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Indigenous Studies

2014

Museums

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Displaying Human Remains In Italy, Why It Matters To Italian Museums: Research, Ethics, And Repatriation, Vincent Barraza Apr 2014

Displaying Human Remains In Italy, Why It Matters To Italian Museums: Research, Ethics, And Repatriation, Vincent Barraza

Vincent Barraza

Looking critically at museum collections in Italy exhibiting human remains, this paper examines current display practices and techniques, cultural views on displaying the dead, and explores the controversial topic of “Human Remains vs. Historical Object.” This paper compares the scientific benefits of collecting, analyzing, displaying human remains, in concert with a cultural and physical anthropological analysis, including cultural identity and viewer interpretation.  It argues the ethical and moral issues associated with the exposition of human remains for their historical, scientific or entertainment value. Finally, it explores the principles behind repatriation, including a discussion on ownership and assessing claims to human …

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Language And Museums: Supporting Alaska Native Languages Through Collaborative Networking, Heather J. Mcclain Jan 2014

Language And Museums: Supporting Alaska Native Languages Through Collaborative Networking, Heather J. Mcclain

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With the ever-increasing risk of language loss and possible extinction of the world's Indigenous languages, museums are quickly becoming active supporters and valuable resources for communities engaged in revitalization initiatives. Although working with language material is inherently difficult for museums because of their traditionally object based nature, it is imperative for museums to focus on the documentation and preservation of language as intangible cultural heritage (ICH) because of the vital connection between language and culture. This thesis examines how museums in Alaska, particularly the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, Alaska Office, are supporting Alaska Native language and cultural revitalization through collaborative …

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