Whose Information? What Knowledge? Collaborative Work and a Plea for Referenced Collection Databases

Abstract

In this article, I attempt to trace and reflect on how and what knowledge emerged when I discussed historical artifacts with members of the community of origin. The information coming up during our collaborative work sessions does not easily fit into existing standard categories of collection databases. Rather than issues such as protagonists, dates, locations, etc. of photo shoots, or materials, methods of production and uses, etc. of objects, our conversations were about relations between people, life circumstances, uncertainties, legitimate informants, and social meanings. The emergent knowledge, as I argue, did not simply reflect different concerns or perspectives of community members as compared to those of scholars and provided for in database fields but was co-produced from all participants’ prior knowledges through concerted doings. Without presenting a ready-made solution, I further argue that we need to find ways of accommodating references into our collection databases revealing authors and ways of knowledge production.

Moving On: Rethinking Practice and Transforming Data at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge

“…In other words, the museum and the database in particular can become powerful sites for the re-contextualizing of knowledge production and the extension of access and inclusion. Many scholars have explored the museum catalogue as just such a site of contact and collaboration, with a focus on engagement with source communities and the potential for multi-authored records foregrounding indigenous knowledge (Boast, Bravo, and Srinivasan 2007; Boden 2022; Hogsden and Poulter 2012b; Newell 2012). Others have proposed various approaches to mitigate harm stemming from offensive and discriminatory language encountered within catalogues, while maintaining institutional transparency.…”