Pitt Rivers Museum
@pittriversmuseum.bsky.social
Anthropology and archaeology collections from world cultures past and present.
https://www.prm.ox.ac.uk
https://www.prm.ox.ac.uk
TODAY Come and play games from across the world with us and make your own game from recycled materials! Free half-term family fun, 1-4pm in the galleries today.
No booking required. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
No booking required. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
February 18, 2026 at 10:58 AM
TODAY Come and play games from across the world with us and make your own game from recycled materials! Free half-term family fun, 1-4pm in the galleries today.
No booking required. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
No booking required. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Due to high demand for our recent Tassel Making Workshop with Elizabeth Ashdown, we are rerunning this workshop in October. Tickets are now available on our website, so book early to avoid disappointment! Sat 31 Oct, 10.00-16.30. Tickets: £120 (Members £96), includes lunch and refreshments.
February 15, 2026 at 10:18 AM
Due to high demand for our recent Tassel Making Workshop with Elizabeth Ashdown, we are rerunning this workshop in October. Tickets are now available on our website, so book early to avoid disappointment! Sat 31 Oct, 10.00-16.30. Tickets: £120 (Members £96), includes lunch and refreshments.
A St Valentine's key amulet purchased in 1931 in Padua, Italy. Popularly recognised as the patron saint of love and marriage, Valentine was a Roman priest who was caught marrying couples and who was martyred for refusing to give up his Christian faith. He was executed on 14 February AD 269.
February 14, 2026 at 10:18 AM
A St Valentine's key amulet purchased in 1931 in Padua, Italy. Popularly recognised as the patron saint of love and marriage, Valentine was a Roman priest who was caught marrying couples and who was martyred for refusing to give up his Christian faith. He was executed on 14 February AD 269.
Vyshyvanka is a traditional Ukrainian embroidered linen shirt that is part of the national folk costume. The embroidery is a vibrant cultural tradition reflecting the history, beliefs and identity of the Ukrainian people, with each region having its own patterns, colours and symbols.
bit.ly/4ojhINP
bit.ly/4ojhINP
February 13, 2026 at 12:19 PM
Vyshyvanka is a traditional Ukrainian embroidered linen shirt that is part of the national folk costume. The embroidery is a vibrant cultural tradition reflecting the history, beliefs and identity of the Ukrainian people, with each region having its own patterns, colours and symbols.
bit.ly/4ojhINP
bit.ly/4ojhINP
MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE Sign up for our behind the scenes visit to the Conservation Lab & see what the team are currently working on - possibly a unique Hawaiian barkcloth dress, a dance costume from Manipur, plus objects & textiles being moved between stores. 12 Feb, 10-11 or 11.30-12.30. bit.ly/3LuvY8v
February 10, 2026 at 1:04 PM
MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE Sign up for our behind the scenes visit to the Conservation Lab & see what the team are currently working on - possibly a unique Hawaiian barkcloth dress, a dance costume from Manipur, plus objects & textiles being moved between stores. 12 Feb, 10-11 or 11.30-12.30. bit.ly/3LuvY8v
In early Islam, people counted their dhikr (remembrance of God) using their fingers or small stones. By the 8th century, prayer beads called misbaha were widely used. Rather than digital counters, many people still love the feel of beads, with misbaha made from beautiful stones like agate & coral.
February 9, 2026 at 10:11 AM
In early Islam, people counted their dhikr (remembrance of God) using their fingers or small stones. By the 8th century, prayer beads called misbaha were widely used. Rather than digital counters, many people still love the feel of beads, with misbaha made from beautiful stones like agate & coral.
TODAY Enjoy a flashmob performance combining live music, dance & creative improvisation performed by MuMo Creative & their Dance for Parkinson's and Dance for Joy groups. Everyone is welcome to join in or just view from the sidelines! Sat 7 Feb 11.00 & 12.00 in the galleries. Free, all welcome.
February 7, 2026 at 9:18 AM
TODAY Enjoy a flashmob performance combining live music, dance & creative improvisation performed by MuMo Creative & their Dance for Parkinson's and Dance for Joy groups. Everyone is welcome to join in or just view from the sidelines! Sat 7 Feb 11.00 & 12.00 in the galleries. Free, all welcome.
Produce a heartfelt handmade gift for Mother's Day in our Bai Embroidery workshop where you'll learn basic Bai embroidery techniques, explore the cultural meaning behind traditional motifs & stitch your own Bai flower or butterfly design. Sun 14 Mar 10-1pm or 2-5pm. £85 (Members £68). bit.ly/3Y4Inmb
February 6, 2026 at 5:23 PM
Produce a heartfelt handmade gift for Mother's Day in our Bai Embroidery workshop where you'll learn basic Bai embroidery techniques, explore the cultural meaning behind traditional motifs & stitch your own Bai flower or butterfly design. Sun 14 Mar 10-1pm or 2-5pm. £85 (Members £68). bit.ly/3Y4Inmb
The 'With These Hands' trail features plaster casts which reproduce artefacts from the Mohenjo-daro ruins, one of the great cities of the Indus Valley Civilization (3000-2500 BC). Sold as cultural souvenirs, these casts connect modern makers with disappearing histories.This seal was donated in 1955.
February 4, 2026 at 3:59 PM
The 'With These Hands' trail features plaster casts which reproduce artefacts from the Mohenjo-daro ruins, one of the great cities of the Indus Valley Civilization (3000-2500 BC). Sold as cultural souvenirs, these casts connect modern makers with disappearing histories.This seal was donated in 1955.
New blog post - 'In the Absence of the Dancer'. The Clothworkers’ Team was privileged to learn from visiting researcher Dr Debanjali Biswas, whose work highlights the missing dancers of the Meitei community, Manipur, India within the Museum’s costume collection.
go.glam.ox.ac.uk/sHErfDyO_
go.glam.ox.ac.uk/sHErfDyO_
February 3, 2026 at 2:51 PM
New blog post - 'In the Absence of the Dancer'. The Clothworkers’ Team was privileged to learn from visiting researcher Dr Debanjali Biswas, whose work highlights the missing dancers of the Meitei community, Manipur, India within the Museum’s costume collection.
go.glam.ox.ac.uk/sHErfDyO_
go.glam.ox.ac.uk/sHErfDyO_
Experience a synergy of sound, movement & creativity in a flashmob performance co-created by MuMo Creative & their Dance for Parkinson's & Dance for Joy groups. Inspired by the collections, the performance combines live music, dance & creative improvisation. Sat 7 Feb, 11.00 & 12.00. bit.ly/49OwKGJ
January 31, 2026 at 10:18 AM
Experience a synergy of sound, movement & creativity in a flashmob performance co-created by MuMo Creative & their Dance for Parkinson's & Dance for Joy groups. Inspired by the collections, the performance combines live music, dance & creative improvisation. Sat 7 Feb, 11.00 & 12.00. bit.ly/49OwKGJ
This Saturday we will be opening at 9am for a Relaxed Morning Opening so visitors who may struggle in the museums at peak times can enjoy the galleries while the buildings are quiet. The number of visitors is capped to reduce noise levels, so booking is required. Sat 31 Jan, 9-10am.
bit.ly/3NJGBoE
bit.ly/3NJGBoE
January 29, 2026 at 1:07 PM
This Saturday we will be opening at 9am for a Relaxed Morning Opening so visitors who may struggle in the museums at peak times can enjoy the galleries while the buildings are quiet. The number of visitors is capped to reduce noise levels, so booking is required. Sat 31 Jan, 9-10am.
bit.ly/3NJGBoE
bit.ly/3NJGBoE
Look out for sledges, both full-size and model ones, along with Arctic clothing, snowshoes, ice skates and paintings on seal skin on our Wonderful Winter Family Trail available in the Museum until Friday 30 January.
bit.ly/4oRZuCC
bit.ly/4oRZuCC
January 27, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Look out for sledges, both full-size and model ones, along with Arctic clothing, snowshoes, ice skates and paintings on seal skin on our Wonderful Winter Family Trail available in the Museum until Friday 30 January.
bit.ly/4oRZuCC
bit.ly/4oRZuCC
The Clothworkers’ were delighted to closely study this beautiful Qing Dynasty Yunjian or cloud collar during a recent research visit. Taking a closer look at the embroidered flowers, butterflies & peacock feathers, reveals fine couching stitches securing gold-wrapped silk & intricate knot stitches.
January 26, 2026 at 1:21 PM
The Clothworkers’ were delighted to closely study this beautiful Qing Dynasty Yunjian or cloud collar during a recent research visit. Taking a closer look at the embroidered flowers, butterflies & peacock feathers, reveals fine couching stitches securing gold-wrapped silk & intricate knot stitches.
Final weekend of 'Suturing Wounds', a photographic installation by Egyptian artist Sara Sallam, in response to ancient Egyptian textile collections held in museums & galleries worldwide, many of which are archaeological finds from Byzantine cemeteries excavated in the 19th century.
bit.ly/3L6QX0n
bit.ly/3L6QX0n
January 24, 2026 at 10:18 AM
Final weekend of 'Suturing Wounds', a photographic installation by Egyptian artist Sara Sallam, in response to ancient Egyptian textile collections held in museums & galleries worldwide, many of which are archaeological finds from Byzantine cemeteries excavated in the 19th century.
bit.ly/3L6QX0n
bit.ly/3L6QX0n
Handcrafted in Syria from olive oil, laurel berry oil and lye and then aged for up to 9 months, Aleppo soap (also called Ghar soap) has been made for more than 2000 years. Follow the Multaka 'With These Hands' trail to explore crafts from around the world through storytelling.
bit.ly/4ojhINP
bit.ly/4ojhINP
January 23, 2026 at 11:40 AM
Handcrafted in Syria from olive oil, laurel berry oil and lye and then aged for up to 9 months, Aleppo soap (also called Ghar soap) has been made for more than 2000 years. Follow the Multaka 'With These Hands' trail to explore crafts from around the world through storytelling.
bit.ly/4ojhINP
bit.ly/4ojhINP
Plaited basketry is a technique used where materials are easily made into long ribbon-like strips, such as palm leaves, bamboo, birch bark & cane. In our 2-day workshop with Polly Pollock, learn how to make a small basket based on 'elbow baskets' made by the Choctaw people in SE USA.
bit.ly/4bRR2QO
bit.ly/4bRR2QO
January 22, 2026 at 3:37 PM
Plaited basketry is a technique used where materials are easily made into long ribbon-like strips, such as palm leaves, bamboo, birch bark & cane. In our 2-day workshop with Polly Pollock, learn how to make a small basket based on 'elbow baskets' made by the Choctaw people in SE USA.
bit.ly/4bRR2QO
bit.ly/4bRR2QO
European trading beads, like these from Austria, were made to African tastes and often imitated materials already valued ornamentally. Mass produced, tiny and portable, these unassuming objects helped build empires, being traded for goods, spices and enslaved people.
bit.ly/4ojhINP
bit.ly/4ojhINP
January 21, 2026 at 3:31 PM
European trading beads, like these from Austria, were made to African tastes and often imitated materials already valued ornamentally. Mass produced, tiny and portable, these unassuming objects helped build empires, being traded for goods, spices and enslaved people.
bit.ly/4ojhINP
bit.ly/4ojhINP
MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE Go behind the scenes and hear how conservation work underpins every aspect of the workings of the Museum, meet the team and get the chance to ask questions about the objects currently being worked on. Thurs 12 Feb, 10.00-11.00 or 11.30-12.30. Booking essential.
bit.ly/3LuvY8v
bit.ly/3LuvY8v
January 19, 2026 at 11:58 AM
MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE Go behind the scenes and hear how conservation work underpins every aspect of the workings of the Museum, meet the team and get the chance to ask questions about the objects currently being worked on. Thurs 12 Feb, 10.00-11.00 or 11.30-12.30. Booking essential.
bit.ly/3LuvY8v
bit.ly/3LuvY8v
Dating from around 1865, this hooded parka from the Aleutian Islands in southern Alaska is made from seal intestines, a naturally waterproof & windproof material. Both robust & decorative, these seal gut parkas would have been used daily to keep warm & dry in this harsh environment.
bit.ly/4oRZuCC
bit.ly/4oRZuCC
January 16, 2026 at 11:51 AM
Dating from around 1865, this hooded parka from the Aleutian Islands in southern Alaska is made from seal intestines, a naturally waterproof & windproof material. Both robust & decorative, these seal gut parkas would have been used daily to keep warm & dry in this harsh environment.
bit.ly/4oRZuCC
bit.ly/4oRZuCC
The Clothworkers’ are rolling into 2026 by upgrading the storage of our barkcloth collection as it moves into the new CTRC. Each piece is photographed and carefully rolled onto a new archival grade roller, interleafed with acid free tissue and wrapped in a Tyvek cover to protect from dust and UV.
January 15, 2026 at 3:50 PM
The Clothworkers’ are rolling into 2026 by upgrading the storage of our barkcloth collection as it moves into the new CTRC. Each piece is photographed and carefully rolled onto a new archival grade roller, interleafed with acid free tissue and wrapped in a Tyvek cover to protect from dust and UV.
What makes an object ‘authentically’ Indigenous? How can objects challenge our ideas about historical encounters between Europeans & Indigenous peoples? Read our blog about anthropologist Barbara Whitchurch Freire-Marreco's interactions with the Hopi Pueblo:
pittrivers-object.blogspot.com/2026/
pittrivers-object.blogspot.com/2026/
January 14, 2026 at 4:38 PM
What makes an object ‘authentically’ Indigenous? How can objects challenge our ideas about historical encounters between Europeans & Indigenous peoples? Read our blog about anthropologist Barbara Whitchurch Freire-Marreco's interactions with the Hopi Pueblo:
pittrivers-object.blogspot.com/2026/
pittrivers-object.blogspot.com/2026/
Tickets are now available for our Goldwork Embroidery Workshop with historic embroidery company, Hand & Lock on Saturday 9 May, 10.00-13.00 or 14.00-17.00. Tickets: £75 (Members £60). More information and booking details at: bit.ly/49T6P0n
January 13, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Tickets are now available for our Goldwork Embroidery Workshop with historic embroidery company, Hand & Lock on Saturday 9 May, 10.00-13.00 or 14.00-17.00. Tickets: £75 (Members £60). More information and booking details at: bit.ly/49T6P0n
Reposted by Pitt Rivers Museum
We’re excited to present the launch event for the Century of Sounds project, taking over @pittriversmuseum.bsky.social after hours for a very special evening of live music, conversation and sound. Join us on 27 February:
citiesandmemory.com/2026/01/cent... @ocmevents.bsky.social
citiesandmemory.com/2026/01/cent... @ocmevents.bsky.social
January 12, 2026 at 12:11 PM
We’re excited to present the launch event for the Century of Sounds project, taking over @pittriversmuseum.bsky.social after hours for a very special evening of live music, conversation and sound. Join us on 27 February:
citiesandmemory.com/2026/01/cent... @ocmevents.bsky.social
citiesandmemory.com/2026/01/cent... @ocmevents.bsky.social
Jibbahs are made & worn by Mahdist Sufis (known as al-Ansaar) in Northern Sudan. They are made from dammur, a thick, coarse cotton. The colour of the patches indicate rank, while the simple design & multiple repairs demonstrate religious devotion & dedication to an austere lifestyle.
January 10, 2026 at 5:34 PM
Jibbahs are made & worn by Mahdist Sufis (known as al-Ansaar) in Northern Sudan. They are made from dammur, a thick, coarse cotton. The colour of the patches indicate rank, while the simple design & multiple repairs demonstrate religious devotion & dedication to an austere lifestyle.