The type of display will depend on the artifact you are displaying and the look and feel you are trying to achieve. A few of the most common type include;
Book Shelf - This is one of the most common ways to display pottery and stone artifacts. This can include everything from built-in shelves to a cabinet . When you decide on a shelf the first matter of concern is how stable it is. You want to make sure that there is no way that a bump or even a minor earthquake will shake the shelf loose and break something delicate that has survived for hundreds of years
Next make sure that the artifact you are displaying is stable on the shelf. To have an artifact roll off would not be good. Do not have other items other than artifact on the same shelf. A book could fall and knock an artifact off. In other section we will cover color, lighting and use of glass that will help set off your display and keep it safe.
Display case - There are cases designed specifically for displaying items. They range from the glass cases seen in stores to ones made to go in peoples homes. I have seen every type and style used. They have glass to protect the artifacts and depending on the style come with interior lighting. The style you choose will affect the feel of your display. A nice wooden display case gives the display a more comfortable feel and will have a more lasting affect on the people who see it. Using a store style display case with chrome and glass will give the display a colder look. People associate these style display cases with stores. Stores generally do not have a warm comfortable feel, so it will be hard to make your display comfortable if the case is not associated with comfort.
Display Boxes - Many people have made a box specifically for displaying an artifact. These are usually fiber artifacts. They can be made from tempered glass or plexiglass. These work great for protecting your artifacts. More on the use of display boxes will be covered in the glass section.
These are the most common ways to display larger artifacts less Manos and Matates. These artifacts due to weight and size are displayed on the ground or in rock gardens. The most important aspect to your display is the safety of the artifacts and those people who will be around them. Some of these book shelves and display cases are designed to have some weight in them to keep them stable. Most artifacts displayed withing them will not make up the weight to keep them from easily falling over. The best method from keeping this from happening is to attach it to a wall for stability and safety
Navigational Links
Next page
Back to Tips Page
Main page