The cultural information contained in ethnographic objects mandates special efforts at preserving them in spite of the difficulties caused by their complexity and the often conflicting conservation needs of the component materials. Careful examination and documentation are necessary, followed by stabilizing the environment. Specific recommendations for the storage and care of ethnographic objects are presented according to the types of materials used: plant materials; animal materials; nonmetallic inorganic materials (stone, glass, ceramics); metals; and inorganic-organic combinations (bone, ivory). A list of general recommendations applicable to a varied collection concludes the text.