What is DUMA?
The University of Denver Museum of Anthropology (DUMA) is dedicated to increasing knowledge and understanding of world cultures and human diversity. The Museum emphasizes the ethical stewardship of collections, research, teaching, educational programming and responsible community engagement. DUMA supports the Department of Anthropology's emphasis on applied and public anthropology in service to the common good.
The museum acknowledges that colonial legacies are embedded in anthropological collections. It strives to address historical wrongs by building collaborative, reciprocal relationships and respecting the rights and cultural protocol of communities represented in the collection.
Thursday, October 10
Everyday Masterpieces:
Indigenous Art in Daily Life
Opening Reception at 5p
Artist's Talk with Louie Gong at 6p
Exhibit Open October 10 - November 15
Mondays - Fridays 10a - 4p
One of the constants among Indigenous peoples around the world is the incorporation of art into the objects of everyday life. This exhibit features works by Indigenous artists that reflect their artistic versatility and cultural traditions.
Featuring art by Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand, Joe Don Brave, Ronnie Fairbanks, Louie Gong, Heather Levi, Micah McCarty, Lynda Teller Pete, Bessie Smith, and Crystal Kaakeeyáa Rose Demientieff Worl
Photo credit: Coast Salish Pattern Wool Blanket by Louie Gong (Nooksack), courtesy of Snoqualmie Tribe-owned Eighth Generation
To schedule a visit to the exhibit, please contact Sarah Carlson at 303.871.2543 or sarah.carlson@lmjrsygc.com.
If you are on campus and need access to Sturm Hall to view the exhibit, please call a Gallery Attendant at 303.871.6581.
- 5p
- DUMA Gallery - Sturm 102
Student Involvement
DUMA provides a hands-on learning experience for students and works closely with the master's level Museum and Heritage Studies program in the Department of Anthropology. Alongside faculty and staff mentors, students conduct research and learn about the ethics of interpretation and stewardship. Students curate exhibits showcased in the museum’s gallery and display cases, and assist with projects related to collections care.
DUMA’s Work with Tribal Nations
The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) provides a process for tribes to request the return of items from museums and federal agencies. Along with implementing NAGPRA at the museum, we are engaging with other practitioners to further repatriation work and foster stronger relationships across the field.
DUMA Exhibits
Our exhibits showcase student and faculty anthropology research, as well as collaborations with campus organizations and community partners. The museum’s gallery on the first floor of Sturm Hall and exhibit cases on the first and second floors house our physical exhibits, while virtual exhibits are archived online.
Explore Our ExhibitsDUMA Collections
Home to more than 100,000 unique ethnographic and archaeological artifacts, DUMA’s collections include Southwestern pottery, African and Native American textiles, masks from around the world, and remarkably well-preserved yucca fiber and animal hide footwear from cave sites in Colorado.
Access Our Collections
Explore all Galleries and Collections in the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
DUMA News
CAHSS Staff Interview: Anne Amati
Get to know NAGPRA Coordinator for the Department of Anthropology and Staff Committee President Anne Amati.
Faculty Explores Issues in Native American Communities
DU’s Anthropology Department welcomes new assistant professor and cultural anthropologist Kelly Fayard.
International Student Researches Colorado Internment Camp Museum
Regina Huang has done her thesis work on the Amache Museum, which holds the history of Colorado’s only Japanese American internment camp during World War II.
