(1) The anthropological collections at the University of Oregon are designated and established as the Oregon State Museum of Anthropology. The Oregon State Museum of Anthropology is designated as the official depository for any material of an archaeological or anthropological nature that may come into the possession of the State of Oregon through the operation of ORS 358.935, 390.235 or 390.237 or as a consequence of gifts from the federal government, the Smithsonian Institution or from other public or private agencies. The University of Oregon, through the director of the Oregon State Museum of Anthropology, shall assume full responsibility for the custody and safekeeping of said collection. If responsibility for a collection is reassigned under ORS 390.235, the Oregon State Museum of Anthropology shall serve as the ultimate depository in the event the assigned curator is unable or fails to continue that responsibility.
(2) ORS 390.235 or 390.237 or this section shall not interfere with any collections now in the possession of any institution of higher learning in Oregon, nor prevent any private person making a gift of any collection owned by the person directly to any institution.