The Rilling Collection

Dr. Rilling and his family, who live near Philadelphia, have generously shared with our museum a broad cross-section of their remarkable collection of tribal arts. Hundreds of objects, including a “spirit canoe” from Irian Jaya and “orator’s table” from Papua New Guinea have enriched our holdings. We have also received a number of Polynesian palace bark cloths.

To expand our collection of sub-Saharan African objects, Dr. Rilling has donated many fine ceramic and wooden pieces from the Nupe, Tuareg, Ashante, Yoruba and Dogon tribes.

Rounding out the corners of the collection are several fine examples of pieces from North Africa (including a woven camel basket), Southeast Asia (Balinese dance masks), and the South Pacific (coiled feather money from the Solomon Islands).