CONTESTED SIGNIFICANCE: TIBETAN BUDDHIST SACRED OBJECTS IN U.S. MUSEUMS

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dc.contributor.authorSandys, Eleanor
dc.date.accessioned2025-07-06T20:38:47Z
dc.date.available2025-07-06T20:38:47Z
dc.date.issued2015
dc.description.abstractThis project builds on existing literature related to Tibetan Buddhist sacred objects and Tibetan involvement in U.S. museums. It asks the question: how and why are Tibetan Buddhists involved in the care and display of sacred objects in U.S. museums? In addition to an extensive literature review, this study is informed by two methodologies. First, I conducted case studies at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture and the Rubin Museum of Art. Second, I interviewed museum professionals at museums with collections of Tibetan objects and Tibetans in the US who are associated with a cultural preservation organization. The research project's aims are fourfold: (1) to determine the state of the U.S. museum field in terms of Tibetan Buddhist involvement in the care and display of sacred objects; (2) to consider the relevance of sacred objects in Western museum collections to Tibetans in exile in the US; (3) to explore museum approaches to sacred objects; and (4) to address politics engendered by museums' relationships with Tibetans.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11803/3957
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisher.institutionJohn F. Kennedy University (JFKU)
dc.titleCONTESTED SIGNIFICANCE: TIBETAN BUDDHIST SACRED OBJECTS IN U.S. MUSEUMS
dc.typeCapstone
thesis.degree.disciplineMuseum Studies
thesis.degree.grantorJohn F. Kennedy University (JFKU)
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Arts in Museum Studies

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