Non Western Models Of Museums And Curation Christina Kreps Pdf
If you're interested in learning about museum curation and want to explore non-western models, then this article is for you. Museums have been around for centuries, but the way they are curated and presented has evolved over the years. In this article, we'll dive into Christina Kreps' book "Non-Western Models of Museums and Curation" and explore the different approaches to museum curation from around the world.
What Is Museum Curation?
Museum curation is the process of selecting, organizing, and presenting artifacts or works of art in a way that is engaging and informative to the public. Curators are responsible for deciding which artifacts to display, how they should be displayed, and what information should be provided to visitors.
The role of a curator is to create a narrative that connects the artifacts or works of art to a larger story or theme. Museum curators must also consider the cultural and historical context in which the artifacts were created, and how best to communicate that context to visitors.
What Are Western Models Of Museum Curation?
Western models of museum curation are the dominant models of museum curation that have been developed and practiced primarily in Europe and North America. These models place an emphasis on objectivity, scientific accuracy, and the preservation of artifacts for their historical or cultural significance.
Western models of museum curation prioritize the physical aspects of artifacts or works of art, such as their size, material, and age. They also focus on the historical or cultural context of the artifacts, and how they relate to broader themes or ideas.
Western models of museum curation have been criticized for being overly scientific and objectifying artifacts, focusing more on the material aspects of objects rather than their cultural significance. Critics argue that these models often ignore the perspectives and values of the communities from which the artifacts originate.
What Are Non-Western Models Of Museum Curation?
Non-western models of museum curation are approaches to museum curation that have been developed outside of Europe and North America. These models are often informed by indigenous worldviews and cultural practices and prioritize the values and perspectives of the communities from which the artifacts originate.
Non-Western models of museum curation focus on the social and cultural context in which the artifacts were created, rather than their physical characteristics. They prioritize the relationship between the artifacts and the communities from which they originate, emphasizing the importance of the artifacts to those communities.
Non-Western models of museum curation often involve collaborative and participatory approaches, in which community members are involved in the curation process. These models prioritize the agency and voice of the communities from which the artifacts originate, rather than the authority of the museum or curator.
What Are Some Examples Of Non-Western Models Of Museum Curation?
Christina Kreps' book "Non-Western Models of Museums and Curation" provides several examples of non-western models of museum curation. One example is the Maori model of museum curation in New Zealand, which prioritizes the connection between the artifacts and the living Maori communities from which they originate.
Another example is the Warli model of museum curation in India, which involves Warli artists in the curation process and prioritizes the cultural significance of the artifacts over their historical accuracy.
Yet another example is the Aboriginal model of museum curation in Australia, which involves the creation of "keeping places" or community-owned museums in which Aboriginal people control the curation and display of their own cultural artifacts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, museum curation is a complex and multifaceted process that involves selecting, organizing, and presenting artifacts or works of art in a way that is engaging and informative to the public. Western models of museum curation have been dominant for centuries, but non-western models offer alternative approaches that prioritize the cultural significance of artifacts and the perspectives and values of the communities from which they originate.
If you're interested in learning more about non-western models of museum curation, we highly recommend Christina Kreps' book "Non-Western Models of Museums and Curation."
