HISTORY OF THE MUSEUM 
Robley 
Collection of 
Maori Heads, 
$6,088. 
Fijian 
Collection. 
Finsch 
Collection, 
$3,000. 
Bismarck 
Archipelago. 
Schroeder 
Collection. 
New 
Hebrides 
and New 
Caledonia. 
Robley was an enthusiastic collector, and was especially interested 
in everything that related to the old-time method of tattooing. He 
succeeded in bringing together thirty-three very fine examples of the 
tattooed heads, with the implements, pigments, funnel, and all other 
accessories used during the process, making this the largest and most 
complete collection in existence illustrating the ancient art of "Moco" 
or Maori tattooing. The practice of tattooing among the Maori ceased 
to exist over a generation ago, and the heads are now extremely scarce, 
so that Mr. Jesup's gift was one of special scientific interest and im- 
portance. 
An ethnological collection from the Fiji Islands was received in 
1908 through the liberality of Mrs. Morris K. Jesup. It was gathered 
by Mr. John William Waters during forty years' residence on the 
Islands, and is especially valuable in that it represents the life of the 
Fijians before they had become acquainted with iron and its uses. 
The collection comprises about 1,800 specimens, including household 
utensils and implements of war and the chase, made of stone, turtle- 
shell and wood. 
A good insight into the culture of the natives of New Guinea, New 
Ireland, and Marshall Islands is obtained from the Finsch Collection, 
the work of Dr. Otto Finsch, which was purchased in 1898. It num- 
bers 2,144 pieces, and includes casts of faces and samples of hair of 
the natives, besides about 300 explanatory drawings. 
Interesting ethnological material from various islands in the 
Bismarck Archipelago, brought together by Professor Eugene Schroeder 
during many years as a resident there, was purchased in 1908 with 
funds provided by Mrs. Morris K. Jesup. Among the most valuable 
and striking objects in the collection are several idols from a Ghost 
House; an ancient death drum, and several ceremonial masks. The 
collection also contains implements of war and the chase, musical 
instruments, personal ornaments, clothing, and household utensils. 
A fairly representative collection from the Islands of New Hebrides 
and New Caledonia was received in the Engler Collection, presented 
by Mrs. Morris K. Jesup in 1908. It contains something over 100 
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