Conservation of Native American Indigenous collections: views from both sides of the Atlantic

Abstract

ABSTRACT Originating communities have long contested the ownership, conservation, and care of cultural heritage in museums. From cultural sensitivity to repatriation, human remains to sacred belongings and everyday items to regalia, caring for these collections involves varying levels of controversy. This article focuses on the conservation frameworks in the United States and France, whose legal and administrative aspects differ tremendously. This has a major influence on the application of preservation procedures. The existing literature and some notable projects aimed at resolving such tensions between museums and so-called source communities will be briefly reviewed, directing the reader to previously published sources. The final section presents past and present conservation projects that deal with Native American collections in US and French museums, and assesses commonalities and variations in approaching these issues on either side of the Atlantic.