Table of Contents: Definition – Accession
“Accession”
Pronunciation: /ækˈsɛʃən/ (ak-SESH-un)
Part of Speech: Noun
Accession Definition (Historical Context)
Accession is the formal, legal process of permanently adding an item to a museum or archival collection. This step grants the institution legal title to the object. It involves cataloging, assigning a unique identification number, and documenting the item’s provenance. The process is distinct from acquisition, which simply means the item has been received. Proper accession is crucial for collections management.
Origin of the Word “Accession”
The word comes from the Latin term accessio, meaning “a coming to” or “an increase.” It is derived from the verb accedere (“to approach, come near”). The meaning in modern English relates to formally taking on an increase or addition.
Examples:
- General Use: “In addition, the museum celebrated the official accession of the large Greek vase.”
- Archival Context: “Similarly, the rare manuscript underwent detailed review before its final accession into the university archives.”
- Curation Context: “Consequently, the object will not be displayed until after its accession number has been permanently applied.”
- Legal Context: “Moreover, the signed deed of gift finalized the legal accession of the private collection.”
Vocabulary and Language Resources
Etymology
Accession: From Latin accessio (a coming to), from accedere (to approach).
Synonyms
Formal intake, permanent addition, legal transfer, registration, enrollment.
Antonyms:
Deaccession, disposal, loan (temporary change), rejection.
Thesaurus
Addition, incorporation, inclusion, entry, acquisition, record, documentation.
Terms Related to Accession
- Acquisition: The act of taking possession of an item, often before legal title is transferred.
- Deaccession: The formal process of removing an item permanently from a collection.
- Provenance: The documented history of ownership of an item, for example.
- Cataloging: Creating a detailed descriptive record of the object’s features.
- Curator: The professional responsible for managing and interpreting a collection.
- Register: The permanent, chronological record of all officially accessioned items.
Accession Historical & Cultural Context:
The formality of accession developed with the growth of modern museums in the 18th and 19th centuries. Early private collections were often informally managed. Today, strict professional and ethical standards govern the process of accession. These standards ensure clear title and prevent the trade of illegally obtained artifacts. Proper accession is key to maintaining the integrity of cultural heritage and academic research collections worldwide.
Principles or Key Aspects of Accession:
- Legality: The institution must confirm legal ownership, ensuring the item was not looted, for example.
- Permanence: The decision to accession implies a long-term commitment to preservation.
- Identification: A unique, non-repeating identifier is assigned to the item and its records.
- Documentation: A paper trail detailing the item’s origin and condition must be created.
- Ethical Review: New items are reviewed to ensure they fit the collection’s mission and ethical guidelines.
Ethical Considerations for Accession:
- Stolen Heritage: Institutions must be vigilant about rejecting items lacking clear, legal provenance.
- Repatriation: The process may identify objects that ethically belong in their country of origin.
- Transparency: Records of accession, particularly provenance, should be made publicly available.
- Duplication: Curators must carefully consider whether the new item is necessary to the collection.
Relevance to Ancient Worlds
Accession is crucial for understanding ancient worlds because it:
- Secures Heritage: It protects ancient artifacts from being lost or illegally sold.
- Validates Research: It confirms the historical and legal status of items studied by scholars.
- Preserves Context: All data related to the item’s discovery is linked to its permanent record.
- Supports Museums: It forms the necessary administrative foundation for ancient art and history collections.
- Fights Looting: Strict accession policies discourage the illegal excavation and trade of antiquities.
