Learn about people, traditions, and celebrations around the world through art and activities you can do at home!
Suriname: Make a Mosquito Brush
Where is Suriname?
Suriname, located on the northeastern Atlantic coast, is one of the smallest countries in South America. It was formerly known as Dutch Guiana and was a plantation colony ...
Categories: Cultures Up Close
Japan: Craft a Kabuto for Children's Day
Children’s Day or Kodomo-no-hi
One of Japan’s busiest holiday seasons is Golden Week. Four national holidays take place within the seven days of Golden Week. The holidays start each year on ...
Categories: Cultures Up Close
Polynesia: Make a Grass Skirt
Where is Polynesia?
The Pacific Islands are divided into three geographic and cultural regions: Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Polynesia includes islands scattered across a triangle ...
Categories: Cultures Up Close
Ancient Coins: Make Your Own Money!
Ancient Greek didrachm
The invention of coins is shrouded in mystery. Coins as we think of them today were first used as a method of payment around the 6th or 5th century BCE. According to the ...
Categories: Cultures Up Close
China: Celebrate the New Year
The History of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is China’s most important festival. It is also the most important celebration for families ...
Categories: Cultures Up Close
Yup'ik: Make a Hunting Hat
Who are the Yup’ik?
The Yup’ik are one of the indigenous peoples of western, southwestern, and southcentral Alaska and the Russian Far East. They are related to the Alutiiq, Aleut, Inuit, and ...
Categories: Cultures Up Close
Mexico: Create a Colorful Alebrije
What are Alebrijes?
The MOA’s alebrije collection includes this piece combining the features of several different animals.
Alebrijes are brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures depicting ...
Categories: Cultures Up Close
Australia: Make an Aboriginal Didgeridoo
Who are the Aboriginal People?
Australia’s Aboriginal peoples are one of the two distinct groups of indigenous peoples in Australia. Most believe Australia has been populated for at least ...
Categories: Cultures Up Close
Malawi: Make a Galimoto
Where is Malawi?
Malawi is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa. Malawi covers over 45,747 square miles, making the country roughly the size of Pennsylvania. Lake Malawi, also known as ...
Categories: Cultures Up Close
Mali: Make A Dogon Mask
Dogon men dance with kanaga masks.
Who are the Dogon?
The Dogon are an ethnic group living in the central region of West Africa, mostly in Mali and Burkina Faso. The Dogon population is about ...
Categories: Cultures Up Close
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Museum of Anthropology
The Museum is open to the public Tues.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Special arrangements can be made for groups and events.
Admission is free. Donations are gratefully accepted.