The “Kaban ng Lahi: Archaeological Treasures” gallery is one of the long running exhibitions at the National Museum of Anthropology. It was installed in celebration of the centennial of Philippine Independence in 1998. This gallery is architecturally designed to simulate a cave setting, where most of the burial objects exhibited were discovered.

The gallery highlights the past burial traditions and remarkable craftsmanship of past Philippine societies about 2,500 to 1,000 years ago. It features the mortuary potteries from Ayub Cave in Pinol, Maitum, Saranggani Province (formerly South Cotabato) and a diorama that shows how the burial jars were found arranged inside the cave by archaeologists. The Maitum anthropomorphic burial potteries, which are secondary burial vessels shaped into human figures in various facial expressions, are presented in this exhibit together with wooden dugout coffins from Banton in Romblon, limestone urns, and a collection of pabaon or associated burial goods.  

This gallery showcases a number of objects declared as National Cultural Treasures (NCTs): The Manunggul Jar, Maitum Anthropomorphic Burial Jar 21, Leta-Leta Stem Cup, Leta-Leta Footed Jarlet, and Leta-Leta Presentation Dish, and Likha. These NCTs are regarded for their uniqueness and outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and historical value discovered from different sites in the Philippines.