The William S. Webb Museum of Anthropology cares for ethnographic collections that support the broader research, teaching, and interpretive mission of anthropology.
Ethnographic collections can help students, researchers, and public audiences explore the diversity of human experience through material culture. These collections may include objects and associated documentation related to cultural practice, technology, art, exchange, daily life, ceremony, identity, and community histories.
Because ethnographic collections often have complex histories, the Museum approaches their care and interpretation with attention to documentation, context, cultural sensitivity, and professional stewardship. Some materials may require additional review before they are used in teaching, research, exhibits, photography, publication, or public interpretation.
The Museum’s ethnographic collections provide opportunities to connect Kentucky-based archaeological work to broader anthropological themes. They can support teaching and interpretation related to cultural diversity, global histories, collecting practices, museum interpretation, material culture, and the relationships among objects, communities, and knowledge.
As WSWMA develops future digital exhibits, classroom resources, and public programming, ethnographic collections may support broader conversations about anthropology and the many ways people have lived, adapted, created, exchanged, and connected across time and place.
Request Access
Access to ethnographic collections is available by request and is reviewed based on the proposed use, documentation status, cultural sensitivity, condition of the materials, staff availability, and applicable stewardship considerations.
Some ethnographic collections may require additional review before access, photography, publication, exhibit use, or reproduction can be approved. Please see the Collections Access Requests page for more information about access limitations and review procedures.
Please visit the Collections Access Requests page to review the access process and submit a request.