Subcollections
This link will take you to the entire UAlberta Museums Search page. Enter a term and then filter this collection by checking the Bryan/Gruhn collection in the initial search results.
Specimens in the collection are available for loan for classes, research, exhibits or displays.
Contact the Archaeology Technologist to arrange all loans.
The "Ami Collection" of Western European Paleolithic and Neolithic tools was previously curated by the University's Department of Geology. This material is composed of diagnostic object types from the earliest human occupation of Europe through the initial agricultural period. They were collected by Dr. H.M. Ami in the 1920's. About 2000 objects.
The "Bryan/Gruhn Collection" of North and South American archaeological objects consists of about 4500 specimens. Many of the specimens were collected by Drs. Alan Bryan and Ruth Gruhn of the Anthropology Department during many years of travel and research. The collection contains examples of lithics, ceramics, metal, floral and faunal material.
The "Cast Collection" consists of copies of mostly stone and bone objects representing Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, North American Plains, Eastern Woodlands, and Arctic specimens. Some casts were produced inhouse from specimens loaned by departmental researchers or as duplicates of specimens that are heavily used for teaching. About 300 objects.
Experimental collections include the "Bonnichsen Collection" of experimental tools manufactured by Robson Bonnichsen during the process of his doctoral program in the late 1960s and early 1970s; about 2000 objects. The "David E.Young Experimental Collection" is composed of materials produced during experimentation by Dr. David Young of this department in collaboration with others. The experiments include a study of decision making processes during stone tool production and hide processing and manufacture. Extensive records and videotapes documenting the manufacture of these items accompany the materials; about 1000 objects.
"Replicas". Many of the modern replicas are obsidian pieces produced by Don Crabtree, a self-taught researcher who was one of the first to master stone tool production methods. About 250 objects.
This antler, stone and sinew hide scraper was made by a local artist using traditional technologies.
For more information on replicas, contact Laughing Bear Enterprises directly at lbeare@telus.net
"Lithic Microwear collection". This collection contains lithic samples that are the beginnings of a reference collection of experimentally worn specimens.
