Nomenclature

1. Nomenclature For Museum cataloguing

2. Nomenclature Nomenclature is a tool for cataloguing museum collections, it provides a structured and controlled list of terms organized in a classification system. Nomenclature was developed to facilitate the sharing of collection data. Terms in Nomenclature are indexed in two ways- Alphabetically and Hierarchically according to artefact categories and classification.

3. The Revised Nomenclature for Museum Cataloguing A Revised and Expanded Version of Robert G. Chenhall’s System for Classifying Man-Made Objects

4. Original Function Every man-made object was created for an original intended function; the one way in which the object intended to mediate between humans and their environment. There are three ways that objects mediate: • They shelter us from the environment • They act on the environment • They comment of the environment

5. Original Function These three divisions can be described as: • Shelter • Tools & Equipment • Communication Using these divisions as a frame work, Categories related to each division were created within Nomenclature.

6. Categories Categories are the largest division of the Nomenclature hierarchical system. Categories are directly related to the three main divisions of Shelter, Tools & Equipment, and Communication. In total, there are ten categories found within Nomenclature

7. Categories Under the division of shelter there are three categories: Category 1: Structures Category 2: Building Furnishings Category 3: Personal Artifacts

8. Categories Under the division of Tools & Equipment there are four categories: Category 4: Tools & Equipment for Materials Category 5: Tools & Equipment for Science & Technology Category 6: Tools & Equipment for Communication Category 7: Distribution & Transportation Artifacts

9. Categories Under the division of Communication there are two Categories Category 8: Communication Artefacts Category 9: Recreational Artefacts

10. Categories Category 10: Unclassifiable Artefacts This category is used when artefacts that were created for a specific purpose cannot be identified at the time the object is catalogued. Every attempt should be made to uncover an object term that falls within one of the first 9 categories.

11. Classifications Within each of the ten categories there are a series of divisions called Classifications. Classifications are intended to divide all man-made objects into logically similar groups. Chapter 111 provides descriptions for all ten categories, their subsequent classifications and descriptions for each classification.

12. Object Terms Object terms are the specific terms used to identify the object. Object terms are generic identifiers that indicate an artefacts original intended function. Object terms are associated with particular classifications because the objects are normally used for the activities that fall within that classification

13. Object Terms Common names are not used as object terms and they do not reference secondary data. For example: a “silver teaspoon” has the object term TEASPOON a “Stanley plane” the object term PLANE, MOLDING Object names (common names) can be noted on both the artefacts catalogue sheet as well as the artefact record in Past Perfect.

14. Object Terms Object terms in Nomenclature are entered in their inverted form. The noun of an object term is placed first, followed by a comma, followed by a modifying word or phrase. Example: Heater, Oil There are a few exceptions to this rule, like CHEST OF DRAWERS, which would make no sense if inverted

15. Sample Identification You have been given this object to catalogue, and need the Category, Classification and Object Term What would you call this object?

16. This example is pretty obvious, it’s a Telephone. The next step is to check the alphabetical listing at the back of the book for Telephone.

17. The listing at the back notes: TELEPHONE…Telecommunication T&E…Page 182 From this we conclude that • TELEPHONE is the Object Term, • Telecommunication T&E is the classification • Reference Page 182 for the category

18. To find out the Category for the object turn to Page 182

19. Its Just that Easy Object Term: TELEPHONE Classification: Telecommunications T&E Category: Tools & Equipment for Communication

20. Additional Information in Word List Preferred terms in Nomenclature will be given in all uppercase letters, CARRIAGE, CLOCK. When non-preferred terms are listed in the lexicon, they are givenupper and lower case letters are preferred terms are Listed Example: Holder, Spoon use SPOONER Non-preferred terms are listed in instances where there might be ambiguity, common errors in word sequence, on when cataloguers Are likely to need assistance

21. rt- used to indicate a related term. Related terms identify similar, but not identical, objects, or they refer to objects that might be confused with one another. Both object terms identified as being related are preferred object terms Example: Category 3: Personal Artifacts Toilet Article DART, HAIR...rt HAIRPIN Example: Category 4: Tools & Equipment For Materials Food Processing T&E MILL…rt GRINDER

22. use- is used along with a non-preferred term to indicate what the preferred term should be. Example: Category 4: Tools & Equipment For Materials Woodworking T&E Adz, Hammer… use ADZ, HAMMER Example: Category 4: Tools & Equipment for Materials Agricultural T&E Thresher, Groundhog…use MACHINE, THRESHING

23. Modifying Object Terms Toys: Often toys are representative versions of things normally used in human activity. They should be given object terms that identify them correctly, but they would be classified as “toy” rather than as whatever classification the object term is usually associated with. For a child’s highchair, use HIGHCHAIR and “Furniture” For a toy highchair, use HIGHCHAIR and “Toy” For a bathtub, use BATHTUB and “Plumbing Fixture” For a toy bathtub, use BATHTUB and “Toy”

24. Modifying Object Terms Souvenirs: Almost anything can be created or collected as a souvenir. For the purposes of cataloguing, those things that were created to serve as souvenirs or mementos should be given an appropriate object name, but they should be classified as “Documentary Artifacts” because their purpose was primarily to record an event. Those objects that were collected as mementos, should be given terms and classifications that reflect their original purpose. For a plate produced as a souvenir of a the Royal Coronation use: PLATE and “Documentary Artifact: For a plate used on a plane and taken as a souvenir, use: PLATE and “Food Service”

25. Conclusion The Revised Nomenclature for Museum Cataloguing is an easy to use resource to classify man-made objects. If you find you have additional questions, please refer to the chapters listed below Chapter 1 : explains the reasons behind Nomenclature Chapter 2 : provides insight on using Nomenclature Chapter 3 : defines Nomenclature classifications Chapter 4 : hierarchal list of preferred terms Chapter 5 : alphabetical list of preferred terms