Ethnology - Sam Noble Museum

The Sam Noble Museum ethnology department curates extensive collections of traditional art and material culture from societies around the world. In doing so, we provide researchers with invaluable resources needed to explore human cultures and societies. The ethnology collection is especially strong for areas of Native North and Central America. We also preserve an extensive number of classical artifacts from the Mediterranean region and important ethnographic arts from East Asia. Today, research in this collection focuses on collaborative projects with contemporary Native American communities across the United States. These projects include topics such as traditional arts, folklore, ethnobotany and music. The ethnology department also contributes to both temporary and permanent museum exhibits. Currently we are working with community artists and elders to create a range of original programming for our audiences.