Knowledge and Artifacts: People and Objects

• Published in: Museum Anthropology
• Main Author: Svensson, Tom G.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2008
• Subjects: Fennoscandia; Sámi
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1548-1379.2008.00012.x; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fj.1548-1379.2008.00012.x; https://anthrosource.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1548-1379.2008.00012.x

Abstract In the study of material culture, the connection between artifacts and knowledge is discernible. The knowledge derives primarily from people, the indigenous voice. To elucidate the inter‐relationship between knowledge and objects, a narrative approach will be emphasized. The main argument relates to the connection of oral history, material culture, and ethnographic museums. My empirical frame of reference is the Sámi culture in Northern Fennoscandia and its basketry tradition, and the general focus will emphasize adequate knowledge‐generating processes. One single object, a so‐called mini kisa , collected in 2003, will be used as a case in point. The body of knowledge discussed contains both tangible and intangible heritage, thereby making the object speak for culture. And, in my view, museums have an obligation to master these demands.