This book attests to 175 years of collecting and exploring by the Rijksmuseum Volkenkunde / National Museum of Ethnology. Out of a collection of 240, 000 objects, more than 100 masterpieces were selected following diverse criteria. Some objects were chosen because of their aesthetic qualities, others because of their age, rarity, collection history or historical relevance. You will experience the pinnacle of world heritage including artistic masterpieces, products of ingenious craftsmanship, works with a religious or spiritual significance, or things that excel through their functional simplicity. The masterpieces reflect the collecting history of the museum, starting from 1837 up to the present day. The vignettes and contextual histories procure an insight into human behaviour, the way people give sense to their lives, craftsmanship and creativity. In so doing, you are making an inspiring journey through the whole world. Discover the Nvich fish skin coat, the Tibetan human bone dance girdle, the Congolese power figure, the Inca knotted cord and so much more.