Pitt Rivers Collection is one of the world’s most important anthropological collections. It is held in the Pitt Rivers Museum, part of the University of Oxford, England. It was established in 1884 by Augustus Pitt Rivers, a British Army officer and archaeological enthusiast. The collection is composed of a vast array of objects from different cultures and regions around the world, and is used by anthropologists and historians to study the history and development of human societies.
History of the Collection
Augustus Pitt Rivers was an avid collector of archaeological and ethnographic objects. He was inspired by Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and developed a scientific approach to collecting, arranging and displaying objects. He began collecting in the 1870s and his collection grew rapidly, eventually consisting of over 22,000 objects from all over the world. He donated his collection to the University of Oxford in 1884, with the intention of making it available for scientific study.
Structure of the Collection
The Pitt Rivers Collection is organized into three main categories: material culture, archaeological artifacts and ethnographic objects. Material culture includes objects related to everyday life, such as tools, weapons, clothing, and domestic items. Archaeological artifacts include objects from archaeological sites, such as pottery, stone tools, and weapons. Ethnographic objects are items collected from specific cultures, such as jewelry, ritual objects, and musical instruments. All of the objects in the collection are arranged according to the type of object, region, and culture of origin.
Notable Objects
The Pitt Rivers Collection contains a wide variety of objects from around the world. Some of the most notable objects include:
- A Chinese paper kite, believed to be the oldest in existence.
- A Maori war canoe from New Zealand.
- A wooden mask from the Ainu people of Japan.
- A Sioux headdress from North America.
- An African mask from the Congo.
Display and Education
The Pitt Rivers Museum is open to the public and has a variety of displays and educational activities. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries and learn about the objects on display. The museum also offers a range of activities, such as workshops and talks, as well as a variety of online resources. The museum also works with schools and other educational institutions to provide educational resources and activities.
Conclusion
The Pitt Rivers Collection is an important collection of anthropological objects that is used by scholars and the public to learn about the history and development of human societies. It contains a wide variety of objects from around the world and is open to the public for exploration and learning.