84 collector's manual 



restrictions on the collecting of specimens or their removal from 

 the country, and (2) feeling of the native peoples regarding such- 

 matters, so as not to arouse antagonism through activities that 

 possibly may be viewed as disrespectful to the 'spirits of their 

 dead. Disregard of these local taboos may result in serious diffi- 

 culties with local populations, particularly where specimens are 

 deliberately excavated and carried away. 



The scientific usefulness of any specimen, and frequently its 

 desirability as a museum piece, is determined by the completeness 

 of the accompanying record. This record must include at the 

 very least the precise locality (country, state, city, subdivision, 

 river, island), the circumstances under which each piece was 

 recovered, the nature of the deposit, native name and use if 

 possible, the date, and the name and home address of the 

 collector. No detail should be left to memory; all data should 

 be recorded at once and tied to the specimen. 



Many archeological specimens are sufficiently well preserved 

 so that they may be easily cleaned with water, brush, or cloth; 

 others may be so soft or fragile that only excess dirt can be 

 removed safely, and final cleaning should be left for the 

 receiving institution. 



Ideally, in preparing for shipment, specimens should be packed 

 in substantial wooden boxes or paper cartons, with plenty of 

 excelsior, dried moss or grass, or other similar cushioning ma- 

 terials. Cotton batting or shredded paper are suitable for light, 

 fragile objects. In the field it may be necessary to substitute 

 whatever materials are at hand, leaving final packing until 

 arrival at a base. 



Ethnological specimens collected from primitive tribes, es- 



