Rungus House Model of Elevated Hut with Ladder.
Field hut (sulap). Wood, cardboard. Metal placque on base: Sovoli 2003-2004.

Firebird Foundation Collections and Archives

The Firebird Foundation Collections and Archives is located in the western mountains of Maine, where its founders, George and Laura Appell, made their home. The Archives preserves and provides access to significant anthropological collections with a primary focus on Borneo.

Its core holdings include the Appell material culture collections from Sabah, Malaysia (1959–2004) and Kalimantan, Indonesia (1980–1981), along with George and Laura Appell’s anthropological papers in both physical and digital formats. The Foundation also houses the donated archives of other anthropologists whose research focused on Borneo, as well as the research data and reports produced by recipients of Firebird Foundation for Anthropological Research grants.

Our Mission

The Firebird Foundation Collections and Archives is dedicated to preserving material culture and research archives of George and Laura Appell and to supporting their ongoing use in anthropological scholarship. It also maintains the academic archives of other anthropologists whose research focused on Borneo, along with the research data and reports generated by recipients of our Firebird Foundation for Anthropological Research Grants.

Our Vision

We aim to create a space where students, researchers, and members of source communities can engage with the collections and archives, both in person and virtually. These engagements support learning and research. These visits are intended to support learning and research and, for members of source communities, to foster meaningful cultural reconnection.

Archives Held

  • George and Laura Appell

  • Peter Goethals

  • John Landgraf

  • Clifford Sather

  • Vinson Sutlive

  • Reed Wadley

  • William Wilder

Visiting the Archives

Visitors are welcome to the Collections and Archives by appointment. To schedule a visit, please contact Anne Olivares, Collections Manager and Archivist, using the form below.

In your message, we encourage you to include a brief description of your research interests, the purpose of your visit, and your preferred dates.

Handwoven conical hat.

Shirt or jacket made from handwoven fabric.

Bulusu’ shallow plaited basket.

Sarawak baby carrier made of hand-carved wood and burlap matting.