Exchanging Objects: Nineteenth-Century Museum Anthropology at the Smithsonian Institution

In the late nineteenth century, anthropologists exchanged duplicate specimens with museums, collectors, and schools worldwide, revealing connections between well-known and little-known institutions. This book explores how anthropologists categorized objects as "duplicate specimens" and suggests that understanding past museum practice can inform contemporary museum work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 02 April 2021
Publisher: Berghahn Books

This captivating book delves into the fascinating historical account of the exchange of "duplicate specimens" between anthropologists at the Smithsonian Institution and museums, collectors, and schools around the world in the late nineteenth century. Through the exchange of museum objects, it unveils the intricate connections forged between both well-known and lesser-known local institutions. It explores the intriguing process by which anthropologists categorized certain objects in their collections as "duplicate specimens," making them potential candidates for exchange. This historical practice, now recognized as deaccessioning by museum professionals, sheds light on the intellectual and technical considerations involved in classifying objects within museums. Moreover, it suggests that a deeper understanding of past museum practices can provide valuable insights into contemporary museum work, particularly in terms of fulfilling mission-driven objectives.

The late nineteenth century witnessed a remarkable exchange of "duplicate specimens" between anthropologists at the Smithsonian Institution and museums, collectors, and schools worldwide. This book serves as a historical account, shedding light on the connections that were established through the exchange of museum objects. It delves into the intriguing process by which anthropologists categorized certain objects in their collections as "duplicate specimens," making them potential candidates for exchange. This practice, now recognized as deaccessioning by museum professionals, involves the intellectual and technical considerations of classifying objects within museums.

Furthermore, this book suggests that a deeper understanding of past museum practices can inform and enhance contemporary museum work. By examining the historical context of the exchange of duplicate specimens, museums can gain valuable insights into the evolution of collection management practices, the role of collectors and institutions in shaping museum collections, and the broader cultural and intellectual implications of museum practices. This knowledge can then be applied to inform mission-driven contemporary museum work, ensuring that museums remain relevant and impactful in the changing world.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of museum studies by providing a historical perspective on the exchange of duplicate specimens between anthropologists and museums in the late nineteenth century. Through its exploration of the connections, practices, and implications of this exchange, it sheds light on the complex and evolving nature of museum work. By understanding the past, museums can position themselves to thrive in the present and future, fulfilling their mission to preserve, interpret, and disseminate cultural heritage for the benefit of society.

Weight: 542g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800730526