At 05:05 PM 10/30/2001, you wrote:
>I'm developing the database (via PastPerfect) for a
>tribe (no details, please). . . Well, to make
>a long story short, as the collections manager, I need
>to accurately account for the physical location and
>condition of these objects -- but to use some of the
>words associated with these objects is a bit
>counter-intuitive to me.  The words are considered
>sacred, and to speak them or use them out of context
>would be inappropriate.

Do these items have numbers assigned by your institution? It seems to me
that if you, with the cooperation of tribal representatives, could develop
a combination of object numbers with generic names such as mask, quiver,
amulet, I don't know what all you have - that you could keep track of them
that way without having to use the sacred terminology. Not to make light of
spiritual matters, but if my computer were sacred, I'd have to sanitize my
vocabulary in its presence. Bless its little digital soul. I'll be
interested to see other responses to this dilemma.
Anne

Anne T. Lane, Collections Manager
York County Culture & Heritage Commission
4621 Mount Gallant Road
Rock Hill SC 29732-8666
803-329-2121, ext. 104
Fax 803-329-5249
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