#Illinois International Week Spotlight: Tukuna Collection

• Collections tag

• Post Date: 04/07/2016
• Author: Amy Heggemeyer
• Reading Time: 2 minute read

One of the better known collections at Spurlock Museum was gathered by a student with financial support from the University. Charles E. Bolian (PHD '75, LAS) was conducting archaeological fieldwork near Leticia, Colombia when came in contact with the Tukuna peoples. It is likely that this contact was made at the recommendation of Professor Donald W. Lathrap, who had previously come into contact with the Tukuna during his 1967 fieldwork in the Ucayali region of Peru.  

The Department of Anthropology and the Center for Latin American Studies provided funds for Bolian to collect bark cloth costumes, masks, and other material culture items related to the Tukuna. Of particular interest were those pieces related to the girl's puberty ceremony known as Moca Nova or Peleacon. 

In the same manner as the Alkire Collection, the Bolian collection arrived at Spurlock Museum in 2000 with other Lab of Anthropology collections.