Woven by Women: Micronesian Art After World War II

Woven by Women: Micronesian Art After World War II, curated by Alana Joy Okonkwo (Archaeology and Black Studies, Class of 2026), examines several Micronesian objects collected between December 1948 and June 1951 by collector Shirley June Umhoefer and her husband, American military personnel Richard John Umhoefer. Micronesia spans 607 small islands in the Western Pacific, each with distinct yet interconnected cultures linked by oceanic travel. Women play an influential role in providing for their families, preserving cultural memory, and influencing market demands through weaving. Woven objects are interwoven into women’s lives, through the economy, heritage stories, and legislation.

Please note that this exhibit is not open to the public. Faculty, students, researchers, and campus guests may schedule a viewing by contacting us.