I really do think of these wreaths as funeral objects, and find it strange
that we would value one culture's practices less than another's.
Laura
-----Original Message-----
From: Jeremy T. Chrabascz [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2003 8:46 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Deaccessioning Hair Wreaths
We are currently in a position to deaccession a couple of hair wreaths from
the permanent collection. Our preferred method of disposition would always
be to transfer them to another cultural institution in need (by statute,
another institution in Indiana). However, our Collection Review Committee
also discussed, should we be unable to transfer or exchange them, other
possible means of disposition.
As of now, the State requires the use of a state sale and the state surplus
system. For this particular type of material, as Curator I am not
comfortable selling it. I WOULD LIKE TO GET OTHER PEOPLE'S THOUGHTS ON
THIS ETHICAL DILEMMA.
To me, many hair wreaths are of a very personal nature akin to Native
funerary objects (associated or unassociated). Just because they were
produced by non-Native peoples should not make them any less culturally
sensitive, in my view. Not all hair work was produced for mourning but
many of them were. Objects of such a personal nature, in my view, should
not be sold or treated as a commodity...at least not by a museum
(unfortunately, there are many of them popping up on eBay these days).
Would anyone else be opposed to the sale of such items? Should we be?
Another possible method of disposition would be physical destruction or
destructive analysis. That is, it was recommended that Conservation might
have use for the items for examination/instruction.
Return to the donor, in this case, is not possible.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Jeremy T. Chrabascz, Curator of Furnishings
Indiana State Museum & Historic Sites
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