The permanent research collection of the Department of Anthropology comprises approximately 16,000 objects, most of which are ethnographic. The Department actively collects material of the indigenous cultures of western North America (exclusive of Mexico) and of the Pacific Rim, including all Pacific islands and East Asia. Current strengths of the collection are holdings from the U.S. Southwest and the Pacific Islands, and basketry from California. Earlier years of collecting have yielded both ethnographic and archaeological materials from East Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Central and South America.
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Our searchable online database features the entire collection, with nearly 16,000 objects and over 14,000 digital images. | |
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This page features a brief overview of some of our larger collections. |
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Visit our archive of Online Exhibits, featuring selected objects from our collection. |
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Click here for information regarding collection access, institutional loans, and donating objects to the Department of Anthropology, or to download request forms. |
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Research Departments
Contact Info |
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For general inquiries about the Department of Anthropology please contact:
Anthropology Administrator
415-379-5378
anthropology@calacademy.org
