Arizona State Museum

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The Arizona State Museum. (ASM), founded in 1893, was originally a repository for the collection and protection of archaeological resources. Today, however, ASM stores artifacts, exhibits them and provides education and research opportunities. It was formed by authority of the Arizona State Legislature. The Museum is operated by the University of Arizona, and is located in Tucson. ^[1]

Relationships with Native Peoples. Native peoples have existed in the North American continent for millennia. ASM investigates habitation, lifeways, art and communication in which these peoples in the Southwest engaged.^[2]

Investigations by ASM. Museum staff investigate sites of past occupiers of North America to discover how people of that time lived, what they ate, what they wore and how they created their art. These people lived day-to-day, created homesites and villages that, in many cases, have crumbled or been destroyed by natural forces. ^[3], ^[4], ^[5], ^[6]

ASM Collections. ASM holds artifacts created by cultures from the past as well as those presently active. The types of artifacts include pottery, jewelry, baskets, textiles and clothing. Archaeological objects were unearthed during excavations by museum staff and others. Ethnological items (those not acquired from excavation) have been donated by Native American tribes, acquired from individuals, as well as purchased by ASM.

Exhibits by ASM. ASM continuously exhibits some of the objects it holds. These may be, for example, an exhibit of pottery made recently and in the past, masks made by Mexican artisans, textiles woven by Native American masters, and many more. ^[7]

Working With Students. Students of archaeology, anthropology, art, design and other areas of investigation work with ASM personnel to become better acquainted with materials, techniques and objects from ASM’s collections. Some students participate in excavations conducted by the Museum.

Documents for Research. The Office of Ethnohistoric Research maintains documents and microfilm for finding written records to research activities of those who entered the southwest prior to the 20th century. The Spanish explorers entered the Southwest in the 16th century. Their influence extended north and south throughout the various civilizations then existing. Their activities affected all whom they contacted and continue to this very day. ^[8]

Public Programs. ASM offers a full calendar of public programs, such as the Southwest Indian Art Fair, held annually. Other events include family-oriented activities, lectures on subjects related to ASM’s activities, and many more categories. ^[9]

Archaeological Site Database. AZSite maintains and updates a database of cultural sites and surveys that may be accessed by those involved in related activities. This allows investigators to locate information without having to physically visit widely separated and, perhaps, little-known sites. There are hundreds of these sites in Arizona. ^[10]

Library. The Arizona State Museum’s Library is a reference library containing 70,000 volumes. Those interested in reading and/or studying the monographs, reports of excavations and dissertations may visit it. The library has an extensive collection of periodic journals and magazines dealing with archaeology, excavations and museums. ^[11]

Relationships with Tribes. ASM has ongoing relations and communications with tribal members across the Southwest. This involves staff visits to tribal communities, visits to ASM by tribal members to evaluate objects, and cooperation with ASM staff during excavations. ASM also administers federal law dealing with return of human remains, sacred objects, funerary objects and objects of cultural patrimony. ^[12] ^[13]

Staff. A museum is made up of more than material objects. One of the most important parts is the personnel that conduct the business of the museum. There are some 63 professional and staff personnel at ASM, including archaeologists, ethnohistorians, curators and librarians.

Safe Storage. Each type of artifact held by ASM must be contained in an area that is protected from the damaging effects of humidity, heat and insects. ASM is home to the world’s largest collection of Southwest Indian pottery housed in a recently upgraded vault so as to protect its 20,000 vessels from the damage suffered in the past. ^[14] ^[15]

Early ASM Director. An early and significant director of the Museum, Emil Haury, conducted numerous excavations in the southwest and taught students and others about his methods and discoveries. ^[16]

Rio Nuevo. Revitalization of downtown Tucson has resulted in an extensive plan to recreate certain of the structures which were, at one time, a prominent part of the life of peoples living then around the area. In addition, ASM and several major institutions will be part of the newly constructed area. ^[17] ^[18]

Arizona Legislative Mandate. Arizona State Museum administers the Arizona Antiquities Act and state laws concerning the discovery of human remains. In fulfillment of these responsibilities, ASM issues permits for archaeological work on state lands (lands owned or controlled by Arizona or any agent of Arizona), negotiates the disposition of archaeological human remains, maintains an archaeological site file, and provides repository services for the curation of archaeological collections ^[19], ^[20], ^[21]

The museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.