Thing in museum space: change of status and other transformations

Abstract

The article deals with the “thing”, i.e. the “museum item” and its diverse nature. This phenomenon is analyzed based on modern thought, which recognizes the subjectivity and agency for things. Previously, these categories were used exclusively as applied to human beings. The items, which reflect the universe of traditional cultures of diverse peoples, when preserved in ethnographic museums have to be traditionally included in the general worldview system along with language, myths, rituals and social institutions. Apart from their utilitarian purpose, things also serve as cultural symbols and possess certain semiotic language. This language was convenient for expressing such ideas and concepts, which are difficult or impossible to express by other cultural codes. An item, which enters a museum collection is effectively removed from its usual cultural context. As a result, it changes its status and undergoes a significant transformation in its “biography”. In the first instance, it becomes a source of diverse information concerning the culture within which it was initially created and used. Due to the great information potential, museum items can serve as a valuable source study resource for various studies in the field of humanities.