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Intricate Wayang Kulit shadow puppet from O'Brien Collection

O'Brien Collection 

COLLECTION DESCRIPTION

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The collection consists of more than 80 artifacts, many from the West New Guinea Highlands. O’Brien’s research interests included women’s roles in Pacific Island social systems, and she also taught in the Women’s Studies program at Temple.  Some of the artifacts in her collection reflect these interests.  Her papers are MSS 717 in the Melanesian Collection at the Mandeville Special Collections Library, University of California at San Diego.

Curved wooden horn with a leather strap on white background
Handcrafted Maasai beaded gourd with leather straps
Bundle of tapered bamboo artifacts, O'Brien Collection TU2007.6-69
Handcrafted gourd rattle with turtle design and cowrie shells
Top view of a Javanese blangkon with batik patterns.

FEATURED EXHIBITS

To learn more, explore our exhibits featuring the O'Brien collection

Denise O'Brien

About Denise O'Brien 

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Who is Denise O'Brien? A look into the anthropologist and former Temple University professor. 

Small clay cat figurine hanging from a patterned arch

Pottery And Its Uses 

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Explanation of how pottery helps archeologists understand the past and present.

Temple Anthropology Laboratory and Museum 

Gladfelter Hall - Lower Level, Temple University

1115 Polett Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19122

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anthlab@temple.edu

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