The National Museum of Anthropology is located in the district of Coqueiros, in the city of Luanda, in Angola.
Founded on November 13, 1976, the National Museum of Anthropology was the first museological institution created after Angola's independence occurred a year earlier.
It is a building from the late 18th century, located in the Bairro dos Coqueiros, becoming a model of noble Luandan house, representative of the classic type of the rich house. It is a building with a cut and open plan, typically 18th century, with a composition that develops around two patios, one for service and the other with a social character. It has a façade marked by the rhythm of five spans on the upper floors, a central door flanked by two windows and a sobrado on the main door, which marks and enhances the main entrance to the building. The bay windows are a very strong element on the façade, due to the stonework decoration decorated with wrought iron railings. Another element that stands out in this building is the coverage on multiple roofs of four waters covered with curved tile, reminiscent of the Portuguese scissor roofs. It was originally the residence of a wealthy merchant; in 1961, it housed the facilities of the Diamond Company of Angola, and today it is the Museum of Anthropology. It was classified as Architectural Heritage by provincial ordinance no. 7,534, published in the Official Gazette of Angola no. 44, dated 10.29.1952.
This scientific, cultural, and educational institution is dedicated to the collection, research, conservation, enhancement and dissemination of Angolan cultural heritage. The National Museum of Anthropology consists of 14 rooms spread over two floors that house traditional pieces, namely agricultural, hunting and fishing utensils, iron foundry, musical instruments, jewelry, pieces of cloth made from bark and photographs of the Khoisan people. Those who like music have the opportunity to get to know the different traditional instruments and to hear a demonstration of the use of marimba.
The museum's main attraction is the mask room that displays the symbols of the rituals of the Bantu people.
