Publication policy

Editorial choices

The collections and archives portal is based on the Musée des Confluences’ collections management database. The records are reviewed, expanded on, corrected and published online as work progresses. They evolve as new knowledge is gained through research: identification of the artist or creator, description, use, origin, dating, analysis of materials and techniques, identification of locations, etc.

In this process, the museum collaborates with researchers, community representatives, students, artists and collectors.

Most of the objects and photographs in the museum’s collections are subject to copyright. However, some authors and rights holders have not been identified. The museum posesses many photographs of anonymous individuals. If you identify an author or recognise people in the photographs, please contact the museum using the contact form or the form provided in each record.

Sensitive content warnings

Certain photographs or images of objects considered sensitive have been deliberately omitted. A red insert explaining the reason for this decision will appear on the relevant notices. These may include medical photographs, scenes of violence, human remains, scenes of forced nudity, or images of objects that the source communities have clearly requested not be shared online. However, these images can be viewed on site and upon request so that research can continue.

Similarly, some records contain historical data using outdated or even offensive language. This vocabulary has been retained in order to provide the public with the context in which the collections were assembled.

Some photographs or information refer to deceased persons, which may be offensive to their descendants. If this is the case, please contact the museum using the contact form or the form provided in each record.