cultural heritage and the role of museums Flashcards
What is cultural heritage?
Cultural heritage is the combined ideas, songs, stories, religion, buildings, and artefacts that relate to a particular group of people. It includes sacred aspects of a culture that they want to protect or preserve.
What are the four categories of cultural heritage/property?
- Family – stories, sayings, language, traditions, photographs, treasured possessions
- Community – historic buildings, monuments, documents, artefacts
- National – important historical and cultural figures, national and cultural sites
- International – monuments, natural and cultural sites, cultural events
How does significance of cultural property vary?
Significance is dependent on one’s connection to the specific culture. Something may be considered ‘junk’ by someone with no connection to that culture, while it may be highly valued by those who do.
What are restitution, custodianship, and repatriation in the context of cultural heritage?
Restitution: Return of something lost or stolen to its original owners.
Custodianship: Having overall control and responsibility to ensure proper care and respect for an item.
Repatriation: Act of decolonization in museums, aiming to counteract the impact of colonization on Indigenous groups.
What impact does illegal trading of antiquities have on cultural heritage?
Illegal trading impacts the culture of both parties involved and should be depicted accurately in museum displays to fulfill the educational responsibilities of museums and protect the objects.
Why has there been debate about museums trading ancient artefacts?
Due to past dishonesty in acquiring goods, there is debate on whether museums should trade ancient artefacts and how they should handle items uncovered through illegal means.
How were modern museums influenced by the Renaissance?
Modern museums were influenced by the Renaissance through wealthy individuals amassing collections of historical artefacts, displayed in private rooms called ‘cabinets of curiosity.’
How do museums contribute to understanding ancient ways of life?
Museums contribute by preserving and presenting historical artefacts, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and using various display methods like object labels and digital media.
