SEA–Collections Project: Workshop on Assessing Museum Objects Using the Significance 2.0 Methodology Held in Thailand
SEA–Collections Project: Workshop on Assessing Museum Objects Using the Significance 2.0 Methodology Held in Thailand
14/7/24, 05.00
The National Maritime Museum of Thailand in Chanthaburi hosted a workshop from July 11-12, 2024, focusing on the Significance 2.0 methodology for assessing museum objects. This workshop, part of the SEA-Collections Project, brought together museum professionals from various institutions to enhance their skills in object assessment and digital exhibition planning.
Enhancing Skills in Object Assessment
The workshop had four primary objectives:
1. Introduction to Significance 2.0: Participants received an in-depth overview of the theory and background of the Significance 2.0 approach.
2. Practical Application: Attendees applied the methodology to selected objects from the National Maritime Museum Chanthaburi's collection.
3. Thematic Discussion: Discussions explored maritime themes and sub-themes to connect collections across Southeast Asia.
4. Planning the Online Exhibition: Participants planned a digital exhibition, including text development, digitization strategies, and timeline establishment.
Collaborative Effort
Twelve participants from the National Maritime Museum Chanthaburi, Prachinburi National Museum, U Thong National Museum, Thai Underwater Archaeological Division, and National Museum Bangkok attended the workshop. The training was led by Dr. Natali Pearson from the University of Sydney, Andrew Henderson from Southeast Asia Museum Services (SEAMS), and Kaewkhwan Ruengdecha from Museum Minds.
Hands-On Learning
The interactive sessions allowed participants to apply the Significance 2.0 methodology to four significant objects from the National Maritime Museum Chanthaburi’s collection. These objects included:
• Kendi (Pouring Water Vessel)
• Bronze Mirror
• Bronze Gong
• Ceramic Figurine of a Woman
All these objects have rich historical and cultural significance and were recovered from the Klang Aow and Rang Kwien shipwrecks.
Successful Outcomes
The workshop concluded with participants presenting the results of their Significance assessments and new object labels. A discussion was also held on the next steps for the development of the digital exhibition, which will be created in collaboration with museums from Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Australia.
SEA-Collections is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Australia-ASEAN Council. The project is led by the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre at the University of Sydney in partnership with various Southeast Asian institutions.
