Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

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Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

Established	1866
Location	Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Type	Archaeology, Ethnology
Director	Jane Pickering

The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology is a museum affiliated with Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1866, it is one of the oldest and most comprehensive museums dedicated to the study of human history and cultures. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that provide insights into the archaeological and ethnological history of various cultures around the world.

History

The Peabody Museum was founded by philanthropist George Peabody, who donated $150,000 to establish the museum. The museum's mission is to advance the understanding of human history through the collection, preservation, and interpretation of artifacts and other cultural materials.

Collections

The museum's collections include over 1.2 million objects, with significant holdings in the areas of Native American archaeology and ethnology, Mesoamerican archaeology, and Oceanic and African ethnology. The collections are used for research, teaching, and public education.

Native American Collections

The Native American collections are among the most extensive in the world, featuring artifacts from various tribes across North America. These include tools, clothing, pottery, and ceremonial objects.

Mesoamerican Collections

The Mesoamerican collections include artifacts from ancient civilizations such as the Maya, Aztec, and Olmec. Highlights include sculptures, ceramics, and codices.

Oceanic and African Collections

The museum also holds significant collections from Oceania and Africa, including masks, textiles, and ritual objects that provide insights into the diverse cultures of these regions.

Research and Education

The Peabody Museum is a center for research and education in archaeology and ethnology. It collaborates with various departments at Harvard University and other institutions to conduct research and offer educational programs. The museum also publishes the Harvard Papers in Anthropology and other scholarly works.

Exhibitions

The museum hosts a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions that showcase its collections and highlight different aspects of human history and culture. These exhibitions are designed to engage the public and provide educational opportunities for visitors of all ages.

Related Pages

• Harvard University
• George Peabody
• Archaeology
• Ethnology
• Native American history
• Mesoamerican civilizations
• Oceanic cultures
• African cultures

See Also

• List of museums in Massachusetts
• Harvard Museum of Natural History
• Museum of Fine Arts, Boston