Donald Collier

Donald Collier was an American archaeologist, ethnologist, and museologist known for his expertise in Ecuadorian and Andean archaeology. He spent most of his career at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, where he worked as a curator and later as chief curator.

Collier's family background was notable; his grandfather was a mayor, his father served as Commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and his brother John Jr. became a pioneer in visual anthropology. He married another anthropologist, and they had two sons, Bruce and David.

Educated at the University of Chicago, Collier earned his Ph.D. in 1954. His fieldwork began in 1933 with the Museum of Northern Arizona and included significant projects in Peru and Ecuador, collaborating with figures like Alfred Kroeber and John Murra on the influential Viru Valley Project.

At the Field Museum, Collier was instrumental in developing exhibits such as "Ancient Ecuador," which focused on Ecuadorian ceramics. He also taught anthropology at the University of Chicago and contributed to museology courses from 1945 to 1965. Collier authored numerous publications, including catalogs for his exhibits and academic texts like *Indians Before Columbus*, used in anthropology courses.

His work at the Field Museum included organizing traveling exhibitions and permanent displays that highlighted indigenous art and culture, often involving live demonstrations and performances. Collier's contributions bridged academia and museum practice, leaving a lasting impact on both fields.