Los avatares de una colección en ámbitos municipales: El Museo Etnográfico Dámaso Arce (Olavarría, Argentina)

Abstract

This article presents the trajectories of the archaeological and paleontological collections initially formed by Dámaso Arce and currently located in a depository in the city of Olavarría, Buenos Aires province. To this original collection were added others that resulted from investigations since the 1960s, at which stage the Museo Etnográfico Municipal Dámaso Arce was already in operation. With the passing of time, these collections of scientific, educational and social value went through various adjustments which led to some parts being lost and which, eventually, led to the collections' dismemberment. An analysis of the trajectory suffered by these collections could argue that the main causes of their current state, that is, in a warehouse closed to the public, is due to ignorance of their value on the part of those in power, and to a lesser extent, a lack of responsibility by researchers and museum professionals towards their heritage. This article brings together information in order to analyze these collections historically and in the light of the ethical rules and principles that protect them, with the intention of rendering them more visible and urging their safekeeping.