Robert Baron gives a clear discussion of the CHIN fields, then:

>Addendum: The most peculiar valuation data element I ever found in a museum
>(actually a calculated field) was the following: Number of square inches
>per dollar valuation!
>--
>
Actually, a number of types of objects are commonly calculated in this
manner.  Wholesalers purchasing Dene quillwork bands in the western NWT
Canada work on a cost per inch basis (In 1981 a 1" wide band usually went
for $10/linear inch, a 1.5"  - $15.00/linear inch, and 2" wide for $20.00 a
linear inch).

 In the past, argillite 'totem poles' sold on a cost per inch basis.

I am certain we could find other examples.


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Barbara J. Winter                                         tel: (604) 291-3325
Department of Archaeology                          fax: (604) 291-5666
Simon Fraser University                               email:  [log in to unmask]
Canada  V5A 1S6

"I used to be Snow White, but I drifted."  - Mae West
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