Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Character of a Museum
The collection of most small museums is an admixture of many things. While
there is nothing wrong in collecting many classes of items, this practice has to
be given some thought if there is a choice. There have been many instances
where after some time, a collection is needed to be rid of items which had
become incongruous in terms of class or quality. It might be practical to define
at the outset the objectives of the museum so that the collections can be made
to support these objectives. In effect, one has to define the character of the
museum. This character will help the curator determine, for instance, what type
of structures and facilities are to be made available in terms of study, storage,
conservation, and exhibition. There are general category museums like the
National Museum, and specialized museums as the Metropolitan Museum of
Manila, the Museo ng Bahay Pilipino, and the Central Bank Money Museum. The
need of the community is at times one of the factors determining the character
of a museum.
1. field collection
2. donation
3. purchase
4. exchange
Documentation
It is imperative for a museum to documents its collections, which at the very
least is composed of a list of the various items. The list names the objects
and states how many of each there are. There are various forms of museum
records:
A very important consideration is that each object must bear a number which
corresponds to the list. The number must be marked on the subject itself. This
is called the accession number, which is usually coded. The code is usually
devised to suit the purpose of the museum. This should contain the most basic
information about the object e.g. the year of acquisition, the provenance, a
succession number:
92-If-25
The example represents 1992 as the year of acquisition; Ifugao as the ethnic
group from which the object came; and the object is the 25th item acquired
that year from Ifugao. The following must be remembered about accession
numbers:
Sometimes, fieldmen use a field number which they use to identify these
objects until these are brought to the museum where the permanent accession
numbers are assigned.
The Accession Record of a museum contains the basic information about the
items in the collection among which are:
-760-
6395 Object quiver (native name - kubokub)
Tribe Negrito
Locality Balangkawitan, 3 hrs E. of Ragai, Camarines
How obtained by purchase from Lucas
Description
Collector J.M. Garban, Jan. 1913
Cost 40 cts. e
6396 Object guitar (native name -- gitada)
Tribe
Locality
How obtained
Description
Fig. 1 Segment of page from a National Museum registration record.
2. Catalogue
Each of the accessions should have an individual catalogue cards. The card
should contain all the information about the object:
3. Photographic Record
E|-|3|5|0|5
While computers are nice to have around, these also require people who know
how to make them work. Training and keeping personnel in this field are
constant problems. Unless the museum is handling a tremendous amount of
data, which, among others need to be analyzed, then a manual system might
be more practical.
The application programs locally available to create databases are DBase IV and
FoxPro. Another, Superbase, is rather slow but had graphics capabilities, i.e. the
image of the collection item can be stored or displayed with the data.
1. Fumigation/ Cleaning
A collection item that has just come in and is newly registered ordinarily undergoes
treatment. The final phase of treatment is cleaning of the item or object just before
it is placed with the rest of the collection.The reason is that it might be infected with
fungus, wood borers, etc., which may contaminate other items in the collection.
Fumigation is imperative. In the absence of fumigation chambers, other means can
be resorted to, as illustrated on page 30, depending on the type and size of objects.
(discussed more fully under the Conservation Section)
2. Storage
Most small museums do not have provisions for storage. Storage space is
imperative not only as the usual little closets and rooms reserved for office
equipage and facilities but also and more so for collection items. A museum
continually collects even though exhibition space is usually limited. Rotation of
exhibitions require space for keeping items not on display.
The storage area should be near enough to the curator and the exhibition area
that it services. The following are among guidelines to be strictly observed:
Storage System
Collection items should be classified while in storage. The items may be
grouped according to type of items, e.g. baskets, clothing, agricultural tools; or
by ethnicity, e.g. Tagalog, Ilocano, etc.; or by material e.g. wood, metal, etc. For
conservation purposes, storing by material is recommendable since it is easier
to treat, for instance, textiles as a group instead of individual pieces scattered
all over the collection.
The key, of course, for retrieval is through a cross-indexed file combined with a
systematized storage. An item when taken out should be returned to the same
place.
If the object is removed, a piece of paper noting the removal of the object, the
date, where the object was taken, the purpose and by whom, should be put
in its place. This is apart from the logbook, which records the entry and exit of
items. The following are some do’s:
Exhibition
Curators should take a keen interest in visitor profiles in order to make the
museum effective in a community. The population of museum visitors shares
general characteristics. Among these are:
In sum, museums provide different services for different people. Visitors have
different personal interests, thus a museum visit cannot be structured. A
museum should therefore aim to provide a wide range of opportunities for
their visitors to choose from, making the museum experience unique for each
individual.
No general lighting for the hall is needed but a large number of outlets should
be well and conveniently distributed throughout the room; on the base of the
wall, the flooring, or the ceiling, would be recommendable. This would allow
tapping of power as needed.
It is advisable for small museums to opt for display structures that are
generalized, that is, designed to accommodate different kinds of objects with
varying sizes. There are three types of display structural facilities needed:
1. Shadow boxes
2. Pedestals (glassed or unglassed)
3. Display panels
Where storage space is a problem, the bottom part of display cases can be
utilized for storage if constructed as such and provided with access.
Pedestals, to save on space, can be made into sizes that can nest inside one
another. There must be some means to lock the glass tops to the bases. It is
better to have a large pedestal holding a small object than vice versa, so large
sizes are better. Large ones also are more stable.
Conservation
All materials change through time. Conservation merely retards the rate
of changes to perpetuate the condition of an object. In general, rapid and
frequent changes in the physical environment of an object will lead to its
earlier deterioration. A relatively stable environment without the extremes is
therefore ideal for conservation of museum objects. the Philippines is fortunate
in being in the tropics where the fluctuation of climate is not to the extremes.
The difference in annual temperature is not that pronounced. In fact, the
difference in temperature between day and night is greater. The problem is
more with respect humidity for our environment has plenty of this. Countries in
temperate regions have greater museological problems due to the fluctuation
of environmental conditions to the extremes.
Attacks of insect and fungi, are constant threats. The most common insects that
are the bane of museologists are wood borers, silverfish, cockroach, termites,
moths, and bookworms. The museum should be fumigated periodically. Non-
residual fumigants are preferable.
Pollutants
Even clean air contributes to the decay of specimens due to its oxygen content.
Atmospheric pollution aggravates the situation for museums particularly with
respect to carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and the soot
from insufficiently burned fuel from motor vehicles. Dust is dangerous for
this provides the nuclei for water condensation and the start of chemical and
physical reactions. Nearness to sea poses dangers of the corrosive effects of
salt. The only effective control of air pollution is air conditioning. Where this is
not possible free air ventilation with filtration may be used.
Temperature
If the temperature range can be managed then this should be kept within the
range of 20ºC ± 2ºC as most collection items will not deteriorate as quickly
at these temperatures. A simple room thermometer will do to measure the
temperature. In the absence of air conditioners, electric fans or other forms of
ventilation will suffice.
Humidity
A relative humidity of 50-55% is recommended. If the relative humidity goes
above 65% and the temperature is also high, moulds will develop and destroy
many objects such as textiles, pigments and paper. Hygrometers are used to
measure relative humidity. In the absence of these, one can more or less feel
increased humidity by a feeling of heat, oppressiveness and stickiness of the
skin.
Electric fans which can circulate air continually during hot and humid weather
can help arrest the development of such fungi since these prefer dark, damp
and warm places to be able to grow. Dessicants in small dishes inside display
cases can help. Charcoal and silica gel substitute in small storages to keep stable
temperatures and relative humidity.
Light
Light has a deleterious effect on certain materials like pigments, inks, dyes,
paper, textile and the like. It should therefore be controlled. Natural light has
both ultra-violet and infra-red rays. Ultra violet rays can cause chemical changes
on some objects while infra-red light or heat can effect physical changes.
To control infra-red rays the amount of light falling upon an object should be
limited. Spotlights give off excessive heat.
The amount of light that falls upon an object should receive serious
consideration. Maximum luminance is measured in lux units. A 100 watt
tungsten incandescent bulb has an illumination of 14 lux at a distance of 1.5
meters, at 30 degrees angle. Using this as comparison, the following are the
maximum illuminance recommended for museum objects:
150 lux: Oil and tempera paintings, undyed leather, horn, bone, ivory, and
Oriental lacquer work
Emergency Conservation
1. Wood
1.1 Remove dust or dirt with soft brush. Clean stubborn dirt with cotton
swab and distilled water, moving in one direction only.
1.2 Replace missing parts. Cracks can be filled in with sawdust with methyl
cellulose. Sandpaper to remove excess.
1.3 Insect attack can be controlled with fumigation or the use of insecticides
by spraying, injection or brushing.
1.4 If wet or water-logged, keep wet and soak in water to remove soluble
chloride that might have come from the soil or sea water. Call expert
help from the National Museum.
2. Copper and Copper Alloys
2.1 Mechanical cleaning should be done on the surfaces using dental tools,
fine chisels and scalpels.
2.2 Degrease by using acetone to remove other impurities and greasy
coating.
2.3 Do not remove entirely corrosion products since these may contain
details.
2.4 Distilled water can be used to wash away corrosion or soluble chlorides.
2.5 Aggressive cuprous chlorides are removed using 5% oxalic acid solution
and soft brushes.
3. Iron
3.1 Do not wash or scrub iron objects. Water will accelerate the corrosive
process.
3.2 Objects found wet or affected by sea water must be kept until expert
help is obtained. An inhibiting solution of 2% sodium hydroxide may be
used in packing it.
3.3 Consult experts.
4. Textiles
Security
All museum collections should be protected from:
1. Mishandling by personnel
2. Theft
3. Fire
4. Water
5. Vandalism
If there is a possibility for the installation of an alarm system, then this should
be done. There are many systems available but the selection must be suited to
a particular situation and need. Infra-red sensing devices that create invisible
curtains can be more effective than the photo-electric cell devices that use
beams of light. It should be kept in mind that burglar alarms give a false sense
of security. It should be remembered that alarms must also be secured.
Fires are always possible. Preventive measures are ideal besides being the
cheapest. Possible sources of fire should be checked periodically like the
electrical wiring, presence of flammable materials like volatile fuels, chemicals,
waxes, oil soaked cloth, etc. Fire extinguishers should be distributed in key
areas, and personnel should not only know where these are but also how to
use them. The staff should also know and be trained on what to do in case of
fire. Fire drills should be held regularly. Foam and water-type extinguishers can
do more damage to collection items than anticipated. Extinguishers that do
not leave residues should be preferred.
Water can be as dangerous to collection items just as fire and should be avoided.
Storage areas should be above ground level to avoid ground water and floods.
As much as possible there should be no water pipes in storage areas. Water can
also come from leaking roof gutters or ill-placed pipes. Always be aware that the
presence of water is damaging to collection items so that even in conservation
processes it must be used with care.
To treat sheets of documents (1) cut two pieces of Japanese paper one inch
larger than the document. (2) Place Japanese paper on glass sheet and weight
on document. (3) Place two-sided tape on melinex leaving a gap. Place the other
sheet on top. Japanese paper is the least acidic of papers locally available.
Reference:
Abinion,Orlando
A.C.T. Members
n.d. Exhibition and Storage Recommendations for the Small Museum, Institute for
the Conservation of Cultural Material.
August, Raymon S.
1983 Museum: A Legal Definition. Curator, American Museum of Natural History, 26:2
Johnson, E.V. and J.C. Horgan
n.d. Handbook for Museum Collection Storage. Draft
Zyskowski, Gloria
Jesus T. Peralta is a Bachelor of Philosophy graduate from the University of Sto. Tomas,
with a Master of Arts in Anthropology from the University of the Philippines, and a Doctor
of Philosophy in Anthropology from the University of California. He was Director III of
the National Museum until he retired in 1997. Most interestingly, he is also a ten-time
winner in the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards in Literature in the field of playwrighting.
He has more than 120 scientific papers and publications on anthropology, archaeology,
and general culture to his name. He is the author of The Tinge of Red, Glimpses: Peoples
of the Philippines and Insights into Philippine Culture: Festschrift in Honor of William
Henry Scott. He now works as a Consultant for The National Commission for Culture and
the Arts (NCCA)-MIS.
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS
633 General Luna Street, Intramuros 1002 Manila
Tel. 527-2192 to 98 • Fax 527-2191 & 94
e-mail: info@ncca.gov.ph. • website: www.ncca.gov.ph