FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TOPIC: WNMU MUSEUM RECEIVES DONATION OF PREHISTORIC POTTERY

CONTACT: DR. CYNTHIA ANN BETTISON, WNMU MUSEUM DIRECTOR & ARCHAEOLOGIST, 505-538-6388

ATTACHMENT: COLOR PHOTOGRAPH BY ANTHONY HOWELL

Western New Mexico University Museum has recently received a tangible objects donation from Dr. Edward and Carolyn Hoffman of Washington state. The Hoffman Collection contains three Mimbres Classic Black-on-white bowls and two Tularosa Mogollon vessels.

The Mimbres bowls include a Style III Black-on-white bowl with two opposing fish with “crowns,” a Style III Black-on-white bowl with a depiction of a snapping turtle, and a large Style III Black-on-white geometric design bowl that was oxidized red during firing.  The two Tularosa Mogollon vessels include a Tularosa Black-on-white water jar and a Tularosa Black-on-white ladle with a unique rattle handle.  All five pieces in the Hoffman Collection are exquisite and compliment the University Museum's existing permanent collections of Mimbres and Tularosa Mogollon pottery, including the famous Eisele Collection of Prehistoric Mimbres and Southwestern Pottery and Artifacts.

A "New Acquisitions & New Loans" exhibition is being developed to display the Hoffman Collection and several recent donations as well as recent items placed on loan to the University Museum.  When the exhibition is complete a small reception will be held in honor of the Hoffman's, other donors, and lenders.

For more information on the Hoffman Collection or to make a gift to the University Museum please contact Dr. Cynthia Ann Bettison, WNMU Museum Director & Archaeologist at 505-538-6386 or e-mail bettisonC@wnmu.edu. 

The Eisele Collection of Prehistoric Mimbres and Southwestern Pottery and Artifacts is permanently on display at Western New Mexico University Museum.  Museum hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Admission is free.