Curation is rarely the first topic raised in an archaeological seminar or addressed in a fieldwork design. And, the authors point out, it is too rarely discussed at all. But the current crisis in repository space has increased awareness that the long-term conservation and preservation of the material remains and field notes of an archaeological project are as important as the finds themselves. Sullivan and Childs, two experienced archaeologists and museum professionals, provide an introductory guide to curation for archaeologists. Crucial to this process is the recognition of curation issues before the first day of fieldwork and continuous involvement of curators in the process throughout the archaeological project. The authors provide guidance on how to manage a collection, what to do with field notes and other project documents, how to find a repository for the collection, and how to adjust field practices so that the process runs smoothly. This brief, practical guide will be invaluable to all field archaeologists and their students, and to museum professionals who curate archaeological collections.

About the Author
Lynne P. Sullivan is curator of archaeology at the Frank H. McClung Museum and research associate professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Tennessee. S. Terry Childs is an archaeologist in the Archeology and Ethnography Program of the National Park Service in Washington, D.C.

Reviews
Curating Archaeological Collections is not a comprehensive handbook for conservation of Attic vases or Andean textiles, but it is a timely and useful summary of "best practices" for repositories. And that's what we need. Curating Archaeological Collections also offers a reasoned, but forceful call for resolution of the curation crisis. This book belongs on the shelves of every U.S. museum with archaeological collections, and on the reading list of every curator and collection manager who deal with those collections. And the reading lists of Federal and State agencies which oversee the care of old collections and production of new collections. * Museum Anthropology *
Curating Archaeological Collections, by Lynne P. Sullivan and S. Terry Childs, fills a conspicuous gap in training for students, archeologists, and agencies that manage collections. * Common Ground *
This volume, part of a new series designed to provide practical information to students and people studying archaeology, highlights the importance of considering curatorial issues early on in the design of archaeological projects. * Oxbow Book News, Vol. 57, Autumn 2003 *



Book Information
ISBN 9780759100244
Author Lynne P. Sullivan
Format Paperback
Page Count 162
Imprint AltaMira Press,U.S.
Publisher AltaMira Press,U.S.
Weight(grams) 268g
Dimensions(mm) 227mm * 149mm * 11mm