The Protection and Preservation of Archaeological Collections

A Museum Perspective

Bibliographic Data

ID11955463
AuthorsRichard Robins (Australian Anthropology Queensland Museum PO Box 30 South Brisbane Qld 4101), Richard J Robins (0000-0002-5325-8983, Queensland Museum, corresponding author)
Year1988
Volume27
Issue1
Pages115-120
Publication date1988-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAustralian Archaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0312-2417 • E-ISSN: 2470-0363
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/03122417.1988.12093167
OpenAlexW2244009175
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited2

There is a popular public myth that museums contain basements with insatiable appetites. Once an item enters the doors of a museum it is consumed by the basement, never to see the light of day. To researchers who have tried to find items in, or information about, collections or who have ever attempted to relocate items they have deposited in collections there may seem to be an element of truth to this myth (e.g. Sturtevant 1969). Until recently museums in Australia have suffered acute shortages in staff, finance, space and facilities and these deficiencies are often cited as causes for the poor condition of, amongst other things, archaeological collections. However, the condition of museum collections cannot be attributed to these shortcomings alone. The perceptions that some archaeologists may hold of the role and function of museums may contribute to the chaos of museum collections. This article identifies and discusses the consequences of these problems and outlines new procedures the Queensland Museum has implemented to more effectively fulfil its role as the official repository for archaeological collections under Section 37(2)

Archaeology · Art · Perspective (graphical · Visual arts · Archaeological Research and Protection · Conservation Techniques and Studies · Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation · History