Subject of special concern: sacrum objects in museum work
Abstract
Museum managers and curators are frequently challenged by objects associated with religious beliefs and practices. Certain societies attribute sacral significance not only to objects but also to plants, animals and even parts of the landscape. Therefore it is vital that not only ethnographical museums but also art galleries as well as natural history museums have a proper understanding of religious traditions of societies whose heritage, cultural or natural, they collect and preserve.
Sacrum is a fluid, culture-based concept that has no singular, universal referent. While in certain societies objects imbued with spiritual meanings retain these qualities permanently and on entering a museum collection will require special care and treatment, other groups of people may restrict the sacral significance of objects only for the duration of a ritual or ceremony. In each case it is vital that a museum carefully documents the history of the use of these objects as well as the community’s expectations regarding their future handling. The ethical treatment of sacral / secret objects relates to all aspects of a museum’s work: collection management (organisation and documentation of collections, storage, handling and conservation), curatorship (especially public displays and on-line access), research, as well as educational programs. A matter of special concern are human remains, especially their storage and public display.
Museums can play an important role in overcoming cultural barriers and stereotypes. At a time of increased religious tensions, it is vital to undertake public programs that will teach respect for other faiths and beliefs. For this reason it is also important that museum workers gain a better understanding of guidelines and principles regarding the proper treatment of sacral objects.
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