Museum of Anthropology, UBC Campus, Vancouver

Carved from a large block of yellow cedar, "The Raven and the First Men" is a carving of a large raven, a spiritual creature to the West Coast First Nations, sitting atop a clam with carvings of men in various positions out of the clam's shell. This is one of the most famous pieces in the museum which is also depicted on the Canadian twenty dollar bill. CREDIT: Venture Vancouver, SOURCE: www.venturevancouver.com

One of the most famous carvings in the Museum of Anthropology, "The Raven and the First Men". Also seen on the back of the Canadian twenty dollar bill.

STATS

HOURS

RATES

Type:

Museum

Season:

All Seasons

Weather:

All Weather

Time:

2 hours

Cost:

What to bring:

Camera, Sense of Curiosity

With its humble beginnings in the basement of a nearby University building, the popularity of the art and works within the Museum collections led to its public accessibility in the form of the Museum of Anthropology, studying the West Coast First Nations and their varied art and cultural influences in the area now known as Vancouver. One of its most impressive pieces, "The Raven" a carving by the native artist Bill Reid, is the centrepiece of this open concept museum. A popular museum, work is constantly being done to improve and teach visitors about the history of Vancouver and the cultures that are still entwined in the fabric of the city.

The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) located on the high cliffs on the western edge of the University of British Columbia campus, is one of the largest publicly accessible collections of native art in British Columbia.

Along with its large volume of totem poles, art, collection of period photographs and other pieces, the museum also exhibits other artifacts such as European flatware (plates) donated by the Koerner family along with other valuable First Nations art.

Although the museum focuses on aboriginal art and culture there are thousands of pieces from dozens of other cultures such as African, Australian, South American and the South Pacific.

The exhibits are all owned and studied by students from the nearby University of British Columbia but are shared with the public including some of the most impressive Bill Reid Native American carvings and cast pieces which are some of the most visited on the premises.

Established in 1947, the original museum was in the basement of a campus building, but with its popularity in 1967, a new building was built designed in the post and beam style of the Northwest Coast First Nations People to encompass the growing donations and collections of work. In late 2008 the museum underwent construction in to upgrade and expand the building.

The museum includes both outdoor and indoor exhibits. The outside contains a scale construction of a west coast Haida Native American village complete with totem poles and log houses whereas the inside contains many works including the famous piece " The Raven and the First Men" which is also featured on the Canadian twenty dollar bill. Selections of his smaller pieces encircle the statue in glass cases.

The Museum of Anthropology also offered multi language brochures and guided tours for interested parties which run twice a day.

Of all the museums in the Vancouver region this is possibly one of the best to visit as it contains some of the most relevant historical artifacts for the region, the Northwest First Nations photographs and stories and a wide selection of worldwide relics.

A visit to this museum and the surrounding University of British Columbia campus is highly recommended as both educating and an experience unrivalled in seeing these amazing carvings and relics of the original inhabitants of West Coast Canada.