Caring for American Indian Objects

A Practical and Cultural Guide

Edited by Sherelyn Ogden

Minnesota Historical Society Press (August 16, 2004)

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.

Description

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 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.

Author information

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.

Reviews and news

Praise for Caring for American Indian Objects:

“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

Awards for Caring for American Indian Objects:

2005 AASLH Merit Award Winner

• 272 pages
• 8.5 x 11 inches
• ISBN: 9780873515054