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Ethnological Collections

ASM's ethnological collections--about 26,000 items--represent over 400 different culture groups. More than one third are from the SW United States and NW Mexico.

General Information:

In addition to the collections from the Southwest, the remaining collections are from other parts of North America, Central and South America, Africa, Oceania and Asia.

Southwestern collections consist primarily of basketry, pottery, and textiles. Katsinas, carved masks, jewelry and beadwork are also well represented. As well, the collections contain a wide variety of other utilitarian artifacts, such as musical instruments, weapons, and household tools. The collections date mostly from the 1880s to the 1980s.

Plains and Great Lakes beadwork, Mexican masks, Philippine pottery, and select examples of African and Oceanic sculpture are but a few of the other artifact categories in the Arizona State Museum's extensive and varied ethnographic holdings.

The ethnological collections at ASM are indexed by several databases. These databases are currently accessible in-house, but plans are underway to offer online access. Queries about the collections should be addressed to:

Diane Dittemore
Ethnological Collections Curator
Arizona State Museum
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721-0026

Note Regarding Appraisals

Ethical guidelines prevent us from providing appraisals. For businesses that can assist you with appraisals you may consult our List of Resources (PDF * ). The list does not indicate any preference or recommendation by the museum. It contains mainly businesses in the Tucson, AZ area. For other areas you may refer to the American Society of Appraisers to locate an appraiser or check with a local Indian art gallery.

* PDF requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.

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