CURATORSHIP OF BENIN CULTURAL MATERIALS: TOWARDS INTEGRATING INDIGENOUS AND ORTHODOX METHODS

Abstract

Prior to the establishment of institutions known as museums, men of various cultures have collected, cared for and displayed their cultural objects. This proposition was explored and applied to Benin City, Nigeria. The research investigated and highlighted the indigenous curatorial and conservation practices of the Benin people, drawing out similari- ties that existed, with such practices in today's museums. The paper proposes an integration of both indigenous and orthodox ways of caring for museum objects. The paper discusses the collection and care of cultural objects in seven historical collections from the purely religious, to the exclusively aesthetic. Caretakers (local curators) existed for the various col- lections identified. They were also enjoined to pass on the necessary education involved in the care to the next generation of caretakers. Furthermore, indigenously produced substances were consciously used to prevent degradation of objects. The incorporation of some aspects of the indigenous methods where applicable is recommended.