Embracing Imperfection: The Hidden Story of an Object

Publications: Contribution to conferencePaperResearch

Abstract

It is safe to state that ceramics make up the largest number of movable finds on an archaeological site. It has been present throughout human history in the shape of utilitarian, decorative or religious objects; and is still largely in use in modern days. Ceramic objects reflect the traditions and trends, and the technical knowledge and skills of the society that made and used them. Depending on the amount and the quality of data we collect about an object and the context it originates from, we can “read” the object and its story more or less accurately. Any intervention we carry out will therefore define how much of its narrative is passed further to the museum visitors.
Modern-day museums aim at offering a full-rounded experience to their visitors. They are interactive and communicate knowledge through a variety of means. Thus, the possibility for a more intimate communication between the public and selected objects based on their individual stories, becomes rather compelling. Currently, these stories are only available to the selected few who work closely with the objects – archaeologists, ethnographers, art historians, conservators. These stories can easily disappear through over-invasive restoration – a practice still popular in some museums.
This paper looks into the intangible aspect of the object and its significance for both the exhibition’s narrative, and for the future scientific use of the object. Furthermore, it implicitly discusses the influence of the museum’s “intangible” environment – the level of collaboration and the understanding, or lack thereof, of the significance of proper, professional conservation treatment.
Original languageEnglish
Publication date21 Apr 2022
Number of pages5
Publication statusPublished - 21 Apr 2022
EventBRK-APROA Colloquium 2021: Conservation-Restoration in Context - Brussels, Belgium
Duration: 21 Apr 202222 Apr 2022
https://www.brk-aproa.org/news/480/15/BRK-APROA-Colloquium-2021-Conservatie-restauratie-in-context

Conference

ConferenceBRK-APROA Colloquium 2021
Country/TerritoryBelgium
CityBrussels
Period21/04/202222/04/2022
Internet address

Artistic research

  • No

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