Eleventh International Conference on The Inclusive Museum

Abstract

This study explores the process of accumulation of value in material culture preserved in museums such that it renders distinct identity or identities to its makers. The making of the Faqir Khana museum, one of the largest private museums in Pakistan, has helped the creators construct specific and multifaceted familial identity. The paper discusses museum as semiophore comprised of multiple signs; the narratives surrounding material culture function as signifiers to the varied aspects of family identity as signified. The museum helps explain the historic, inherited, and continued nature of familial identity. Proponents of interfaith peaceful co-existence, indigeneity, active citizenship; custodians of history; and connoisseurs of art and artifacts emerge as prominent aspects of identity. The research makes use of ethnographic methods. Data has been collected through indepth interviews of the family members. A special emphasis was on narrative encompassing artifacts and archival material existing therein. The museum has been established by members of Faqir family whose ancesters have served in illustrious positions in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s court, a prominent Sikh leader of Punjab. The study discusses symbolic as well as functional value of objects displayed in museums.