indigenous cultures from which ethnographic museum collections originate. In addition, it illuminates if and how conservators can preserve the conceptual integrity of these objects while preserving their physical integrity. Preserving conceptual integrity or cultural significance is an ultimate goal in conservation; for example, the Canadian code of ethics for conservators states, "The purpose of conservation is to study, record, retain and restore the culturally significant qualities of the object with the least possible intervention" (IIC-CG and CAPC 1989: 18). This dissertation is divided into five parts: Chapters 1 and 2 (the review of the literature) introduce the research; Chapters 3 and 4 discuss conservation and establish the background context of values and perspectives; Chapters 5 and 6 present published aboriginal viewpoints on preservation and introduce the First Nations of British Columbia.