ABSTRACT
The museum has a unique role as a repository for three-dimensional objects gathered from both natural and man-made environments. The very act of collection removes objects from their context and, although many of them are inherently interesting or aesthetically appealing, it is the close interrelationship with their environment which increases their usefulness, and the enjoyment of them by the museum public. Preserving the non-intrinsic information about an object, such as where it comes from, who found or used it, and what it was used for is the responsibility of the institution that keeps it. For this reason the documentation of museum collections is vital.
