The largest part of this collection comes from the peoples of the Pacific north-west coast of British Columbia, Canada, and Alaska and comprises masks, clothing and ornamentation, as well as ceremonial and domestic items. Of particular interest is a Kwa-guilth (Kwakiutl) Totem Pole, presented to the Australian Museum by the Canadian Government (on permanent display in the Museum's atrium), and a collection of Kwa-guilth (Kwakiutl) ceremonial and performance gear from Cape Mudge acquired by the Museum in 1912 (some of which has been repatriated to the Kwa-guilth people).

Basketry from throughout the western part of North America is represented in the collection, as is pottery from the American south-west and Peru. Arctic material in the collection includes a variety of hunting and fishing equipment, as well as clothing. The Americas collection also contains archaeological material, including arrowheads, spear points, shell artefacts and pot sherds.

Those interested in gaining access to these collections for research, exhibition, education or other purposes should direct their enquiries to Rebecca Conway, Project Officer for the Asia / Africa / Americas Collections.

Hopi water jar from Arizona, USA. Acquired by an exchange with the Denver Museum, 1951.

Maliseet moccasins from Marysville, St Johns River, New Brunswick, Canada. Acquired by exchange with the Miramichi Natural History Association, Canada, 1904.