The basis of the collection was laid by Dr. Bernhard Funk from New Brandenburg in exile. In the 19th century Funk moved as a doctor to the islands of Samoa (Polynesian Islands) in the Pacific Ocean. 1844 born in a family of educated citizens, he moved to Berlin and Tübingen to study medicine. From the end of the 1870s he lived in today's capital Apia on the island of Upolu. In second marriage Funk married the Samoan Senitima, daughter of chief Talea. Dr. Bernhard Funk was scientifically interested. In addition to studies in meteorology, he spoke fluent Samoan. He always sought contact with the islanders. He was particularly interested in the local culture, which he cultivated in his home in the form of customs. By sale in 1894 and donations in 1902, he transferred part of his collection to the museum of his hometown Neubrandenburg. Dr. Bernhard Funk went seriously ill in hope of medical help to Berlin, where he died on April 8, 1911. He did not return to Samoa.