NomenclatureFor Museum cataloguing

NomenclatureNomenclature is a tool for cataloguing museumcollections, it provides a structured and controlled listof terms organized in a classification system.

Nomenclature was developed to facilitate the sharing ofcollection data.

Terms in Nomenclature are indexed in two ways-Alphabetically and Hierarchically according to artefactcategories and classification.

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

Original FunctionEvery man-made object was created for an

originalintended function; the one way in which the

objectintended to mediate between humans and theirenvironment.

There are three ways that objects mediate:1. They shelter us from the environment2. They act on the environment3. They comment of the environment

Original FunctionThese three divisions can be described as:1. Shelter2. Tools & Equipment3. Communication

Using these divisions as a frame work, Categories related

to each division were created within Nomenclature.

CategoriesCategories are the largest division of the

Nomenclaturehierarchical system.

Categories are directly related to the three main

divisions of Shelter, Tools & Equipment, andCommunication.

In total, there are ten categories found withinNomenclature

CategoriesUnder the division of shelter there are three

categories:

Category 1: StructuresCategory 2: Building FurnishingsCategory 3: Personal Artifacts

CategoriesUnder the division of Tools & Equipment there

are fourcategories:

Category 4: Tools & Equipment for MaterialsCategory 5: Tools & Equipment for Science &

TechnologyCategory 6: Tools & Equipment for

CommunicationCategory 7: Distribution & Transportation

Artifacts

CategoriesUnder the division of Communication there are

twoCategories

Category 8: Communication ArtefactsCategory 9: Recreational Artefacts

CategoriesCategory 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.

ClassificationsWithin each of the ten categories there are a

series ofdivisions 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.

Object TermsObject terms are the specific terms used to

identify theobject. Object terms are generic identifiers

that indicatean artefacts original intended function.

Object terms are associated with particularclassifications because the objects are normally

used forthe activities that fall within that classification

Object TermsCommon names are not used as object terms and

theydo not reference secondary data.

For example:a “silver teaspoon” has the object term TEASPOONa “Stanley plane” the object term PLANE, MOLDING

Object names (common names) can be noted on boththe artefacts catalogue sheet as well as the artefactrecord in Past Perfect.

Object TermsObject terms in Nomenclature are entered in

theirinverted 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

Sample Identification

You have been given this object to catalogue, and need

the Category, Classification and Object Term

What would you call this object?

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.

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 classificationReference Page 182 for the category

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

Its Just that Easy

Object Term: TELEPHONEClassification: Telecommunications T&ECategory: Tools & Equipment for

Communication

Additional Information in Word ListPreferred terms in Nomenclature will be given in alluppercase letters, CARRIAGE, CLOCK. When non-preferred terms are listed in the lexicon, theyare given upper and lower case letters are preferred terms areListed

Example: Holder, Spoon use SPOONER

Non-preferred terms are listed in instances where there might beambiguity, common errors in word sequence, on when

cataloguersAre likely to need assistance

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 ArtifactsToilet ArticleDART, HAIR...rt HAIRPIN

Example:Category 4: Tools & Equipment For MaterialsFood Processing T&EMILL…rt GRINDER

use- is used along with a non-preferred term to indicate what the preferred term should be.

Example:Category 4: Tools & Equipment For MaterialsWoodworking T&EAdz, Hammer… use ADZ, HAMMER

Example:Category 4: Tools & Equipment for MaterialsAgricultural T&EThresher, Groundhog…use MACHINE, THRESHING

Modifying Object Terms

Toys:Often toys are representative versions of things normallyused in human activity. They should be given objectterms that identify them correctly, but they would beclassified as “toy” rather than as whatever classificationthe 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”

Modifying Object Terms

Souvenirs:Almost anything can be created or collected as a souvenir. For thepurposes of cataloguing, those things that were created to serve assouvenirs or mementos should be given an appropriate object

name, butthey should be classified as “Documentary Artifacts” because theirpurpose was primarily to record an event. Those objects that werecollected as mementos, should be given terms and classifications

thatreflect 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”

ConclusionThe Revised Nomenclature for Museum Cataloguing is

aneasy to use resource to classify man-made objects. If you find you have additional questions, please refer to

thechapters listed below

Chapter 1 : explains the reasons behind NomenclatureChapter 2 : provides insight on using NomenclatureChapter 3 : defines Nomenclature classificationsChapter 4 : hierarchal list of preferred termsChapter 5 : alphabetical list of preferred terms