The Pitt Rivers Museum

The museum displays archaeological and ethnographic objects from all parts of the world. It was founded in 1884 when General Pitt Rivers, an influential figure in the development of archaeology and evolutionary anthropology, gave his collection to the University. The General's founding gift contained more than 18,000 objects but there are now over half a million. Many were donated by early anthropologists and explorers. The collection includes extensive photographic and sound archives which contain early records of great importance. The museum continues to collect through donations, bequests, special purchases and through its staff and students, in the course of their fieldwork.

 

Permanent displays in the museum are ethnographic and archaeological and include the following:

 

Pacific island objects, including a magnificent Tahitian mourner's costume, collected during Captain Cook's Second Voyage in 1773-74

Hawaiian feather cloaks in brilliant shades of red and yellow; a wide range of handwoven textiles and looms

A collection of ceremonial brasses and ivories from the Kingdom of Benin

A fine group of early masks worn by actors in Japanese Noh dramas

Sculpture from all over the world in wood, pottery, metal and stone

Boats, ranging from full-sized sailing craft to model canoes

Pottery from Africa and the Americas, including many pre-Columbian pieces

Magic objects including amulets and charms; jewellery and body decoration

 

For full information please see the Pitt Rivers Museum website.

10.00am - 16.30pm Tuesday to Sunday 
(including bank holiday Mondays)
12.00pm - 16.30pm Monday