In a message dated 1/19/2005 1:16:03 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< Ideally, you should be able to sum up the story in a few words, and those
 words should include "This thing...." not "things exactly like this...." A
 copy of Mao's little red book bought from the Black Panthers is an artifact,
 but without that hint of story, an absolutely identical little red book,
 published in the same place in the same year, is a prop and should not be
 accessioned. >>

That kind of reasoning might be applicable to mass-produced objects of 
relatively recent vintage, but it's hardly a universal guideline.  Not everything a 
museum might want to accession has such a provenance or "story" of ownership 
and use.  Sometimes the "story" is its manufacture, technological, and general 
sociological significance, or, in the case of a work of art, its aesthetic 
significance.  The "story" of an archaeological artifact may need to be teased 
out by scientific analysis and informed speculation.  A mass-produced object, 
originally plentiful, may be collectible and museum-worthy solely due to its 
current rarity; many such items lack individual records of provenance.  That 
doesn't automatically disqualify them from being considered museum "artifacts" and 
relegated to the status of mere expendable "props." 

Any object, including something fresh off the production line donated by the 
manufacturer, can be considered a museum artifact if the museum chooses to so 
designate it.  So I'm repeating what I wrote originally in this thread: the 
distinction between an artifact and a prop essentially is the museum's choice.  
It's incumbent upon the museum to take steps to make this distinction clear to 
anyone who might come into contact with its artifacts, through appropriate 
marking and handling policies.  Ultimately, the only "story" a museum staff 
member needs to relate to anyone handling an artifact is to stress that it IS a 
collection artifact, regardless of why it was so designated, and that it must be 
protected and handled in accordance with museum policies and procedures.  

Whenever there is any risk that a museum artifact might be mistaken for a 
prop, or vice versa, perhaps clear, easily seen "artifact" and "prop" tags should 
be considered.

David Haberstich

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