I have a lot of mineral specimens that have come from other people (ie: not collected by me), as purchases, trades, or gifts. Some of these specimens have come through other collectors prior to the direct relationship I have had. In many cases, I have details pf past “custodians” (we, as collectors, never REALLY own them!).
As the current custodian of these minerals, this project, The Accession Files, will create an unparalleled personal connection to my collection. Understanding the journey of each specimen, the hands it has passed through and the stories behind those individuals, transforms a collection of beautiful objects into a tangible piece of history.
The Curator as Caretaker
The idea that collectors are merely temporary custodians or caretakers is a profound and respected concept within serious collecting circles. It speaks to a sense of responsibility that transcends simple ownership.
In the world of collecting, we often use the word ‘owner.’ Yet, for objects of great beauty, history, or scientific importance, be it a masterpiece of art or a mineral gift from the Earth, ‘ownership’ feels inadequate. It implies a finality that simply doesn’t exist. None of us can truly possess a mineral that was formed over millennia and will exist for millennia after we are gone.
Instead, a more fitting term is ‘custodian’ or ‘caretaker.’ As collectors, we are entrusted with the temporary care of these specimens. Our role is not one of possession, but of preservation. We have the privilege of protecting them, studying them, and appreciating them for a brief chapter in their long existence. Our responsibility is to ensure that their integrity, their beauty, and, crucially, their history are passed on intact to the next generation.
A true curator in this sense does more than just acquire, they document. They preserve the story, the chain of custody, the human hands that cherished the specimen before them. This website – ‘The Accession Files’ – is a testament to this philosophy. It is an act of curation that honours the specimen not just as a physical object, but as a historical artifact, carrying the legacy of every person who has cared for it along its journey.
Provenance vs. Pedigree
The terms “provenance” and “pedigree” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that are important in the world of collectibles. Understanding this distinction will add a level of academic rigor to your project.
- Provenance: This is the broader and more comprehensive term. It refers to the complete documented history of an object’s ownership, custody, and location, tracing it back as close as possible to its creation or discovery. Provenance is the story of the object’s journey through time. It encompasses not just who owned it, but often where it was, if it was exhibited, and how it was transferred. For a mineral, this would include the mine it came from, the miner who collected it, every subsequent collector, dealer, or museum, and any accompanying documentation like labels, receipts, or catalogue numbers. This project, “The Accession Files” is a good example of establishing provenance.
- Pedigree: This term is more specific and, in a strict sense, refers to a line of descent or ancestry, like in animal breeding. In the collecting world, it has been adopted to refer specifically to the line of ownership, often with an emphasis on the distinction or fame of the previous owners. A specimen from a famous collection (eg: “the Smith Collection”) is said to have a good pedigree. While some purists argue “pedigree” should only be for living things, its use in collecting is widespread, especially in hobbies like coins and comics.
Pedigree is a part of provenance.
- The provenance is the whole story, the entire chain of custody.
- The pedigree is the list of notable names within that story.
