Ethnography

The ethnography collection consists of 524 objects that have a wide range of uses in everyday life and ceremony. Ethnography is the study of people and cultures.

The collection includes large items such as carved thrones from the African continent and oars from the Pacific region. Smaller objects include musical instruments, cups, baskets, pots, purses, jewellery, masks, and carvings from Europe and Asia. The largest group of objects is from the continent of Africa. The collection was acquired between 1880-1920 by Northampton people donating objects acquired on their travels. They reflect an interest in the wider world by our founders. Today it is a closed collection and we do not accept further donations.

Where to see the ethnography collection
The collection is used in projects and displayed in various temporary and permanent exhibitions. There is no dedicated ethnography gallery.