Includes bibliographical references and index

Objects curated : How curators ascribe a new significance to their objects, but still offer them respect even when keeping them under tight control -- Objects visited : How religious objects relate to their visitors -- Objects worshipped and worshipping : How objects in museums can be worshipped or even "worshipping" -- Objects claimed : How religious objects are demanded "back" from museums -- Objects respected : What respecting a religious object means, and how respect is shown -- Objects demanding and dangerous : How religious objects are put into museums to render them harmless, and how relics can turn the museum into a shrine -- Objects elevating : How objects in museums can be purely secular, yet as Works of Art or works of Nature have spiritual power and the ability to elevate the soul -- Objects militant : How religious objects are converted and fight for their new masters -- Objects promotional : How religious objects promote the faith of their masters -- Objects explanatory and evidential : How religious objects explain their faith and their culture -- Conclusion: What have we learnt and how we can help religious objects in museums fulfil their public duties?

Dawson