On Fri, 26 Feb 1999 11:21:54 -0600 "Nicholson, Claudia"
<[log in to unmask]> writes:
>Simon asked hypothetically:
>
>> The ICOM code of ethics states that it is highly unethical for
>> museums to obtain or use illicit materials in a collection. But what
>> should be done if the only examples of a valuable artefact needed
>for a certain collection are of dubious origins? .......
>>
>I have waited to for someone else to answer, and am disappointed that
>no one really responded thoughtfully.....if the valuable artifact has
"dubious origins"
it is the museum's duty and responsibility to pass on it?....Maybe an
example would be helpful.



Indeed an example would be helpful.  Let's see, hummm.  Maybe the Linda
Tripp taping of Monica Lewinsky might be deemed illicit?  Would the
Clinton Presidential Papers encompass it?  What if illicit material came
to you in such a fashion and there's just no way you can "pass on it.?"
I assume ICOM is talking about items that somehow  violated export laws,
cultural patrimony, or were in very bad taste.  We've got the "Smoking
Gun" tape for people to listen to here at the Nixon Library; its initial
taping was seen as "personal" by the maker.   Then the media and the
politicos called it illicit.  So when does something become illicit?

O

Olivia S. Anastasiadis, Curator
Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace
18001 Yorba Linda Boulevard
Yorba Linda, CA  92886
(714) 993-5075 ext. 224; fax (714) 528-0544; e-mail:  [log in to unmask]

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