Museum

Displays of "non-Western" art are qualitatively different from those displaying art that does not come from Europe or North America. Art from places deemed "exotic," or "primitive" tends to be displayed and perceived as anthropological items and indicators of culture. The conceptual arts and "art for art's sake" is frequently denied to non-Western societies. Moreover, the art of places like Oceania is sometimes referred to more as "artifact," versus "art." New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art has extensive and impressive collections of art (and artifacts) from Africa, Oceania, and throughout the Americas. Displays of non-Western art will invariably impact the viewer's perception and appreciation. Likewise, the curator's decision to create "period" rooms including multiple types of media (clothing, furniture, jewelry, pottery) in one place has a strong bearing on the visitor experience. Location, orientation, explanation, arrangement, and display all have powerful political connotations in the museum environment.

"The objects...
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