Shrunken Heads at the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford

Everyone knows Oxford for its prestigious university and tweed jackets. But what about its shrunken heads?

The Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford is one of the most fascinating and unique museums in the world, known for its eclectic and densely packed collection of anthropological and archaeological artifacts. 

Located at the back of Oxford’s Natural History Museum, through a dimly-lit doorway, lies the Pitt Rivers Museum. It’s a museum within a museum, so naturally being a lover of museums I felt very spoilt getting this 2-for-1 deal.

Inside the Pitt Rivers Museum

I almost don’t want to give any information away about this museum. It’s a good idea to visit without knowing too much about what lies inside. I liken this to a treasure chest waiting to be unlocked. However, you’ve probably landed on this page hoping to find out more information, so I’ll reveal some of the highlights.

The Pitt Rivers Museum offers an immersive experience that feels more like stepping into a 19th-century collector’s cabinet of curiosities than a traditional museum. In a way, this is what it is.

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How the museum started

Established in 1884, the museum owes its origins to a donation by General Augustus Pitt Rivers, a pioneering archaeologist and ethnologist. His collection of over 22,000 objects, which aimed to demonstrate the evolution of design and craftsmanship across cultures, forms the foundation of the museum’s holdings.

Today, the collection has grown substantially to more than 400,000+ objects. Most were donated by scholars, anthropologists, explorers and travellers.

The displays are organised thematically rather than geographically or chronologically, offering a fascinating way to compare cultural practices across the globe.

A cabinet of curiosities

I recommend visiting to anyone, especially if understanding different cultures is a topic of particular interest to you.

Shrunken heads

Please note: When I originally wrote this post, the museum had shrunken heads (tsantsa on display). However, during Covid 19, the museum closed for a period of time, and during the closure it decided to remove the shrunken heads from their collection.

The decision to remove the heads from display was part of a broader effort by the museum to address its colonial legacy and the ethical concerns surrounding the exhibition of human remains. The museum found that visitors frequently misinterpreted such displays, seeing them as examples of “savage” or “primitive” cultures, which reinforced harmful stereotypes rather than fostering cultural understanding.

The removal aligns with modern museum ethics, emphasising respect for descendant communities and their cultural heritage​

Highlights

Textiles, clothing and jewelry

Inside the Pitt Rivers Museum, you will find a wide range of textiles, clothing and jewelry. There are beautiful examples of traditional dress, including intricate beadwork and weaving, reflecting diverse global traditions.

Noh Masks

There is a captivating displays of Noh masks, an essential element of Noh theatre, one of Japan’s oldest performing arts, dating back to the 14th century. Noh theatre blends drama, music and dance to craft a distinct and stylised theatrical experience. It draws inspiration from folklore, literature and religious customs.

These meticulously carved wooden masks are worn by actors to depict characters such as gods, demons, spirits, and humans. Noh theatre emphasises symbolism and and spiritual themes, and the masks play a critical role in conveying the emotional depth and identity of the characters.

The Haida totem pole

The totem pole, known as the Star House Pole, is a significant artifact originating from the Haida Nation of Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada. The Haida are known for their craftsmanship, trading skills, and seamanship.

This house frontal pole was commissioned by Chief Anetlas in the late 19th century to celebrate the adoption of a daughter during a potlatch ceremony before 1879. The pole once adorned the Star House in the village of Old Massett.

The intricate carvings on the pole represent the histories, lineages, and social status of the family it symbolised. The museum has engaged with Haida communities in recent years to address these legacies and ensure more accurate and respectful representation of the artefact’s history​.

The importance of context

The museum’s dense, “cabinet of curiosities” display style, while unique, has been criticised in more recent years for presenting objects in a way that decontextualises them. Critics argue that it often places artifacts from diverse cultures alongside each other without adequately addressing their cultural significance or histories.

The museum has acknowledged this, and has been readdressing how they present their artefacts. As I previously mentioned, the museum continues to consult with Indigenous representatives to determine how best to care for and possibly repatriate these artefacts while creating educational exhibits that better contextualise its collections.

I have been to this museum twice, and I find it fascinating. It really is a treasure trove for learning about anthropology, archaeology, and global cultural practices. I also appreciate the steps it is taking to contextual the displays. The museum has embraced discussions about its colonial past and the ethics of artefact collection. Visitors are encouraged to engage critically with issues like cultural representation, ownership, and decolonisation.

General Information

How to get there: The entrance to the Pitt Rivers Museum is through the Oxford University Museum Natural History (OUMNH) on Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PW.
Admission Fee: Free (including the Natural History Museum)
Opening Times: 10 – 16.30 Tue – Sun, 12-16.30 Mon
Website: www.prm.ox.ac.uk

Have you been to the Pitt Rivers Museum? Or would you like to visit?

Museum of the Month is a series where I share my experiences of visiting unique and often strange museums from around the world. My aim is to rebuff the notion that museums are boring. Join me on my quest!