Evaluation Collection of the Ethnology Storage Area at the Department of National Museums According to International Standards

Abstract

This research paper describes how to evaluate the collection of the Ethnology storage at the department of National Museums according to international standard guidance, the Storage Recognizing Methodology published by the UNESCO and ICCROM. The Department of National Museums has precious and rear archaeology collection which is established in two storages, Ethnology and Anthropology. The Collection of Ethnology storage is larger than the Anthropology collection. Identification categories of storage collection and museum objects housing system & its risks are very important to safeguard the collection. Ethnology storage collection was examined deeply under five headings such as on the evaluation of documentation system and its functionality, Mapping of objects “stored” outside the object area, analysis of the collection, Mapping of the storage occupancy and mapping evidence of pest, mould and corrosion in storage. Evaluating the storage collection, it was found out that the documentation system is satisfactory in the storage area. However, the collection marking system should be further improved. Furthermore, the collection has to be reorganized efficiently and effectively separating collection and non-collection items stored in the same area. These results were useful for improving knowledge of preparing proper collection policy and develop and maintain good storage system according to international standard for present and future collection for the museum management system.

Keywords: ethnology, storage, collection, evaluation, methodology