in a country with 270 indigenous ethnic groups, an important task of the previous century was to collect in one place, the cultural heritage of these groups, as a focal point for the country's most historical societies.

a public institution, linked to the national indian foundation - funai, the museu do índio was set up with this purpose, and has become one of the most important indigenous collections in latin america.

the mission of the museum is to 'preserve, research and disseminate the cultural heritage of the indigenous groups in brazil', whilst contributing to a greater emphasis and awareness of the importance of indigenous and contemporary cultures.