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Archaeology
Ethnology
Research
Loans |
Collections
Founded in 1931 by archaeologist Dr. Etienne B. Renaud, DUMA
houses both archaeological and ethnographic collections. Renaud’s
archaeological collections, the first of DUMA’s collections,
span six states – Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma,
South Dakota, and Wyoming. DUMA’s collection focus still
remains in the southwest United States but has grown to include
objects from around the world. Now DUMA houses over 150,000
ethnographic and archaeological objects, representing a wide
range of cultures and peoples, helping students to experience
the human imagination and skill required in the production of
ceramics, basketry, textiles and tools. DUMA strives to keep
its collections active by encouraging responsible research and
use by DU students and faculty, and complying with research
requests from all over the world.
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DUMA continually strives to be in full compliance with the Native
American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). With
an active NAGPRA program, DUMA welcomes tribal visits and encourages
NAGPRA consultations. For more information on our NAGPRA program,
please contact Kim Manajek, NAGPRA Coordinator at 303.871.3381
or kmanajek@du.edu.
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Archaeology
DUMA’s archaeology collection focuses on the prehistory
of Colorado. DUMA’s first archaeological collections were
those of E. B. Renaud, DUMA’s founder. Renaud’s
collections are still some of the most-requested at DUMA today.
Thanks to the staff of Special Collections, Cataloging and Systems
at DU’s Penrose Library, Renaud’s field notes and
reports are digitized online. (link to special collections)
Throughout the years, DUMA has become home to objects from over
1,800 Colorado archaeology sites. In addition, the collection
contains objects from 12 western states, including New Mexico,
Arizona, and Utah.
An archaeological highlight is the Franktown Cave collection.
Franktown Cave, located in southern Colorado, is one of the
only dry caves in the region. In addition to thousands of stone
tools and pot sherds (including an almost complete pot), the
collection contains the most extensive collection of perishable
artifacts and plant specimens known in the western High Plains.
These items include sandals woven from yucca fibers, fragments
of coiled baskets, animal snares and leather artifacts such
as moccasins and a piece of a fringed leather legging.
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With grant money from the National Science Foundation and the
Colorado State Historical Fund, Dr. Sarah Nelson of the Anthropology
Department and Kevin Gilmore of the Archaeological Research
Institute here at DU are beginning analysis of this collection
and have already dated many of the perishable artifacts. Some
of the sandals, several basket pieces and a fragment of what
is apparently a robe made from woven strips of rabbit hide date
to an occupation of the Cave that occurred about 5000 years
ago. One of the moccasins and the legging fragment date between
A.D. 1000 and 1250. Continued analysis of this unique collection
will shed much light on the prehistoric occupants of eastern
Colorado.
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Ethnology
The ethnographic collection focuses on southwestern American
Indian material culture. DUMA houses a considerable Pueblo pottery
collection, including pieces from renowned artists such as Nampeyo,
Lucy Lewis, and Maria Martinez.
DUMA also houses Kate Peck Kent’s African textile collection.
Kent, a well known scholar on southwestern American Indian textiles,
traveled to West Africa in 1966-1969. Traveling throughout Ghana,
Togo, and Nigeria, Kent collected numerous textiles and textile
production tools.
Other highlights include American Indian basketry, pre-Columbian
pottery, Mexican jewelry and ceramics, Navajo and Hopi weavings,
and Alaskan ivory and stone tools.
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Research
1) Access to collections
DUMA understands the importance of collections research and
encourages the responsible use of its collections for analysis,
exhibition and educational activities. DUMA receives requests
for research access throughout the year, and from all over the
world. To submit a request for research access, please fill
out the Access
Request Form and mail it to DUMA. Please allow at least
3 weeks for processing and scheduling.
2) Destructive analysis
In certain circumstances, destructive analysis is necessary
to carry out specific research components. Requests for destructive
analysis are considered on a case-by-case basis and require
approval from the museum’s Director and Curators. To request
destructive analysis, please submit a letter detailing the object(s)
to be analyzed, a complete description of the destructive process,
and the purpose of the analysis.
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Requests for destructive analysis may be mailed
to:
Curator of Collections
University of Denver
Museum of Anthropology
2000 E. Asbury, Sturm Hall 102
Denver CO 80208
Letters may also be faxed to
(303) 871-2736
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Loans
Loans are an important tool in ensuring public access to museum
collections. Whether an object is requested for exhibition or
research, loans are carefully considered and documented. All
loan requests must be submitted in writing to the Director or
Curator of Collections. Requests should detail the intended
use of the object(s), the duration of the loan, and any other
pertinent information. If approved, the borrower is responsible
for loan costs, including object transport and insurance.
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