The collections of the Völkerkundemuseum Herrnhut were created by missionaries of the Evangelical Unity of rethren. The objects from distant lands  were intended to shed light on the life styles of different cultures. From the outset, the museum association has also followed a policy of purchasing objects from other continents. Circa 1890, for example, a large collection from  Melanasia – Papua New Guinea, New Ireland, New  Britain – which has not  been exhibited in recent decades was purchased. Smaller collections and  individual  objects  also came  into the inventory via various routes. At the end  of the 20th century, the regional spectrum of the collections was expanded  with the donation of Vigo L. Glass (1919–2008) which contained over 500  items. All these collection objects serve as valuable evidence of the richness, craftsmanship and artistic heritage of foreign cultures. The museum is committed to preserving them and presenting them to the public.