Ethnographic Collections April 10, 2009

The museum has impressive ethnographic and archaeology artifacts. Ethnographic materials from North America include strong Plains and Northeast Woodland components. The largest ethnographic collection is comprised of ancestral figures, shields and utilitarian objects from the Sepik River Region of New Guinea. Significant pieces include a 17-foot Asmat ancestor pole and large elaborately decorated ancestral figures. Africa is well represented with ceremonial and household artifacts including ancestral figures, masks and tools; and South American, European and Asian collections feature feather work, textiles, clothing and personal ornaments.