Arizona State Museum: Discover Ancient Artifacts

The Arizona State Museum, located in Tucson, Arizona, is a premier institution for the preservation and exhibition of the cultural heritage of the American Southwest and northern Mexico. As the oldest and largest anthropology museum in the region, it boasts an extensive collection of artifacts that span over 13,000 years of human history. Visitors to the museum can explore a vast array of exhibits showcasing ancient artifacts, including pottery, textiles, and other archaeological treasures.

Exploring the Museum’s Collections

The Arizona State Museum is home to over 3 million artifacts, many of which are on display in the museum’s galleries. One of the most popular exhibits is the Encounters Gallery, which features a collection of artifacts from the earliest inhabitants of the region, including the Paleoindians and the Archaic peoples. Visitors can see ancient tools, such as lithic spear points and ceramic vessels, as well as other artifacts that provide insight into the daily lives of these early cultures.

Southwestern Pottery

The museum’s collection of Southwestern pottery is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. With over 20,000 vessels on display, visitors can see a wide range of pottery styles, from the ancient Hohokam to the contemporary Native American potters. The museum’s pottery collection includes examples of terra cotta, earthenware, and stoneware, as well as a variety of decorative techniques, such as slip trailing and polychrome painting.

Textiles and Basketry

In addition to its extensive pottery collection, the Arizona State Museum also features a wide range of textiles and basketry from the region. Visitors can see examples of Navajo and Apache weaving, as well as Tohono O’odham and Yaqui basketry. The museum’s textile collection includes a variety of materials, such as cotton, wool, and yucca fiber, as well as different weaving techniques, like plain weave and twill weave.

Conservation and Preservation

The Arizona State Museum is committed to the conservation and preservation of its vast collection of artifacts. The museum’s conservation team uses a variety of techniques, including radiocarbon dating and scanning electron microscopy, to analyze and preserve the artifacts. Visitors can learn about the conservation process through interactive exhibits and behind-the-scenes tours.

The museum also offers a range of educational programs and activities for children and adults, including workshops, lectures, and guides tours. These programs provide a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the museum's collections and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the American Southwest.