Museum of Anthropology

Returning to our postings about Vancouver, we next visit the Museum of Anthropology on the campus of the University of British Columbia (a 20 minute bus ride from downtown). Founded in 1947, in the basement of the main library, the museum's original focus was on artifacts from the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest. Over the years, its collections have grown to include more than 38,000 First Nation objects, and 535,000 pieces from cultures around the world. As a result of this tremendous growth, a new building, inspired by the post-and-beam architecture of Northwest Coastal First Nation peoples, was constructed in 1976. In addition to being one of the top tourist attractions in Vancouver, the museum has become known for its research and teaching aspects. Lori and I absolutely love learning from history ( stated many times in previous postings). While thoroughly enjoying the archeological artifacts from cultures around the world, we were particularly enthralled with the pieces from the Pacific Northwest First Nations. Not having much prior knowledge about them, we really wanted to learn more. What a great experience this was! The Museum of Anthropology should be on everyone's list of places to visit while in Vancouver.

The Museum of Anthropology on the campus of the University of British Columbia.

"Luich Sic Em" figurine, sculptured by Musqueam artist Susan Point , greets visitors to the museum.

A significant portion of the museum's collections are devoted to the First Nation people of the Pacific Northwest.

One of the central pieces is Bill Reid's iconic "Power and First Man." Carved from yellow cedar, this image was on The Canadian twenty dollar bill from 2004 until 2012. The pedestal on which this art sits is a repurposed World War II gun battery.

The Great Hall has a superb collection of First Nation totems.

A canoe from the Haisla indigenous people of British Columbia.

Artic shirt from the Inuit indigenous peoples living in the Northwest Territories of Canada.

But there is so much more to this museum, including this Buddha from China...

...and this Ancient Greek jug.

Asmat shields from Papua New Guinea represented ancestors and were usually carved just prior to headhunting raids.

A beautiful collection of 18th century Maiolica is also on display.

This 13th century tiled stove from the Alps was one of my favorite pieces.