Museum head irked by poor generosity

Museum head irked by poor generosity

JAMBI: The head of the Jambi Museum, Wijaya, complained
yesterday that many people in the province were reluctant to
donate historical items to his institution or place them in the
collection for safekeeping.

Wijaya said most owners regarded the antiques -- including
ceramics, swords, ancient documents and statues -- as sacred
artifacts which should not be given to others.

He recollected how a Muara Madras villager in Bungo Tebo
regency refused to hand over an old letter to the museum recently
despite its historical importance.

Wijaya believes the document is several centuries' old and
contains a border agreement between Bungo Tebo, Kerinci and Muko
Muko regencies.

"We will provide some compensation to those who voluntarily
give us their historic belongings," he was quoted by Antara as
saying.

Dating back to the 9th century, the museum's collection
includes a a dorak ceramic from Persia and a Japanese cup from
the 19th century. (prb)