This thesis examines the documentation process of a collection of
contemporary objects made by a Northern Tutchone artist, Mrs. Gertie Tom,
from Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. The beaded moosehide objects were
purchased by the University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology
between 1992 and 1994, and include a vest, a 'shell' belt, gloves, moccasins,
mittens, and a hat. The documentation process included Mrs. Tom documenting
her objects in her own words. This thesis investigates the steps, cost, and time
involved in documenting the six objects. It also explores how object
documentation fits within museological debates on access, collections
management, and current museology.
Museums are facing an increasingly changing environment. Originating
people are requesting changes in the relationship between museums and objects.
The cost of caring for museum collections is increasing and many objects within
these collections are inadequately documented and consequently of little value
for research. At the same time, museums continue to collect. In addition, many
scholars think the future of museums is in current and controversial ideas rather
than objects. The single, often paternalistic, museum message is being
challenged, and people are arguing for museums to exhibit a variety of voices
and opinions. This thesis answers the questions: What does this project
contribute to issues of collections access, especially with reference to First
Nations material? What costs are involved in documenting museum collections?
Does documentation improve information available on collections? Does it
allow people, not just objects, to become an integral part of museums and to
bring new ideas and issues to museums?
Although the documentation process required a commitment of time and
money, my research confirms that having people document their own objects is
beneficial in reference to current museological issues. The information provided
by Mrs. Tom not only documents her objects but offers insight into other aspects
of her life and Northern Tutchone culture in general. The documentation, in
addition to providing answers to questions such as provenience, use, and
materials, reveals ideas and interpretations of the objects from Mrs. Tom's point
of view. Having Mrs. Tom document her objects in her own words means she,
rather than the museum, is the authoritative voice. In an effort to bring a
balance between objects and ideas, museums should only acquire objects they
can afford to document. / Arts, Faculty of / Anthropology, Department of / Graduate
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UBC/oai:circle.library.ubc.ca:2429/3565 |
| Date | 05 1900 |
| Creators | Cronin, Allison Elaine |
| Source Sets | University of British Columbia |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, Thesis/Dissertation |
| Format | 3841012 bytes, 712704 bytes, application/pdf, application/pdf |
| Rights | For non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use. |
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