P068 - Neutralisation Techniques Among Curators in the Acquisition of Antiquities

• In Event: Poster Session & Ice Cream Social

Abstract

The legal and moral responsibility of museums for unprovenanced objects in their collection is often debated, particularly for objects held in collections for a long time. Recently, surrounding the acquisition of objects being unprovenanced has been discussed with more frequency. The goal of this project is to delve further into museums acquisition practices by focusing on the behaviour and activities of curators when acquiring antiquities. These behaviours will then be placed within the larger context of the museum as an organisation and museum culture, as well as how behaviours align with ethical and legal requirements for antiquities acquisitions. This will be explored through a zemiological framework focusing on harms caused by those in positions of trust and building on white-collar/corporate crime theories. By connecting curatorial practices with harms of the illicit antiquities trade, curators within museums as an institution will be explored in relation to larger social implications of antiquities acquisition within a grey antiquities market and possible recommendations for regulation. This research looks to add to existing research on white-collar crime in the market end of the antiquities trade by focusing on behaviour, creative compliance, and neutralisation techniques of curators within the museum structure and how they may cause various social harms. The goal of this research would be to push the understanding of neutralisation techniques found in trusted individuals in museums collecting on behalf of the public good.

Author

• Claire Hanrahan, University of Glasgow