NCERT Class 12 Home Science Chapter 14 Textile Conservation in Museums

TEXTILE CONVERSATION IN MUSEUMS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this section the learner will be able to –

•  explain the importance of museums as a source of knowledge
• describe the concept of textile conservation and factors causing deterioration of textiles
•  explain the knowledge and skills required for caring for museum textile collections.

SIGNIFICANCE

In Part I of the Class XI HEFS textbook, under the chapter on Textile Traditions in India, you learnt that manufacture of exquisite textile products is as ancient as the Indian civilisation. Not only spinning and weaving, India was the first among ancient civilisations to discover colour, and perfect the art of dyeing and printing on textiles, especially on cotton. It is for this reason that for thousands of years Indian textiles remained special items of trade in almost all parts of the world. From around 15^th century onwards, India was the greatest exporter of textiles ever known. Museums in major cities all over the world have a special section designated to Indian textiles, which were part of gifts to erstwhile rulers, trade items  or exhibits of Industrial Exhibitions.

 The institution of ‘Museum’ which aims at housing objects of antiquity has a western origin. Indian culture has had no tradition of setting up museums of fragmented materials… Used images are immersed in holy water, reusable material is renovated and worn out objects are buried in soil or thrown in water to merge with the earth from which they are created.” Ananda Coommaraswamy (1968)

The word ‘Museum’ is derived from the Greek School of Philosophy. It was the ‘Temple of Muses’ — a sacred place of learning and study. The setting up of museums in India, especially during the later part of 19th century, was considered the best means of extending to people the knowledge of Art and Culture, integral to the country’s heritage.

Museums perform diverse and multiple functions. They collect objects of art, pottery, textiles and various types of materials from different cultures/ traditions, past and present, that are often precious and rare. Museum objects are classified, registered and photographed. Some of them are put on display in permanent galleries or in temporary exhibitions, while others are kept in storage. Preparation of publications with well researched information and making the objects available to scholars for study are other aspects that make the museum a source of knowledge. Thus, in simple terms, a museum is an institution where there is a permanent exhibition and it is open to public for education, entertainment or recreation.

Textiles in museum collections vary enormously. They are valued for their historic interest, their aesthetic appeal and their cultural significance. Because of their wide appeal, textiles – particularly historic costume are often on permanent display in most museums. But our great interest in them can be their greatest enemy. We display them, wash them, wear them, and feel them to enjoy the texture of the fabric, and thus expose the textiles to the risk of damage. With an understanding of how to handle, display and store textiles safely, it is possible to take steps to improve the care and conservation of textiles and to ensure ongoing access to the historic and cultural information and the aesthetic pleasure that they provide.

Click on the below link to download NCERT Class 12 Home Science Chapter 15 Textile conservation in Museums