California State Indian Museum
Encyclopedia
The California State Indian Museum is a museum in the state park
system of California, USA, interpreting the diverse cultures of the indigenous peoples of California
. It is located in downtown Sacramento
. The museum exhibits traditional items illustrating the varying cultures of the state's first inhabitants. The native population of California, one of the largest and most diverse in the Western hemisphere, was made up of over 150 distinct tribal groups who spoke at least sixty-four different languages. Prior to the arrival of the first European explorers, the native population is estimated to have been in excess of 500,000 people.
California Indian cultural items in the museum include traditional baskets (along with some of the smallest in the world), a redwood dugout canoe, ceremonial regalia, beadwork, and hunting & fishing tools—some of which are more than twenty-four hundred years old. There is also an exhibit depicting the life of Ishi, reputedly the last survivor of the Yahi tribe, illustrating how Native culture was powerfully impacted and forever changed when outsiders arrived.
Many Native people have donated photographs of family and friends for viewing in the museum. There is also a wall of photographs devoted to honoring California Elders, and a hands-on area where visitors have the opportunity to utilize Indian tools like the pump drill, used for making holes in shell beads, and the mortar & pestle, used for grinding acorns.
Indian Arts & Crafts Market ~ April 16 & 17, 2011: Native artisans from all over California participate in this event. Enjoy shopping for basketry, gourds, jewelry, and more.
Gathering of Honored Elders ~ June 4, 2011: This annual event was rescheduled for September 22nd due to inclement weather. It has been combined with Native American Day on the south steps of the State Capitol and runs from 10:00 to 2:00.
Acorn Day ~ October 15, 2011. Observe the ancient practice of preparing acorns for food. Sample acorn mush and participate in arts & crafts making.
Indian Arts & Crafts Holiday Fair ~ November 25 & 26, 2011.
State park
State parks are parks or other protected areas managed at the federated state level within those nations which use "state" as a political subdivision. State parks are typically established by a state to preserve a location on account of its natural beauty, historic interest, or recreational...
system of California, USA, interpreting the diverse cultures of the indigenous peoples of California
Indigenous peoples of California
The Indigenous peoples of California are the indigenous inhabitants who have lived or currently live in the geographic area within the current boundaries of California before and after the arrival of Europeans. With over one hundred federally recognized tribes, California has the largest Native...
. It is located in downtown Sacramento
Sacramento, California
Sacramento is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Sacramento County. It is located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in the northern portion of California's expansive Central Valley. With a population of 466,488 at the 2010 census,...
. The museum exhibits traditional items illustrating the varying cultures of the state's first inhabitants. The native population of California, one of the largest and most diverse in the Western hemisphere, was made up of over 150 distinct tribal groups who spoke at least sixty-four different languages. Prior to the arrival of the first European explorers, the native population is estimated to have been in excess of 500,000 people.
General information
The State Indian Museum, opened in 1940, is located at 2618 K Street Sacramento, near the intersection of 26th and K Streets. Current exhibits depict three major themes of California Indian life: Nature, Spirit, and Family. Native peoples lived prosperously for thousands of years in what is now California. All of the exhibits and photographs on display in the museum are presented with respect for those who went before us on this land and continue to live in California communities today.California Indian cultural items in the museum include traditional baskets (along with some of the smallest in the world), a redwood dugout canoe, ceremonial regalia, beadwork, and hunting & fishing tools—some of which are more than twenty-four hundred years old. There is also an exhibit depicting the life of Ishi, reputedly the last survivor of the Yahi tribe, illustrating how Native culture was powerfully impacted and forever changed when outsiders arrived.
Many Native people have donated photographs of family and friends for viewing in the museum. There is also a wall of photographs devoted to honoring California Elders, and a hands-on area where visitors have the opportunity to utilize Indian tools like the pump drill, used for making holes in shell beads, and the mortar & pestle, used for grinding acorns.
Events
All events are held at the State Indian Museum, unless otherwise noted.Indian Arts & Crafts Market ~ April 16 & 17, 2011: Native artisans from all over California participate in this event. Enjoy shopping for basketry, gourds, jewelry, and more.
Gathering of Honored Elders ~ June 4, 2011: This annual event was rescheduled for September 22nd due to inclement weather. It has been combined with Native American Day on the south steps of the State Capitol and runs from 10:00 to 2:00.
Acorn Day ~ October 15, 2011. Observe the ancient practice of preparing acorns for food. Sample acorn mush and participate in arts & crafts making.
Indian Arts & Crafts Holiday Fair ~ November 25 & 26, 2011.
Projected developments
Plans are underway to construct a new community and museum facility, the California Indian Heritage Center, in the Sacramento area.External links
See also
- List of California state parks
- Sutter's FortSutter's FortSutter's Fort State Historic Park is a state-protected park in Sacramento, California which includes Sutter's Fort and the California State Indian Museum. Begun in 1839 and originally called "New Helvetia" by its builder, John Sutter, the fort was a 19th century agricultural and trade colony in...