That's a good point.  Obviously miniatures that are not toys shouldn't be
classified as such and in those instances you may need to indicate that it
is a miniature in another field.  Or let the measurements speak for
themselves.

But, if it is a miniature AND a toy, I would still stick with the system.

Deb


****************************************
Deborah B. Arenz
[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Senior Museum Curator
Nebraska State Historical Society
PO Box 82554
Lincoln, NE 68501-2554
402-471-4759
Fax:  402-471-3314
To learn more about the histories we share, visit www.nebraskahistory.org
<http://www.nebraskahistory.org>



-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Angela Linn
Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 1:35 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Classifying Doll Furniture


A word of caution when using this type of classification (and this
might not apply to your situation at a historical museum, but for
people with ethnological collections this is an issue):

Not all miniatures are toys.

In fact, many times miniatures were made for ceremonial, ritual, or
religious purposes and will mistakenly be placed in with toys. This
can inadvertently cause heartache for Native people who come in to
view objects in the collections. And the item may not be obvious that
it was used for non-play activities: for example, in our collection
(and referenced in archaeological literature) we have miniature stone
oil lamps, miniature boats, miniature tools, miniature human
figurines, etc.

Just something to consider...
Best,
Angela


On Sep 22, 2005, at 10:17 AM, Deb Arenz wrote:

> According to the introductory section of Chenhall's Nomenclature
> miniature
> items should be given their appropriate object term (Chair,
> Rocking), but
> classified as a Toy.
>
> Deb Arenz
>
> ****************************************
> Deborah B. Arenz
> [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
> Senior Museum Curator
> Nebraska State Historical Society
> PO Box 82554
> Lincoln, NE 68501-2554
> 402-471-4759
> Fax:  402-471-3314
> To learn more about the histories we share, visit
> www.nebraskahistory.org
> <http://www.nebraskahistory.org>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
> Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
> Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 12:35 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Classifying Doll Furniture
>
>
> What is the best way to classify doll furniture?
>
> Using a miniature rocking chair as an example, I see a few options
> with
> the Chenall's system.  Use Chair, Rocking but specify in
> description its
> size/use.  Or  create Chair, Toy or Chair, Miniature.
>
> Any advice would be most appreciated.
>
> Regards,
>
> Joshua K. Blay
> Museum Curator
> Historical Society of Berks County
>


Angela J. Linn
Collections Manager, Ethnology & History
University of Alaska Museum of the North
907 Yukon Drive
P.O. Box 756960
Fairbanks, AK 99775-6960
TEL: (907) 474-1828
FAX: (907) 474-1987
www.uaf.edu/museum

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