Objects from voyages of Exploration: the James Cook Collection in Florence

Abstract

The Cook collection of the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnology in Florence includes objects belonging to the cultures of Polynesia, Melanesia and the North-West Coast of North America. The importance of these artifacts is increasingly recognized not only by curators, ethnologists and artists, but also by historians. In this contribution we retrace the history of its rediscovery in the 19^th century, and the studies of the 20^th century which confirmed its attribution and expanded knowledge. Finally, we reflect on the contents, methods of communication and the future potential of this collection.